Questions to Ask When Looking for a Home Inspector

Of course we hope you choose Craftsman but more than anything, we want to be sure that home buyers are properly educated during this step of the process. Here are some questions you can ask when shopping around for a Home Inspector.

1. Do they belong to any professional organizations such as InterNACHI? This is important because InterNACHI provides ongoing training and education as well as requiring their members adhere to standards of practice and code of ethics. An added bonus is if an inspector has special certifications through the organization, such as CPI (Certified Professional Inspector) certification.

2. Do they do a roof level inspection? This requires actually getting onto the roof and walking around. If safety does not permit this, a drone should be used. Drone pilot should be FAA certified. Some inspectors will only use binoculars at ground level which does not get the job done thoroughly.

3. Will they actually open the electrical panel? Go into the crawl space and attic? Most inspectors will say that they will go “as safety allows” which is true but some will use this as the case 95% of the time. In actuality an inspector should be able to get into a crawlspace or attic 95% of the time.

4. Do they use a thermal camera? This is crucial because it can reveal hidden issues that would not otherwise by detectable – such as moisture intrusion, electrical hotspots, insulation deficiencies, and even potential structural problems.

5. How do they conduct the radon inspection? Opting for a home inspector equipped with Continuous Radon Monitors offers several advantages over charcoal canisters. Continuous Radon Monitors provide real-time data, offering a more accurate and immediate assessment of radon levels.  Additionally, CRMs are less susceptible to interference (the monitors can detect if they it were moved) and offer better reliability compared to passive canisters.
6. What services do they provide? While you might only be currently interested in a general home inspection and a radon test it might be best to hire an inspector that also can provide air quality testing, wood destroying insect inspection, mold swab, sewer scope, septic inspection and tank sweeps.

7. Do they take the time to communicate findings and educate clients? Some inspectors will not prioritize thorough communication and taking the time necessary to explain all findings during and after the inspection. Good inspectors provide their clients detailed guidance on caring for their new home, ensuring they have the knowledge needed to maintain it properly.

8. Ask for a copy of a sample report. One thing that will make this entire process 10 times more overwhelming is a 50 page pdf report. On the flip side, something that will make it much easier is an interactive, user-friendly interface with mobile access. Clicking through the report with the ability to organize it however you’d like – to show whatever room you want to view or importance level, etc.

9. How long will an inspection take? Or How many inspections do you do in a day? While the duration of an inspection can vary based on the size and condition of the property, it’s important to be wary of inspectors who promise to complete an inspection in two hours or who cram multiple inspections into a single day. Rushing through an inspection can lead to oversight of critical issues and compromise the thoroughness of the assessment.

10. How many days after the inspection should I expect the report? Be cautious of inspectors who cannot commit to delivering your report promptly within 24 to 48 hours. Opting for inspectors with extended turnaround times may hinder your ability to make timely decisions regarding your investment.

11. Of course check Google reviews!