- Hiring an Inspector on the basis of price rather than credentials and experience.
- Obtaining referrals to Home Inspectors from his or her Real Estate Agent.
- Assuming that all Home Inspectors are created equal and failing to talk with the Inspector directly.
- Hiring an Inspector that requires the Purchaser to sign any Agreement limiting the
Inspector's liability and responsibility and dictates the Purchaser's legal recourse.
| Typical questions to ask the Inspector |
- How long has the Inspector been doing Home or Real Estate Inspections?
- Is he or she an Engineer, Architect, architectural Technician, Engineering Technician/Technologist?
- How many years experience in the construction or construction design industry has the Inspector got?
- Does the Inspector have any affiliation with any Realtor or Real estate Agent?
- Does the Inspector have Errors and Omissions Insurance?
- Does the Inspector required you to sign any
agreement that either :
- limits the Inspector's liability to the fee paid for the Inspection,
- limits the Inspector's responsibility for anything he/or she misses,
- in the event of a dispute between the you and the Inspector, requires the
disputeto be submitted to arbitration before it can proceed to a court of law?
| Typical questions to ask about the Inspection and the Inspection Report |
- What is included in the Inspection? i.e. foundation, frame, siding, windows, doors,
roof, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, chimneys-fireplaces-stoves,
general interior, general exterior, etc.
- Is the format of the Report mostly check box or are comments written long-hand?
- Is the Report fully illustrated and does the Report have a Summary?
- Does the Report include: what type and in what condition the components are, where
major items are i.e. main water shut-off, main plumbing clean-out, roof accesses,
electrical panels, etc., ways of reducing maintenance and operating costs,
major repairs, up-grades and safety concerns?
- Does the Inspection include any comparison to applicable Building Codes?
- How long does the actual on-site Inspection take?
- Can you be present for all or part of the Inspection?
- Is the Report furnished on the same day as the Inspection?
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