10 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector.

While home inspections might not be the most exciting part of your home buying journey, they are extremely important and can save you money and a major headache in the long run.

In a competitive housing market, there can sometimes be pressure to make an offer right away without conditions. However, no matter how competitive a market may be, you should never skip out on things designed for buyer protection – such as a home inspection.

You may have a good eye for décor and love the layout of your potential new home, but what is under the surface is typically where headaches can lie. We have all heard the expression “don’t judge a book by its cover” so why would you make the most important purchase in your life without checking it out?

Below are a few key questions you can ask your home inspector to ensure that you are getting a complete and thorough inspection:

1. Can I see your licence/professional credentials and proof of insurance?
2. How many years of experience do you have as a home inspector?
   • Note: Make sure they’re talking specifically about home inspection and not just how much experience they have in a single trade.
3. How many inspections have you personally completed?
4. What qualifications and training do you have? Are you a member of a professional organization? What’s your background – construction, engineering, plumbing, etc?
5. Can I see some references?
   • Note: Don’t just ask for references, be sure to follow up with them. Ask the clients how they felt about the home inspection, did any issues crop up down the line that they were not made aware of, etc.
6. What kind of report do you provide? Do you take photos of the house and specific problem areas (if any) and include them in your report?
7. What kind of tools do you use during your inspection?
8. Can you give me an idea of what kind of repairs the house may need?
   • Note: Be hesitant if they offer to fix the issue themselves or are willing to recommend someone cheap. Home renovations and repairs are one area you should never skimp on.
9. When do you typically do the inspections?
   • Note: Ideally you want a home inspector operating full-time and can view the house during the day to inspect all areas, especially the roof.
10. How long do your inspections usually take?

While hiring a home inspector may seem daunting, it will be the best few hundred dollars you ever spend. There is no price on peace of mind!