Jan. 8, 2007 - Questions to ask your home inspector!

Most people only think of one or two questions to ask a home inspector.  The most common being "How much is your fee" and "When you can inspect the home".  Below I am including a list of additional questions you might ask.

• The State of Texas does require testing and licensing of inspectors.  Ask them about their tarining and what kind of license they have.  
• Ask them how long they have been licensed in the state of Texas. 
• Make sure they are a full time home inspector.  I have found there are a lot of inspectors who dabble and you want someone who is making home inspections their career.   There are lots of codes they need to stay current on.
• Ask them if they also perform repairs? (If the answer is yes this may be a conflict of interest). 
• What will the inspection include?  (It should include heating, A/C systems, electrical, interior plumbing, visible insulation, visual roof, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation and the visible structure of the home.
• Ask them if they charge extra based on the size of the home.  I have found that most inspectors have different price breaks according to the square footage of the home.
• Find out how much they will charge if you ask for a reinspection after the repairs are completed.
• Be sure you can attend the inspection.  This is your time to learn about your new home and ask questions.  If the inspector does not want you following him around I would suggest finding a different inspector.
• Be sure that they don't mind you calling with additional questions after the inspection. 
• Ask for references.  Get names and phone numbers of people they have recently inspected homes for.
• Make sure you are getting a written report in a timely manner. They may give you the report at the inspection or they may want to email it to you the following morning.   Either method is acceptable.  Just remember that time is of the essence.
• If you have a particular concern about the property, be sure to ask if it will be covered in the inspection.

The inspector may not inspect swimming pools, wells, septic tanks, wood destroying insects or other environmental test.  you will likely need to arrange for those inspections separately.

The primary purpose of the inspection is to educate you so you can make an informed purchasing decision. The inspector should allow and even encourage you to attend the home inspection.