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1. What does your inspection cover?
The inspector should ensure that the inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.
A: Please click on my What's Inspected tab.
2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?
The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.
A: I have conducted over 400 home inspections, I also normally have a in-training inspector along
3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?
Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.
A: Yes, I also have over 25 years experience buiding / remodeling
4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection? Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest.
A: No, I am prohibited from doing so by my ethics as well as state law. I am a Licensed Maryland Home Improvement Contractor #44621 which is currently in the Inactive Status. You will however get the benefit of that licensure to give you a more thorough Home Inspection. I am however allowed to offer consulting services.
5. How long will the inspection take?
The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings.
A: As long as it takes to inspect all the items that I have agreed to inspect.
I will not hurry your Full Home Inspection to get to another one. Your home will dictate how long the inspection will take
6. How much will it cost?
Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. A typical range might be $300-$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. HUD Does not regulate home inspection fees.
A: My prices normally start at $350.00 for a 2 story 2 1/2 bath. If you are looking for cheap, you stopped at the wrong place. If however you are looking for a Licensed Maryland Home Inspector who will treat your Full Home inspection as the only one being done that day, then you are at the right place.
7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?
Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.
A: Printed as well as a report that can be downloaded from the internet.
8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?
This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.
A: Absolutely, remember it is an inspection and as such, I will be inspecting the condition of the home.
9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?
There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.
A: Yes, please Check Me Out
10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?
One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.
A: Yes
11. Have you had a background check done.
Having a background check completed is not a requirement. You as the client have to determine if that is important to you.
A: I have had two favorable background checks completed, one for the IRS to be an ERO (Electronic Refund Originator) and one from Homeland Security for FEMA
12. Does your Full Home Inspection come with a warranty?
A: Yes, every Full Home Inspection comes with a 100 day Limited Home Inspection Warranty. To see what this covers, please click HERE to preview a sample warranty.
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