Select Your Own Home Inspector

Perform Background Checks

Most home inspectors will have a background in construction, but it is important to select the home inspector that has more than just general construction knowledge. General contractors often don't know anything about the particular trades and skills required in building a home. General contractors spend most of their time managing people and the project of building a home. Ask the general contractor a very technical question about drywall, electrical, plumbing, roofing, foundations, flooring etc. and most often you will find that they can only provide general guidance on how to perform those tasks successfully. So where does that leave you?

Do Your Research

Most people you ask will tell you to visit a home inspector's website, check the BBB for complaints, ask local Realtors, and family and friends who have recently purchased a home. But you need to do more than that. What's at stake here? Keep in mind that you are about to embark on a purchase that could have far-reaching consequences. Buy a good home with minimal problems and it could be a nice little nest egg for retirement. Buy a bad home, one with many problems and this could be a money pit that you simply cannot get away from.

Got A Family Member In Construction?

Some will say, "I have a family member in construction, I don't need a home inspector". Again, please understand that being a home inspector is much more involved than being a construction worker. A qualified home inspector might have experience in insurance, risk management, may be an active Realtor or other real estate professional, and should have specific trade skills to include roofing, framing, electrical, plumbing, floor finishes, etc. The interplay of experience, knowledge, and understanding of building science along with all the other experiences a home inspector has in his playbook is what makes a good home inspector priceless.