Choosing A Home Inspector: Standards You Should Look For

(HIT) - Concerned about choosing a home inspector that will do a good job? Confused about the standards and regulations that govern home inspectors and the home inspection process in your state? If so, you’re not alone. Most states don’t regulate the home inspection process at all, and only a few mandate specific standards for the agreements provided by home inspectors to help ensure a reliable inspection.

In Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin, licensing officials have addressed consumer confidence issues regarding the home inspection process with regulations governing:

• written pre-inspection agreements between the inspector and consumer
• the number and kind of components to be inspected in an individual residence
• actual reporting requirements; and
• the insurability of the inspection process.

The result for homeowners in these states will be written agreements establishing in advance the inspector’s scope, and a substantially more detailed inspection report, which can contribute positively to the prospective homeowner’s peace of mind. For others, the best assurance of getting a professional home inspection is obtained by working with a home inspector that can demonstrate membership in a national association with strict standards for professional conduct.

One organization that routinely practices and teaches such standards is the Home Inspection Institute of America, Inc., headquartered in Wallingford, CT. According to David Hetzel, founder and president of the Institute, "It’s not enough for the consumer to just look at things. They need to know, in writing, about the conditions the inspector observed – whether they be good, bad, or whatever."

"The single most important aspect of the consumer-inspector relationship," Hetzel continues, "Is the requirement that the inspector provide a pre-inspection agreement spelling out just what the consumer will and will-not receive as a result of the inspection. This agreement needs to be executed by both parties before the inspection."

For more information about the Home Inspection Institute of America and a list of members, visit the institute’s website at www.inspecthomes.org.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center