| When buying a home, home inspection is a very | | | | really focus on the training question. Experience will be |
| important step in the home buying process. It is like the | | | | evident because the inspector should know where to |
| home is getting a check-up by a doctor. If anything | | | | find common faults and where to find the components |
| wrong is found, you can provide the medicine in the | | | | that he or she is to evaluate. |
| form of repairs. If you are unable to have the repairs | | | | • What is the inspection's scope? The inspector |
| performed, you simply lower the price of the home to | | | | should have a checklist that they go by. Ask to see |
| compensate the new owner for having to take on the | | | | this checklist when they arrive at your home so that |
| repairs. | | | | you have an idea of what they will be looking for. If |
| It is important, however, that you find a home inspector | | | | anything strikes you as "off" you can decline the |
| who knows how to do their job. You want someone | | | | inspection before it starts. |
| who is thorough so that you know the scope of the | | | | • Can I be present during the inspection? You want |
| repairs that need to be done to the home. | | | | to be present during the inspection so that you know |
| Here are some questions to ask in order to find a | | | | the inspector is using his or her time to inspect the |
| home inspector who will get the job done right: | | | | home. This gives you the assurance you need that the |
| • What kind of training have you had? The answer | | | | inspection is done right. Even though you may be |
| to this question should include some sort of training. | | | | handed a list with few faults, you ant to make sure |
| You don't want just anyone who calls themselves a | | | | that all faults are covered because you don't want to |
| home inspector. You can ask if he or she is a member | | | | find them later. If you are a seller, you don't want the |
| of the National Association of Home Inspectors or any | | | | buyer coming back to you later. If you are the buyer, |
| other professional association. | | | | you don't want the hassle. |
| • What kind of experience do you have? | | | | Once you have your answers to these questions, you |
| Experience is a good thing, although there are some | | | | will know whether or not you have a quality home |
| newer inspectors that are great. That's when you | | | | inspector to inspect your home or potential home. |