Not all home inspection companies are created equal. Because there are no licensing, minimal educational or insurance requirements to be in the home inspection business, it is important that you choose carefully. The following list was prepared to assist you in evaluating and selecting the best Home Inspection Service.

Inspection Guarantees:
   The company you select should stand behind their inspector's work. Such a guarantee assures you that the inspector was properly trained and that a thorough inspection was performed.

Questions To Ask:
   Does your company stand behind your inspection reports?
   Does the company include a complimentary guarantee with each inspection report?
   What protection does your company offer against deficiencies found after purchase?

Formally Trained or Certified Inspectors:
There is no one background that fully trains an individual for all the different conditions that may exist in a home. Regardless of the technical background of the inspectors, ALL HOME INSPECTORS should be required to be formally trained in home inspections, thus guaranteeing their whole house knowledge.

Questions To Ask:
   What kind of training do your inspectors receive?
   What is the extent of their on-going training?
   Are your inspectors certified?

Reputation:
The company you select should have solid experience and enjoy an impeccable reputation for integrity and thoroughness. Only years of service and dedication can achieve those goals.

Questions To Ask:
   How long has the company been in the home inspection business?
   How many inspections have they performed?

Insurance:
   One of the most important credentials to look for in selecting a home inspection company is their insurance coverage. Errors and Omissions insurance is like malpractice insurance to cover inspector negligence; General Liability insurance protects you should the inspector damage something (like an expensive urn) while at the inspection site. Employing an inspector without these essential insurance policies shifts incredible liability to you, the buyer.

Questions To Ask:
   Are your inspectors covered by E & O Insurance?
   Does the company carry General Liability Insurance?

On-Site Written Report:
The home inspection company you choose should encourage your attendance on the inspection and should provide you with a written report on the findings of the inspection. You should verify that all the major elements will be accurately described in the report and not just rated as functional or not functional. Your written report should give the approximate ages of all the major elements of the home as well as an estimated life span of those elements. The inspection should be performed according to NIBI or ASHI standards.

Questions To Ask:
   Can I accompany the inspector on the inspection?
   Will you provide me with a professional inspection report immediately after the inspection?
   Will your report reflect the ages of all the major elements?

Guidance After The Inspection:
   The home inspection service should offer you additional information beyond the home inspection regarding home repairs and maintenance. It is estimated that every home will require 1% to 3% of the cost of the home in annual maintenance.

Questions To Ask:
   Does your company provide me with any post-inspection home maintenance assistance?
   Does the company have a full-time technical staff to help us with post-inspection advice?