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We recommend that you interview several property inspectors prior to hiring one. Here are questions to help you select the best inspector:
We recommend that you interview several property inspectors prior to hiring one. Here are questions to help you select the best inspector:
Are you a full-time, professional property inspector? Only one answer is acceptable -- yes.
What can you tell me about your company? Discuss the company's size and how long it has been in business.
Do you carry errors-and-omissions insurance? Errors-and-omissions insurance covers the possibility that a property inspection could miss some problems.
How many inspections do you personally perform each year? Although the average number of inspections varies from area to area, active inspectors usually conduct between 100 to 300 inspections per year. Find out whether the inspector works primarily in the area in which the property you want to have inspected is located and is thus familiar with local codes, local regulations, and local problems (such as floods, mud slides, earthquakes, tornadoes, and the like).
Do you hold any special licenses or certifications? Property inspectors usually have a background in some related field, such as construction, engineering, architecture, electricity, plumbing, or insurance-claim adjusting. This diversity adds extra insights to their inspections.
What is the scope of your prepurchase inspection? Make sure that the inspection covers all the property's major structural and mechanical systems, inside and out, from foundation to roof.
What type of report will I receive? You must have a detailed description of your specific property's mechanical and structural condition. You need a narrative report, written in plain English, which clearly explains the implications of its findings.
Get sample reports from each inspector that you interview. The best way to see whether a company writes good reports is to read one so that you can draw your own conclusion.
Do you mind if I tag along during your inspection? Good inspectors insist that you be present during the property inspection.
Will your report include an estimate of the cost to do your recommended corrective work? This is a trick question. If the inspector says yes, don't use the inspector. Good professional property inspectors only do inspections. They don't do corrective work. Nor do they solicit business for their friends. Good inspectors help you establish repair costs by referring you to three or four reputable contractors, roofers, electricians, and other repair people that you can contact for corrective-work quotes.
How much does your inspection cost? Unfortunately, this is generally the first question that buyers ask when shopping for a property inspector. This is no time to be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Quality inspections cost more than quickie, one-size-fits-all, checklist inspections, but they're worth a lot more. Ultimately, fees charged by good inspectors are usually pretty much the same due to competitive pressure.
Would you mind if I call some of your recent customers for references? Good property inspectors are happy to give you names and phone numbers of their satisfied customers. Be sure to check at least three references per inspector. Ask the references whether, after closing, they discovered any major defects that their inspector missed, and whether they'd use their inspector again. |
