All home inspectors are not created equal

Buyer Education

I've seen incompetent Greater Cleveland home inspectors sink a transaction faster than dropping a cement block in water.  Some inspectors are subjective, interject emotions, opinions, and do their buyers a great disservice.  Some inspectors behave like everyone is the enemy including the buyer's agent, the seller and listing agent and even other service providers such as waterproofing companies who have done work previously in the home.  In turn, some buyers put blind faith in a home inspector and believe everything they say, after all, they hired this person so common sense dictates that they have to validate their choice and believe this person is doing a competent job. 

Many buyers choose a home inspectors recommended by their agent, which is the most common way inspectors are hired.  While I recommend three or more very good, competent and experienced home inspectors, the process is only is good as an agent's recommendations.  From an objective standpoint, this is a flawed process, and I wish there was an accurate database (like Angie's list with third party independent research and evaluation).  Unfortunately, one does not exist. That said, either the buyer has to know how to choose a home inspector, via friends, colleagues, or their own research, or use their agent for guidance.  While I believe most agents want to do right by their buyers in recommending home inspectors they like for some reason, some inspectors, in my opinion, do an inferior job either due to lack of knowledge, making inaccurate statements, or getting emotional and making inappropriate remarks.  

So how do you find a good home inspector around Greater Cleveland, Ohio? The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a good place to start ( http://www.ashi.org/).  Also, the number of inspections an inspector has conducted is also vitally important.  You should ask about the background of the inspector, the number of inspections he/she has conducted, how long he/she has been in business and whether he/she is specially licensed in any area(s).  For example, one of many good inspectors I recommend is also a licensed architect and evaluates structures. 

Remember, a quality home inspection is essential for making a well-informed decision about purchasing a safe, sound home. 

Date: Sunday, December, 21st 2008 @ 03:15:58 PM
Views: 125

---

Back