How to Choose a Good Inspection Company

Is an inspection necessary?

For any home you are thinking of buying, you have the right to request an inspection by a professional inspector of your choice.  You should always exercise your option to have the physical condition of the property and its inclusions inspected.  Many of the more severe and expensive problems such as mechanical, electrical, structural, and plumbing are not noticeable to the untrained eye.  If repairs are needed, negotiate these in your contract offer.  A professionally conducted home inspection followed by a written evaluation is becoming standard procedure in home buying because of increased buyer awareness and savvy.

Are inspectors licensed?

Since an increasing number of buyers are requesting property inspections, there has been a rapid increase in the number of people entering the inspection field. In Georgia, anyone can buy a business license and claim to be a home inspector. Make sure your inspector is a member of a professional association that establishes Standards of Practice for its members, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the Housing Inspection Foundation (AHF) or the Southern Building Code Congress (SBCCI) (formerly CABO).

What does an inspection entail?

A qualified inspector will follow Standards of Practice in conducting their inspection.  The inspection consists of a physical inspection of the home with the purchaser present, followed by a written report detailing their findings.  They report on the general condition of the home’s electrical, heating, and air systems, interior plumbing, roof, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, and visible structure.  The inspection is not designed to criticize every minor problem or defect in the home.  No home is perfect.  It is intended to report on major damage or serious problems that require repair for the well-being of the home and that might require significant expense. 

Buyer education is necessary —

The primary purpose of the inspection is to educate the buyer to make an informed purchasing decision.  The inspector should allow and even encourage the buyer to attend the home inspection.  A good home inspector knows how the home’s many systems and components work together and how to minimize the damaging effects of sun and water.  The buyer’s attendance at the inspection provides them with an overall idea of possible future repair costs and maintenance routines.  This is valuable information, which could increase the life span, and perhaps the future selling price of the home.

Continuing education is important for inspectors —

A competent home inspector is familiar with the latest construction materials, home building techniques, and professional equipment.  Consumers should research whether prospective home inspectors actively monitor the changes in construction and real estate in order to keep their business practices current and professional.  Members must meet annual continuing education requirements for this purpose.

Time and fee guidelines for the inspection —

The time necessary to properly inspect a home, as well as the fee charged by an inspector, varies according to the location, the size and age of the home, and the individual inspection company.  However, you can expect that it will take an average of two to three hours to competently inspect a typical one-family, three-bedroom home, and will probably cost $300 to $500.  If Alan and/or Nancy are not at the inspection, notify them of the results right after the inspection is completed.

Inspection extras —

Some inspectors may be qualified to provide other types of services with their inspection that go beyond the scope of the standards of practice for the basic home inspection (e.g. radon testing).