Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. As a homebuyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals.
Not taking the time to select a qualified inspector could cost you thousands. Selecting a qualified home inspector may be harder than you think. West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky currently do not have licensing for home inspectors. Kentucky and West Virginia licensing starts July 1 2006, Ohio legislation is in state legislative committees. Bottom line is anyone, without training, equipment, experience, or a clue how to inspect a home can say they are a home inspector.
How to find a qualified home inspector? The inspector should have had a formal classroom training experience. Like ITA, the only school recognized by the American Society of Home Inspectors. (Go towww.homeinspection.com )
The home inspector you select should also be a member of NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors), ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), NAHI National Society of Home Inspectors, and follower their Standards of Practice, and Code of Ethics? (Go to www.nachi.org ) This insures that your inspector doesn't repair what they find during the inspection and is independent from the Realtor and the other parties involved in the transaction. Some unqualified inspectors have built their contracting or pest control businesses on repairing or treating questionable items found during a home inspection.
Your Home Inspector should provide you with an easy to read and understand printed Home Inspection Report. Some inspectors will use a hard to read, hard to understand hand written carbonless form. Make sure your report is printed and contains full color digital photographs depicting the inspector's findings. (Go To www.homegauge.com ) to find an inspector using this state of the art reporting system.(gold or platinum level inspector)
One way to determine if your inspector is up to date technologically, see if they have an informative web site, e-mail, text messaging, if you can receive the complete report via the internet and if you can schedule appointments over the net? (Go to www.wvchi.com ) and see.
It may take a little research to find the right Professionals to assist you in the largest investment of your life, but it is worth the investment of time.
