Whether you're purchasing an older home or new construction, I always highly recommend to buyers I work with that they invest in a professional home inspection.

If you're buying a home in Florida and are in need of locating a Florida home inspector, here are a couple of resources that may help in your decision making process:

• American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) - Florida Home Inspectors

ASHI has a code of ethics  and standards of practice but be sure to read their membership categories and requirements.  Also, check out their frequently asked questions on home inspections and view a virtual home inspection while you're on their site.

• National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) - Florida Home Inspectors

NAHI also has a code of ethics (.pdf), standards of practice (.pdf) and different levels of membership.  While on their site, check out their resource library and articles for home buyers and home sellers.

Though some home inspectors or home inspection companies do not belong to either of these companies, some buyers find the information on these sites helpful.  If you've received a referral of a home inspector or company that is not listed in either of these sites it does not necessarily mean that they are not professional or qualified.  Membership to either of the associations listed above is voluntary.

As an experienced Realtor, one of the things I strongly recommend any buyer do within days of a seller accepting their offer is to hire a reputable home inspection company to inspect the property.  Even new homes can have construction defects so do not let the fact that it's a new house give you any assurance that nothing could be wrong with it.  Any number of items could need repair or replacement.  Typically, the home inspection period is 3-14 days (depending on the market) from the date the sales contract is fully executed.  Try to schedule the home inspection so that you or your representative can be present at the time.  Don't be afraid to ask questions of the home inspector, either during or after the inspection.  If you are unsure of which company to choose to perform the home inspection, you can check out the links on my sidebar to the two home inspection organizations that many inspection companies are listed with.  Below are links to a few articles on various aspects of home inspections that may assist you in some way when the time comes for you to schedule your home inspection:

Articles for further reading:

• Knowledge is Power When You Buy a House
• Dispelling Home Inspection Myths
• Hire an Inspector When You Buy New as Well as Old
• Buying?  Twelve Red Flags That Should Raise Concern
• A Few More Words on Home Inspections