Choosing The Right Home Inspector

A prudent buyer will always make an offer to buy a home contingent upon a home inspection. For that reason, it is also wise for a seller to arrange for an unbiased home inspection to expose potential problems that could jeopardize a successful escrow close.

But in particular, a buyer cannot rely on personal observation and impression or the representations of the seller's Realtor. An inspection contingency gives you, the buyer, the option of vacating the offer if the inspection exposes a real estate defect that was not previously obvious.

Choosing an expert, diligent and competent Phoenix area home inspector isn't as easy at it might seem. Arizona requirements of a home inspector are not that stringent. Just about anyone can throw on a pair of jeans, create a cloned list of inspection points and grab a flashlight. But the homebuyer deserves the confidence of retaining an inspector that is thoroughly trained and experienced to perform an inspection that not only may expose home maintenance problems but potential health risks as well such as the presence of lead-based paints, asbestos and even black mold.

Ask your Arizona Realtor to recommend multiple well-qualified Phoenix area home inspectors. Interview several home inspection specialists and then select the best candidate. Here are some questions to ask and things to consider:

Professional Qualifications.

Inquire about the inspector's education, training and experience. A seasoned and dependable inspector will will have a track-record of satisfied customers. Ask for references and make the inquiries. Look for a Phoenix inspector that has training in construction standards, a thorough knowledge of deficient home maintenance and things that could be hazards to health and safety.

Credentials and Certifications.

Membership and certification by an independent association of home inspectors is usually a plus if those associations require training programs that keep the inspector well-informed of up-to-date methods, industry practices and inspection standards.

Scope versus Fee.

When soliciting an inspection proposal and estimate, be sure to clarify which inspection components are and are not included. At minimum, examination of the roof, plumbing, dishwasher, electrical, heating, cooling, swimming pool and lot grading should be included. Any built-in appliances should also be inspected. Although some specialty type inspections may have to be performed by a different company, you should also be concerned about mold, ground contamination and termite infestation.

Some inspectors only do surface checks. Inquire about more in depth inspections including potential foundation problems and under-slab plumbing.

Be sure to ask each inspector for a sample report that will indicate a checklist of items to be inspected. Be aware if the report is just a list of checkboxes or if it includes narrative written descriptions and photos of inspected areas.

Errors, Omission & Insurance.

There's always a possibility of mistakes and oversights. That's why it is crucial to choose a well-experienced Phoenix and Scottsdale area home inspector with a good reputation. Make sure you ask the inspection company what its policy is for those situations and inquire about insurance coverage for errors and omissions. This is a touchy subject and most companies will ask the customer to sign a waiver limiting the amount of potential liability.

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