Certified Home Inspection LLC believes there are ten important questions you should have answered before you select your home inspector. If you have questions in addition to the 10 listed below, please type them in the comments section at the bottom of this page and we will address those as well. Make sure to include a return email address in the comments section in order that we can respond to you.
1. What does your inspection cover?
The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront. Here is a link to the TN standards of practice.
Tennessee Standards of Practice
2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?
The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.
3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?
Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.
4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?
Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest. Currently in TN, we as home inspectors are not allowed to perform work on a home within 12 months of doing a fee paid inspection.
5. How long will the inspection take?
The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is 3 to 4 hours depending on the condition and size of the property. Anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection.
6. How much will it cost?
Costs vary dramatically, depending on the level and type of inspection, the property floor area, when the home was built, the property geographical location and the inspector’s qualifications. A typical range might be from $300–$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made. Inspection cost does not necessarily reflect quality.
7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?
Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. From us, you will receive the full report within 24 hours after the inspection.
8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?
The inspection process does require full concentration and the inspector will need to focus on the inspection which is in your best interest. Due to liabilities and the need to focus, it is best to coordinate with the inspector on when would be a good time to come by if you choose to, as this can be a valuable educational opportunity for a client. If unable to come by during the inspection, the report will include numerous pictures with detailed descriptions which Certified Home Inspection LLC are open to phone calls afterwards to elaborate or answer any questions you may have.
9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?
There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate. We maintain a membership at ASHI, AHIT, HITA, InterNACHI, AARST, NRPP just to name a few.
10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?
One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training. Certified Home Inspection LLC does continuing education for the state licensing program as well as most of the professional home inspection associations that we are affiliated with.
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