Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make! Treat the process of selecting a Home Inspector and any other inspectors as if you were hiring someone to work for you at your company. Treat the selection process as an interview and make sure all your questions are answered. Check out the inspector’s web site and make a list of questions based on information on the site.

Do not be bashful!

If you are a first time home buyer; tell the inspector. Have the inspector walk you through the process. Insist on reviewing a sample report that the inspector typically produces. If the inspector does not have one available, find an inspector that will show you a typical report. Do not be bashful about asking to talk directly with the inspector that will be on site to do your inspection. You need to be comfortable with the person doing the inspection.

If Required By Your State Make Sure They are Licensed

A total of 39 states require inspectors to be licensed, but this doesn’t stop unlicensed inspectors from attempting to perform work. Do research on the inspector you choose before making the selection final to avoid having to seek a second opinion or get stuck with missed issues that develop into larger problems. New Hampshire requires Home Inspectors to be licensed. Maine and Vermont do not require inspectors to be licensed. In New Hampshire, the license requires the inspector to take a certified training class, pass a comprehensive test to demonstrate competency and the inspector must have liability insurance.

Training and Experience

Again, do not be bashful about questions. Ask the inspector specific training and experience. Make sure the inspector is technically competent and has good communications skills. If the inspector is not able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing, it will be hard for you to know what the issues are.