All Phase Home Inspection, Inc.

Choosing an Inspector

For most people, the purchase of a home is the largest investment they’ll ever make. Getting an independent, expert opinion on the operability of the structure and its systems is a no-brainer. But not all home inspectors have the same experience, training. So how do you make sure you’ve hired the right person for the job?

When shopping for a home inspector, it’s vital that you do your homework and interview each inspector based on the checklist below.

  1. Do not price shop.  Be careful not to fall into the price shopping trap.  When hiring a home inspector, you’re hiring an advocate with your interests in mind to give you their expert opinion on the home’s condition. It makes sense to shop for the most qualified professional to do the job- some people will call themselves and inspectors but will not have any knowledge, training or experience.  At All Phase Home Inspection, Inc., (Check Qualifications)  we are licensed, certified and insured and regularly take updated certification courses. We put our clients well being first, and we want you to know all that you need to be secure.
  2. Research their credentials.  Since there are no national standards for home inspectors (Check Code of Ethics), one of the best things you can do to find out about an inspector’s qualifications is to ask what associations they belong to.  Each of our inspectors at All Phase Home Inspection are in good standing as members of NACHI, and meet their high level of standards. (Check NACHI) The best associations require that the inspector pass yearly exams and obtain a specific amount of continuing education credits. (Check Certfications)  Also find out what level of the association the inspector occupies (Check NACHI membership).  Some associations have “candidate” and “associate” or other levels that basically mean that the inspector has not met the requirements to be a full member.  Also ask what certifications the inspector holds and then research them as well.
  3. Ask to see one of their inspection reports (See our SAMPLE REPORT)  At the conclusion of any inspection, you should receive a report on the inspector’s findings and when hiring All Phase Home Inspection, Inc. you will. Again, inspectors are going to vary widely – report styles can range from the minimal checklist to the jargon-filled narrative.  Inspection reports can be difficult to understand, so it’s important that you check out a sample report.  Items marked as “fair”, “poor”, or “inadequate” without any further explanation will not help you understand what the problem is or what exactly to repair. Our reporting system at All Phase Home Inspection, Inc. is a clear, precise, and detailed analysis of the homes physical structure and systems. We will provide you with all the information necessary to make the best decision for you, and if our inspection finds that repairs are required, we will detail, what, where and how to remedy the issue. Remember, we have your best interest in mind and are here if you have any questions before-during-or after our inspection is complete. (Contact us)
  4. Make your own decision.  Some states allow real estate agents and other professionals to make recommendations on what home inspector to hire.  Besides the obvious conflict of interest issues, a recommendation does not necessarily guarantee that the inspector is the best choice.  Make your own decision based on your research.