Choosing a Home Inspector Making the Right Decision

We really want you to choose the best Home Inspector for you and there are a lot of good ones out there.  Here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing a Home Inspector.

Where should I start when looking for a Home Inspector?

We would suggest finding a local inspector.  An inspector in your region is more familiar with the types of houses, their problems and warning signs.

What qualities should I look for in a Home Inspector?

The most important thing is to find a home inspector that knows what they are looking for and is willing to tell you straight up what is wrong. You don’t want an inspector that’ll get you all excited about non-problems. You’re looking for someone who can communicate well because they have to translate all that construction jargon into something that makes sense to you.  But you REALLY don’t want someone that is going to gloss over major problems at the risk of being labeled a “Deal Breaker.”

What’s a Deal Breaker?

A label that some Realtors put on Home Inspectors that have told their clients things that have caused them not to buy the house.

Why does the Home Inspector care what the Realtor thinks?

Home Inspectors get most of their business through real-estate agent referrals.  Most home-buyers ask their agent for a recommendations for home inspections. So even though we work for the client, more future work will come from the Realtor than the client.

That seems like a conflict of interest.

It can be. A good home inspector has to be willing to lose business for the sake of the client. The client has a lot of money riding on this deal. Good home inspectors serve their clients.

My Real Estate Agent has given me a couple of home inspectors that he/she likes.  Should I trust his/her recommendations?

Most Realtors are good, hardworking, looking out for the client kind of folks. Our experience is that the good Realtors are looking for repeat customers and positive referrals. Just “closing the deal” is a short-sighted view and most really want you to be happy today and for years to come. It’s good for business. Chances are your Realtor has tried several inspectors and has a short list of the ones who are good. Call them up and interview them.

Should I interview my Home Inspector?

Yes, tell them you have to get a home inspection done by certain date.  You’re looking for an inspector and ask why you should choose them.  You can find other suggested interview questions and “good answers” at the Home Inspector Interview.  You’re also looking for someone who answers the interview questions to your satisfaction.

I’ve heard that Home Inspectors need to be licensed as of July 1, 2017. Is that true?

Yes, according to DPOR, effective July 1, 2017, all home inspector certifications will transition to licenses. CJR Property Inspectors is proud to say that they have been voluntarily licensed since 2010, and fully meet and/or exceed the new requirements.

Do I need an inspection for new residental homes?

This is an option, and your home loan may require it. However, if you do decide to have a home inspection for your new home, you will need a home inspector with the NRS (New Residential Structure) Specialty. CJR Property Inspections is proud to offer this specialty, and to be one of only a few home inspectors in the state of Virginia to do so.

Should my Home Inspector be a member of Professional Societies like the ASHI or NaHI?

In our experience, not all members of Professional Societies (like ASHI, NaHI, etc) are good inspectors just because they are a member of a particular organization. There’s a good inspector in my area who isn’t a member of any professional society. Just because an inspector has done 2,000 inspections or 20 doesn’t in itself make him good or bad. We are members of ASHI.

Why we take pride in being an ASHI inspector:

Only an ASHI inspector can provide you with a professional, personalized inspection that combines more than 40 years of the highest technical standards, adherence to a strict code of ethics and the very best in customer service and education. We call this “The ASHI Experience”.
When you choose ASHI, you’ll be working with professional home inspectors who have passed the most rigorous technical examinations in effect today, including inspectors who are required to perform more than 250 professional inspections before they’re even allowed to call themselves ”certified”. No other professional society can match the credentials of an ASHI inspector.

We help you obtain an inspection that is valuable, informative and educational.

I’ve experienced conflicting reviews about a Home Inspector.  What should I do?

That’s really the problem with going with a recommendation from someone who has only had one house inspection. One could be thrilled with a so-so inspector because nothing went wrong with their house and another could be disappointed with a great inspector because some things did go wrong. Sometimes, even though the inspector gave recommendations to correct actions that the homeowner didn’t follow and is now paying the price. Home Inspectors call that “deferred maintenance” — $3 today saves thousands of dollars tomorrow.