What to Ask When Interviewing a Home Inspector

Posted on: June 25, 2007

Photograph by Sarah Harmon of Hood Photography

After being in the home inspection business for several decades, I have some helpful information on how to choose a home inspector.

Some important questions to ask:

1. How long have you been in business?
   Answer you want to hear: the longer the better, prefer at least 5 years as it takes doing a lot of inspections to gather the necessary experience to be able to analyze a structure.

2. Do you have Errors and Omission Insurance?
   Answer you want to hear: Yes, as this protects you in the event the inspector makes an “error” or misses or “omits” a significant defect.
3. Price?
   Answer: as in everything in life, you get what you pay for. Most experienced inspectors charge in the $325-425 range depending on square feet, complexity, age, etc. New inspectors, inspectors without insurance, or inspectors with other deficiencies typically charge prices lower than experienced inspectors as an incentive to use their services. “Saving” a little money can be expensive later if you get a substandard inspection. Unfortunately, you will not know you have an inadequate report until a problem is discovered after you purchase the house.
4. Chose an inspector who belongs to an organization such as Oregon Real Estate Inspectors Association. Inspectors who belong to a group participate in continuing education, have access to emerging trends, work to improve their skills and equipment, and are generally better informed.
   

TIP OF THE MONTH
To help prevent Wood Destroying Insects, remove wood debris laying on ground such as wood piles, old stumps, or wood in contact with earth; siding in contact with earth; cut back vegetation away from the house.

Check back for additional tips to help maintain your home.

Article written by Ray Dluhy, Broker for portlandrealestate.com/i>