|
|
 |
|
|
|
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A HOME INSPECTOR?
|  | |
There are many people who were network engineers, plumbers, accountants, etc. just last week. This week, they got a ladder and a flashlight and declared themselves as home inspectors. This is obviously not the kind of home inspector you are looking for. Our inspectors have formal training and extensive experience in construction and inspections.
Certifications, Experience, and Background
Some of the important qualifications of a good home inspector are certifications, experience, and background. Many people think engineers are good inspectors. The fact is they are highly qualified people, but, unless they have gone through the rigerous education and field training programs, they don't have the breath of training or experience to properly inspect a home and all of its systems. They have qualifications, but they may not be the right kind.
ASHI Certified Inspector
Qualifications that may be good indicators of a capable home inspector would be things such as their being an ASHI Certified Home Inspector. This certification would indicate the inspector has completed at least 250 paid inspections, has a report that meets ASHI standards, and has passed the challenging National Association of Home Inspectors exam.
An ASHI Associate with logo privileges has performed at least 50 paid inspections, passed the National Association of Home Inspectors exam and had his reports pass reviewed by an ASHI report reviewer. All of these things require a concentrated effort on the part of the home inspector, and indicate a higher level of qualification as an inspector.
ICC Combination Residential Inspector
The ICC Combination Residential Inspector qualification should be an indicator of a qualified home inspector, but don't count on it. This qualification simply means the inspector has studied the codebook and passed a test. It is not an indicator of any inspection or practical experience.
This qualification paired with an ASHI certification is a much better indicator of an inspector with some experience and practical training. He has a much better chance of providing your client an acceptable inspection than an inspector with only one of these certifications. Our inspectors have experience to go with their ICC certifications.
High Standards
What is GAHI? Why are they different? One reason is that all GAHI members are required to maintain an ICC Combination Residential Inspector certification. GAHI requires the inspectors to have a minimum of 25 education credits annually. Inspectors must have at least 300 paid inspections, a selection of which are reviewed by a certified report reviewer, to become a full member. There are only about 80 GAHI members in Georgia. It is a tough crowd to get into.
Insurance and Licenses
What do we know about licenses and insurances an inspector may have? An inspector should have a license in the County in which he has his office or residence. Insurance is not required in order for a person to call him or herself a home inspector.
Many of the inspectors I know do not have E&O or General Liability insurance. Some inspectors have only General Liability insurance. The inspectors without the proper inspector certifications, insurance and licenses will not be allowed on most new home construction sites. Be careful to ask your inspector referrals about this insurance when scheduling the appointment. Check with your builder to insure the inspector meets the required standards or he may not be allowed into the home for the inspection.
The builder owns the home and may restrict access to the home. Many new home builders require the inspectors to have a minimum of $1 Million E&O insurance and $500K General Liability insurance. ALLVIEW Home Inspections has the insurance required by these builders. We all hope we never need the insurance, but this is a litigious society. People may sue anyone for anything. You, the real estate agent, and the inspector can be drawn into a lawsuit against a builder who built a hidden defect into a structure.
Lets face it, none of us can afford to get caught in a situation where we could have to pay much more money than we have in our business. We would be working for the successful winner of a lawsuit for the rest of our working lives if we got caught without the insurance.
For Your Home Inspection, Do Your Homework!
Take time to think about the complete picture when you are selecting a home inspector. I know many of them who would do a great inspection; then, there are those who are not qualified or able to do so.
Contact us about inspections for houses, townhouses and condominiums. We are located in the Alpharetta/Cumming area.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Accepted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
