Picking A Home Inspector

Picking a home Inspector is an essential part of a successful home purchase. Most people do not have the in-depth knowledge about a home's structural integrity, roofing, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems in order to know if they are buying a great place or a money pit. With these tips on picking-a-home-inspector, you can have the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision when buying a home.

Confirm State Certifications

Some inspectors may claim to have certain certifications. It is important that you check on these claims by confirming them with your state board of inspections, code enforcement or insurance. The state certifying board can explain whether or not an inspector has been cited, fined or had any complaints filed for poor services. This helps you to avoid any unscrupulous inspectors who just want to collect your payment.

Look for Professional Memberships

Professional memberships, such as the Association of Certified Home Inspectors, provides some legitimacy to the inspector. These memberships require participation in training and educational programs. An inspector with this type of a membership has a professional reputation to uphold. Looking into professional memberships held by an inspector gives you some insight on that person's qualifications, education and experience.

Talk to your Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents deal with dozens or even hundreds of home sales every year. These professionals have likely seen it all when it comes to home inspections. A real estate agent has a vested interest in representing your interests as a home buyer, because word-of-mouth spreads quickly. Ask your real estate agent about inspectors and which ones he or she recommends. Consider whether different types of inspectors are recommended in different situations. For example, if you are buying a home built in the early 1900s, your real estate agent may recommend a structural engineer because of the home's age.

Check With Friends and Family

Asking friends and family members who have recently purchased a home about their inspector is a good way to start choosing one for your own transaction. A friend or family member can explain who they hired, why they hired that individual or company and how the process worked. That person can also explain the work provided by the inspector, how accurate the information was and whether or not he or she would work with that inspector again. A friend or family member will be honest about their experience.