How to choose a home inspection company

When buying or selling a house, inspecting it is a common practice that alerts owners and buyers about the condition of the house for sale. When you need an inspection in Canada or the United States, you should choose only those that incorporate the practice standards of Inter NACHI (International Association of Certified Inspectors) or ASHI (American Home Inspection Society), NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors) , NIBI (National Institute of Building Inspectors) or CAHPI (Canadian Association of Property Inspectors or Houses).

The average house inspection fee is between $ 350 and $ 500, but the information received from the inspector has infinite value. This information can be the break point between making the sale and having to search again the house of your dreams. The number of home inspectors is vast. There are home inspectors who offer cheaper prices, but you have to pay attention to credentials and business ethics.

Ask for references. Sometimes contacting past clients will give you an overview of how capable a potential inspector is. When you are ready to start the search, have the following questions at hand:

  • How long have you been in the home inspection business?
  • How many houses have you checked?
  • What qualifications do you have?
  • How long does it take you to review a home?
  • Can I go with you to do the review?
  • Do you check wood ovens and fireplaces?
  • What days / hours are you available?
  • Can you give me references to inspections you’ve done in the past?
  • What secondary services do you offer? (Such as search for cockroaches that eat wood,system of wells, water quality, lead-based paints, mold, etc.).
  • Do you back your inspection with a written guarantee?
  • How much do your services cost?

Speak in person or on the phone with prospective inspectors. Make sure the inspector understands the principled relationship between you, the client, and the inspector.