Home Inspection  

I'm sure that you want to be protected against unexpected problems that may not be evident until after you have purchased your home. One way to help protect yourself is by having a thorough inspection by a competent inspector prior to closing on your new home.  It's best to have the inspection done as early in the process as possible - usually within days of an accepted offer.

A typical home inspection includes drainage conditions, exterior surfaces, decks, chimney, the roof, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, furnace, air conditioning, insulation, electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.   Supplemental tests could include, but are not limited to,  termite, radon, septic (if applicable) and water.

Here are some considerations when choosing your inspector:

• What is the inspector's background?  (Desirable backgrounds include work as a contractor, architect, tradesperson, or engineer - although such backgrounds do not automatically qualify an individual)
• How long has the inspector been in the inspection business?  Are they full-time inspectors?
• Request the name and contact information for recent clients as references.  
• What does the inspector do during a typical inspection?
• What supplemental tests does the inspector recommend and under what circumstances?
• Is a written report provided?  What information will be contained within the report?  How many days after the inspection will you receive the report? (side note:  aside from tests that need to go to the lab, the inspector will usually share "red flag" issues during the inspection itself.  These issues will usually not come as a surprise in the actual report)
• Will the inspector be available for follow-up questions?
• Can the client attend the inspection?  (side note:  the buyer should attend the inspection - it should be deemed at least questionable for an inspector to not want the client in attendance during the inspection)
• How long will the inspection take?  How many inspections does the inspector perform in a single day?  (The length of time an inspection takes usually depends on the size of the house and supplemental tests being performed.  On average, two or three inspections per day at most is a good number)
• How much will the inspection cost?  (side note:  this is a very important part of the purchase process.  I would recommend that cost not be the sole deciding factor.  However, if the inspector you like best ends up also being the most reasonable, all the better)

Licensing requirements for home inspectors currently do not exist in New York State.  As a point of reference, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI )certifies home inspectors after meeting specified criteria.  There are very good inspectors that are and are not associated with ASHI.  Use this as a reference point.  Regardless of who you chose, the above interview process is highly recommended.  A directory of ASHI certified home inspectors as well as other information on the home inspection process can be found on the ASHI web site.   

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