How to Get the Right Type of Home Inspection

A professional home inspection is an absolute must for anyone planning to purchase a home. An inspector will help you understand any problems the house may have, from basic maintenance issues to large-scale structural problems that could cost lots of money over the years. You don't want to close on a property only to get stuck with thousands of dollars worth of repairs, especially since these problems can be detected in advance by a qualified home inspector. Before you can complete the process of purchasing a home, you'll have to know how to get the right type of home inspection.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask a potential inspector whether he has experience examining properties like the one you're attempting to purchase. While residential inspections are the most common, you can find a quality inspector to evaluate commercial office or retail property also. You may be able to find an inspector who specializes in apartment or condo buildings.

2. Find a property inspector to evaluate your property during the construction phase. This can be a good preventative step, as an inspector might be able to detect potential problems in design or construction before the house is completed. Construction progress inspections are sometimes required by a mortgage company.

3. Factor in the material used to construct your home when searching for a home inspector. For example, an inspector with a great deal of experience evaluating homes with vinyl siding might be less knowledgeable about brick homes.

4. Read more about the standards and practices of the home inspection industry by visiting the official website for the American Society of Home Inspectors (see Resources below). Their online handbook will give you a detailed understanding of everything an inspector should examine, making it easier for you to get the right type of inspection for your real estate purchase.

5. Contact a qualified home inspector by using the American Society of Home Inspector's directory (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• While home inspections are done most frequently during the purchase and sale of property, it's also a good idea to have regular home inspections. When searching for the right type of home inspector, find someone who'd be willing to provide yearly inspections.
• Though the need to cut corners and save money during the home buying process is understandable, you should make every effort to select a qualified and thorough home inspector. While it might cost you a little more money up front, detecting serious problems before you move can save you a lot of stress and money.

Resources

• Standards and Practices from the American Society of Home Inspectors
• Online directory from ASHI