All licensed inspectors are required to carry liability insurance. So make sure that the inspector you choose is fully licensed.

To obtain a home inspector license, extensive training and education is required. There is also a national exam to ensure the inspectors knowledge in all areas of the home. For more information, contact your local state representative of call our office.

You should have the home inspected as soon as possible once you have an accepted offer. Consult your real estate agent about having a clause in the agreement that lets you have an inspection and the right to terminate the agreement if you find the home in unsatisfactory condition. This clause should specify the terms to which both buyers and seller are obligated.

Almost all homes will show problems. Even newly constructed homes will have problems noted on an inspection report—this is why inspection is recommend for new construction. Inspectors can identify major costly problems. Minor problems are to be expected and can be repaired after closing. If problems are costly, you’ll be able to decide about purchasing the home with proper knowledge about future costs. Consult your real estate agent for any possible negotiations with seller as to fixing problems.

Those buying a home will look for reasons to purchase a home they want. Prospective home buyers cannot look at a home with the unbiased, critical eye of a home inspector. Even home buyers with construction experience don’t have a home inspector’s knowledge and tools. Good inspectors are trained and experienced in finding clues that indicate home problems—these are sometimes subtle and hard to find. Most have performed thousands of inspections and are familiar with problems in certain building materials or styles.

Each home inspection company has their own pricing structure. Inspection fees vary based on the area of the country and type, size, and features of the home or building. Most home inspectors will charge extra for services such as radon testing, termite inspections, well and septic inspections. Make sure they follow U.S. EPA Protocols for radon testing; ask where they take samples for water testing.

The inspection cost should not be the only consideration for hiring a home inspector. A good inspection that informs you of all potential problems is worth the money. A “bargain” inspector may give an inferior report. Remember: Once you’ve purchased the home, it may be costly to repair problems that were not in the report.

The home inspector’s report reviews the condition of the home’s heating system, plumbing, electrical system, and central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), as well as the roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement, landscaping, and visible structure.

We recommend that you are present at the home inspection to ask questions after inspection and for them to point out potential problems areas. You’ll be able to see the extent of problems that are sometimes hard to convey in a report. Most inspectors will also show you how the heating system works and certain home maintenance items to keep the home in good condition.