A Buyer would be foolish to purchase a house without first hiring a qualified inspector to give it a good once-over. Pre-purchase home inspections are now an accepted part of the home buying process in most areas of the country. A house is likely your greatest investment, and the peace of mind that comes with a good home inspection is priceless. Recent articles in Good Housekeeping and Smart Money magazines and television broadcasts on 20/20 and the Today Show recommend the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI^®) as the source for competent inspectors.

A qualified home inspector is a house generalist who knows how the many systems and components of a home are interrelated and how they stand the test of time. A professional inspector has the expertise to tell you not only whether the electrical service is proper and has the necessary protection devices, but if updating is needed. He can identify drainage problems and suggest solutions. He will explain the importance of attic and house ventilation to protect the building's structure. He can help you understand whether conditions found in the home pose a concern. He'll also provide valuable maintenance advice to help you preserve and enjoy your new home in the years to come.

In every growing profession, there comes a time when opportunists try to establish themselves. Currently, the home inspection profession is being flooded with out-of-work contractors and fast-track franchises. "Consumers must not be fooled by a good sales pitch or contrived testimonial" states Name of Company Name and a member of the __________ Chapter of ASHI. "There are no warranties or insurance policies that can compare to the knowledge the experienced inspector has gained in the field."

Choosing a home inspector who is qualified and ethical is the newest challenge facing buyers in today's real estate market. There are many associations that function as diploma mills, providing professional "certification" to anyone who sends in his money. In today's booming home inspection profession, not every home inspector is truly qualified to perform inspections. So whether you get the name of an inspector from a Realtor, a friend, the Yellow Pages, or the Internet, interviewing several inspectors is the best way to hire a qualified professional. You need to know an inspector's experience and qualifications, and what his inspection includes.

What Does an Inspection Include?

Although the ASHI Standards of Practice are the most widely recognized standards, there is no industry-wide standard of what is included in a home inspection. The most telling indicator of an inspector's competence is the report he provides after the inspection. When you interview inspectors, ask for a sample report so you can see what type of report is provided and what scope of information it includes. A good report should read like a narrative guide to the house, and should be filled with details, indicating the inspector is thorough. If something doesn't work right, a good report will state that explicitly, and will frequently explain the consequence of the defect.

A thorough inspection will take an average of two to three hours. Ask the inspector how long he typically spends at the inspection site, and how many inspections he does each day. Plan to attend the inspection. A good inspector will welcome and encourage your participation. Attending the inspection gives you the opportunity to question the inspector about his findings and raise any concerns you may have about the property. Also, the report will be easier to understand if you've reviewed the property with the inspector.

Experience

How much experience does the inspector have? Look for someone whose full time profession is inspecting residential properties. Forget those who do a little inspecting on the side in conjunction with their primary profession, as these individuals likely do not have the well-rounded expertise that comes from inspecting on a constant basis. Also, many on-and-off practitioners use inspections as a business-development tool for contracting or renovation work, which is a clear conflict of interest.

Hiring an ASHI inspector protects you from this risk. Name of Company Name and a member of the ________ Chapter of ASHI explains, "ASHI's strict Code of Ethics protects consumers by prohibiting inspectors from performing repairs to houses they have inspected and from recommending contractors to perform repairs."

Qualifications

Knowing an inspector's qualifications is essential to making a good choice. The ASHI Standards of Practice is universally recognized as the benchmark of performance in the home inspection profession. A article posted on Smart Money magazine's Web Site states "that ASHI issues the only credential you (the consumer) should accept."

Members of ASHI, a nonprofit professional society made up of individual, independent home inspectors, must pass two written technical exams and perform 250 inspections to qualify for membership. Every two years, each ASHI inspector must complete 40 hours of continuing education to ensure that he or she keeps current with new technology and building practices.

Anyone wishing to know more about the American Society of Home Inspectors and to obtain the names of ASHI members in their area can call ASHI's toll-free number, 1-800-743-2744, or visit their web site at www.ashi.com.