Use Referrals to Find an Inspector
Speaking with people you trust is one of the best ways to find a qualified, skilled home inspector. Ask them about their experiences.
Ask Your Real Estate Agent
Agents regularly work with home inspectors and can recommend ones they confidently use for clients. They may share inspectors’ certifications, years of experience, expertise areas and communication skills.
See Referrals from Friends, Family or Neighbors
If anyone you know has recently had their home inspected, ask them about their choice. Find out what factors were most important to them and if the inspector delivered satisfactory explanations and reporting.
Obtain References from Previous Sellers/Buyers
You can request references from previous clients of potential inspector candidates. Speaking directly to former customers allows you to hear unfiltered feedback critical for evaluation.
Verify Licenses, Certifications and Memberships
There are many inspector association credentials to look for as quality benchmarks.
Licensed Home Inspectors
Some states have statutory licensure requirements for home inspectors which typically demand qualification criteria like standardized testing. If so, confirm active licensure.
InterNACHI
One of the largest inspector associations is InterNACHI which has training and certification programs in multiple home inspection areas. Verify specific certifications like CMI (Certified Master Inspector).
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
ASHI sets standards for property inspection procedures and inspector ethics. Members have passed exams, have industry experience and recertify every 3 years. Validate membership.
Look at Inspector Profiles
When researching inspector candidates, look beyond their credentials to get a picture of their experience.
Check Background and History
How long have they been inspecting homes? What is their inspection volume per year? Do they have prior construction or engineering experience? Related past roles can strengthen competence.
Identify Specializations
Some inspectors specialize in certain home types and age ranges or infrastructure elements like wiring, plumbing, foundations. Make sure their background aligns with your property type and concerns.
Learn Tools and Process
What standard tools and protocols does the inspector use for examination? Do they assess with infrared cameras, moisture meters, CO testers? Is documentation software utilized? Understand their methods.
Evaluate Logistics and Offerings
Beyond credentials and processes, compare inspector options across logistics for the best fit.
Service Areas and Availability
How far does the inspector travel? Can they reach your geographical area? Find out about their availability to align with your closing timeline needs for pre-offer or pre-closing inspections.
Types of Inspections Offered
Determine what inspection offerings available – home only, termite, mold, water testing? Narrow options to inspectors suited for your specific home and purchase goals. Some specialize in inspection types. Commercial Inspection Detroit MI are offered by BlessedAssurance that are worth to give a try
Billing and Payment Terms
What forms of payment does the inspector accept and when is payment due – before inspection, at time of inspection, after? Are payment plan options available? Compare payment requirements.
By leveraging referrals for quality benchmarking, verifying licenses and credentials, examining inspector profiles across experience and specialties, and evaluating practical factors like service reach and offerings, home buyers can discover qualified home inspectors best able to serve their particular home purchase. Trusted inspector relationships lead to informed purchase decisions.
