By Huy Chea

It's important to know whom to hire. Hiring the right home inspector is as important as having a reliable car mechanic. Getting it done isn't pleasant but you're glad once it is done. Prior to June 12, 2008, home inspectors in the state of Washington were not required to be trained. Training consists of taking educational and instructional courses, pass state examination, and sometimes means having an apprenticeship/internship before one is allowed to become licensed and a practicing home inspector.

State Requirements

Less than 2 years of experience:

1. 120 hours board-approved classroom instruction

2. 40 hours field supervised by a licensed home inspector in good standing

3. Pass State Exam for home inspectors.

2 year or more experience:

1. Minimum of 2 year experience before June 12, 2008

2. Completed a minimum of 100 home inspections

3. Pass State Exam for home inspectors.

Buyers have always been strongly advised by their real estate agents to hire a professional home inspector, even though they do have a choice to inspect the house without one. Some lenders may require a home inspection, furnished by a professional home inspector.

Your house is a large investment; why not invest time into getting a reliable and professional home inspector? Your interview objectives are to determine their qualification/experience and if they are a good fit for you.

Here are a few questions to consider when interviewing your home inspectors:

• Interview at least three inspectors. Ask real estate professionals for a list of their preferred inspectors and do you part by interviewing their referrals.
• How long have you been in business? It is best to go witha full-time inspector who has been in the business for more than five years. If they've been in business this long they must be performing their inspection well.
• How many home inspections have you performed? The more homes they've inspected the better skilled they are.
• What happens during an inspection? What is my role? Be prepared and eliminate surprises. This will give you time to do some of your researches and go armed with knowledge.
• What will be included in my report and what will not be in the report? Too much information is never a problem in an inspection report. Besides the action checklist he'll likely provide you, make sure he will also provide a customized narrative on the condition of all the home's major components and of areas that are in need of maintenance, plus the estimated repair and replacement recommendations and costs that will be involved if work is needed. The more that's spelled out for you, the better.
• Is the inspection report different for a condo than that of a house?
• Do you have a sample report I could look over? Access some online sample reports so you'll know what sort of questions to ask when you interview your potential inspectors.
• How soon will I get my report? In a real estate transaction, expediency is important with so many dates and deadlines to adhere to.
• If problems are found then repaired, how quickly can you re-inspect the property? If you're getting an inspection as a seller, your prime sales window may close if too much time elapses.
• What is included in a re-inspection report? What is the cost for one? Often, you may consider having any or all repairs re-inspected to insure they were done correctly, eliminate any surprises. This is especially important in large repair items, i.e. furnace, roof, etc. Re-inspection costs may be associated with travel distance and time to re-inspect repair list.
• What other licenses do you hold? Pest, Structure (rare), Roof, etc.
• Are you a member of ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors)? Membership to a group of professionals who hold to a high level of accountability.
• Do you carry E&O (Errors & Omission insurance)? What is the coverage amount? Will you provide a copy of your certificate of insurance?
• Will you provide a list of past clients/references? May I contact them?

 

Article published on NWAbode.com in March 2009.

Huy Chea is a licensed REALTOR, GRI, CNE for the state of Washington working with the company of Coldwell Banker Bain in Redmond, Washington.