Inspecting the inspector

A house is probably the highest-priced purchase a person will ever make, so I find it shocking how often I hear comments like, “You know, I spent more time researching and picking out my new TV than I did buying this house...”
However wrong it seems, this is the accepted reality of how the buying and selling of homes works these days. One protection that you, as a homebuyer, have to ensure a smart and safe purchase, is to make your offer conditional on a home inspection. Beyond that, do your due diligence and hire a qualified and reputable home inspector who will work for you to protect your best interest.

Consider this list when interviewing potential home inspectors:

» Is the inspector independent from other influences (like a real estate agent or the home seller) and truly working for you?

» Are you allowed to attend the inspection, and will the inspector review the report with you once completed?

» What is the inspector’s experience and training? People automatically think that being an engineer or contractor qualifies someone to be a home inspector. Although these are excellent attributes, nothing tops proper training and membership in a professional association like the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).

» If an inspector claims to inspect according to CAHPI standards but isn’t a member, there’s an important ingredient missing. If there is a problem with the inspector or the work they do, they can’t be held accountable by the association.

» How long will the inspection take? A CAHPI standards-of-practice inspection for a 2,000-sq.-ft. house is seldom less than 3.5 hours (including report writing).

» What kind of report will the inspector provide? If there isn’t a written or computerized report, the inspection does not meet the standards of practice.

» Be clear on what your inspector will be checking. Don’t assume the inspection includes appliances, wood-burning fireplaces, pool, hot tub, septic or well systems. Ask up-front in case additional arrangements and costs are involved.

» You’ll probably ask for references and read testimonials online, but who is providing them? We all have friends who will say nice things about us. Do you due diligence.

» As a “smart consumer” society, we’ve all been programmed to price-shop, but a home inspection is the place to skimp on quality. You get what you pay for.

» Are there any other charges or services that the inspector will try to sell you at the actual inspection? Get a price quote and the terms of service in writing in advance.

» Does the inspector have a contract, and can you review it prior to the inspection, along with the Standards of Practice?

» Be suspicious of any inspection business that advertises their “company” as being a certified Registered Home Inspector (RHI). Only individual inspectors receive these designations, not companies. “Certified” is a common term which is often misrepresented by inspectors who claim certification by some self-proclaimed person or training body that has no official recognition.

Although this is not an exhaustive list, it will get the gears turning to help you assess if the home inspector you are considering is someone you want to work with. On the flip side, remember that many good inspectors are also interviewing you to decide if your expectations are realistic and if they really want to work for you.

@cobblestoneinfo
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