By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
After reading your column for so many months, we are wondering if, while in the process of house hunting, we should select our home inspector before we find the home we want to buy? We'd just like to have someone lined up in advance, rather than scrambling for an inspector when we're ready for one, and we don't want to depend upon someone else's recommendation. Do home inspectors mind answering questions about their qualifications and providing references? - Jenny
Dear Jenny,
Your forward-thinking approach to home inspection is unusual and highly commendable. Most home buyers give no advance thought to the selection of a home inspector, but rely instead on recommendations when the need is at hand. The results of this approach are sometimes satisfactory and sometimes disappointing. To ensure maximum protection of your financial interests, direct involvement in this process is the most prudent course.
To begin, ask your agent for a list of available inspectors in the area. Stress that you want to know who are the most qualified and experienced inspectors, the ones with reputations for thoroughness. As you begin to call these inspectors, don't be reticent. Most inspectors will gladly take the time to convince you of their qualifications. If an inspector is not comfortable with this or is unwilling to provide references or other evidence of qualifications, you probably would feel uncomfortable working with that inspector anyway.
Considerations in making your final choice include years of experience; numbers of homes inspected; affiliations with recognized home inspection associations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors; errors and omissions insurance; willingness to have you present at the inspection; and readiness to discuss your needs and concerns on the phone. And be sure to ask for a sample report. This will provide clues as to the depth of the inspection and the format in which the disclosed information will be conveyed.
Remember, this inspection is your best chance to learn the overall condition of the home you plan to buy. A mistake at this stage can have costly consequences. So take your time and choose wisely.
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