What to Look for When Hiring a Qualified Home Inspector

When hiring a home inspector, you must first of all understand the difference between qualified and certified. Someone who is "qualified" to inspect your home has met basic requirements, which may be very simple to meet. Though California does not require licensing of home inspectors, in 1996 the state enacted the Trade Practice Act, prohibiting unethical home inspection practices, including repairing properties that home inspectors have inspected within the previous 12 months. The law also encourages courts to consider the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors and the California Real Estate Inspection Association when determining whether an inspection meets the required standard of care. There are some basic qualities to look for when hiring a qualified home inspector, including the following: • Did the inspector receive training, though this is also not required by California law? Did he/she attend an approved training facility or college-accredited program? • How long has he/she been an inspector? If the inspector has a few years of experience, great. Or if they are just getting started, then do they have the backing of a franchise company? That may be as good as someone who is an independent contractor with a few years of experience. • Does the inspector carry errors and omissions (E&O) and general liability insurance? Though California does not require home inspectors to carry E&O and general liability insurance, you may find it beneficial to find and hire a home inspector who does. • Speaking of franchises, is the inspector from a franchise, or is he/she an independent? That can make a huge difference in some cases, as franchise inspectors adhere to strict standards of practice that independent inspectors may not. Check with the inspector to see what standards of practice they adhere to. They should follow the standards of a national organization, such as ASHI or InterNACHI. • Does the inspector carry the right tools? The average client may not even know the right kind and proper tools needed to conduct an inspection. It is more than just a clipboard, paper and pen, a flashlight and a ladder. Of course, your experienced realtor can assist you with finding a qualified home inspector. Call Margie Miller, JD, Broker, Miller Associates Real Estate, today at 909-534-2500 or contact her via email at margie@millerassociatesrealestate.com.