Independent Inspector That Will Work For You
I am an independent home inspector who has
been in business since 1978. Professional memberships: American Society of Home
Inspectors (ASHI), American Society of Home Inspectors - New England Chapter,
National Radon Safety Board. State governmental listings: State of
I find that every house has its own particular problems and benefits. The cost of the inspection will vary with the same above criteria. The narrative report can take me up to 5 hours to complete at my computer. Every house is different and each report must be customized to its own character. Report writing takes time and care. The average time that I spend on each inspection after the report is completed is about 8 – 10 hours. I am an independent inspector. This means that I will not work or solicit Realtors. I do believe that Realtors should not recommend home inspectors. I believe this would be a conflict of interest. You will not find my brochures in any Real Estate office. My business is built on word of mouth from homebuyers. Note this article that was published as a result of NBC DATELINE story on home inspectors: "HOW TO FIND A QUALIFIED HOME INSPECTOR." A scathing NBC DATELINE news story on incompetence and fraud in home inspections has again raised eyebrows among homebuyers and raised the hackles of home inspectors. The message for homebuyers, when it comes to hiring a home inspector, is Buyer Beware. It's a familiar theme: consumers as victims for unscrupulous, deceptive operators. For the home inspection and real estate industries, unfortunately, "one bad apple spoils the bunch" -- just a few horror stories are enough to give the whole industry a black eye. The story highlighted what is probably the worst case scenario: real estate agents and home inspectors working in cahoots with each other to hide defects from home buyers. But the problem for most consumers is not just avoiding fraudulent operators, it's making sure whoever they hire has enough experience and knowledge to do a good job.
It's
not exactly easy because the home inspection industry, as NBC pointed out, is a
largely unregulated one. Most states don't require home inspectors to be
licensed. Although licensing doesn't guarantee competence, it's a basic
credential that should be available for consumers as a baseline to judge an
inspector's background. So where does that leave the homebuyer? How do you
select a qualified home inspector? First of all, you should choose the inspector
yourself, rather than let the real estate agent recommend one. Although agents
are capable of making honest and well-intentioned referrals, this is one
relationship with the potential for conflicts of interest. Ask if the company
belongs to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). My report is geared
to ASHI standards. Many companies also belong to statewide home inspection
industry associations. As a trade association, ASHI sets certain standards of
practice, including what constitutes a thorough inspection, and enforces those
standards along with a code of ethics for its members. It also sponsors
continuing education. Although ASHI membership is a positive credential,
membership alone does not make a good inspector. And don't necessarily turn a
non-member away if they come highly recommended. Many worthy inspectors have yet
to discover the cost-benefits of trade guild membership. It's a common trait in
the small business world. Here are other questions to ask How many years have
you been in business? (The more the better.) This is critical. Nothing beats
experience in the field. It means the inspector has pleased enough customers to
stay in business, and has encountered and dealt with a variety of home types and
conditions. Can you give me at least three customer references? Don't just ask
for references, call the persons listed and ask them very pointed questions. How
picky is the inspector? Was he or she your advocate during the home sale
process, or did you get the feeling the inspector wasn't interested in rocking
the boat? Do you carry errors and omissions and general liability insurance? Ask
the Better Business Bureau if there is a complaint record on the individual or
company name. WARNING Do not hire a company that either performs repairs or
refers clients to repair companies. This is a clear conflict of interest. By
Cliff McCreedy Copyright © 1999, AHA, the American Homeowners Association,
Allmite Termite Pest Control, Inc. DBA
Craftsman Home Inspection 401-246-1770
401-246-1770
www.allmitetermitepestcontrol.com