questions to ask a home inspector

​Print this list for a handy reference, when you're interviewing home inspectors. 

1. How long have you been in the home inspection business?
   Not to diminish the skills and abilities of newer inspectors, time in the business can be a good indicator.
   
   
2. How many resale home inspections have you completed?
   Of equal importance to time in the business, the number of inspections indicates experience.
   
   
3. What qualifications does the inspector have?
   Although much of what inspectors know is gained by experience, formal education is also an important factor.
   
   
4. How long is the average inspection?
   The length of an inspection may vary, depending upon the nature of the property and the time taken to explain things...  however it is reasonable to expect about 1.5 to 2.5 hours onsite with your inspector. Anything less may indicate a superficial inspection. Spending more time may be a result of compiling the report onsite, or something belabouring the inspection. A very long inspection isn't necessarily better than a shorter one.
   
   
5. Do you follow a Professional Association Standard of Practice?
   Membership in a professional association provides guidlines for standards of practice and professional ethics, which may not be immediately apparent to the uninitiated inspector.
   
   
6. How much do you charge for a typical home inspection?
   No one every said they wanted to pay more for the same thing, however home inspectors are not all created equal, and trying to save money on a home inspection may result in an inadequate report.  Try instead to shop for best value.  Ask around.  If you are getting a recommendation from your Realtor and perhaps at least one other person who understands the terrain, you will be more likely to get the best value for your money.
   
   
7. May I attend the inspection?
   ​Although not mandatory, you can benefit from the opportunity to ask questions onsite, and have things explained first-hand. You should certainly be allowed to attend if you want to.  If you are attending the inspection, keep in mind it's not the most fun for children, and not the best time to bring other family members for their first look at your new home. 
   
   
8. When will I get my written report?
   This may vary from one inspector to another, however it is reasonable to expect a report within 24 hours - and especially important if you are getting close to your irrevocable date/time. Reports can be compiled in different way, provided on-site or delivered by email or a download link. Given the likely timeframe, reports completed onsite may be rushed or lacking in detail.
   
   
9. What kind of report do I get?
   A report should include descriptive information about the major components and sytems, recommendations for repair or improvement - and a clear indication of areas inaccessible or not inspected, as well as possible implications of non-accessiblity.  (ie: "attic not inspected" or "presence or absence of asbestos-containing building materials cannot be confirmed without further evaluation.") 
   
   
10. What happened to the big binders inspectors used to provide?
    In the interest of conservation, as well as providing flexible delivery options most reports are in digital format today. Homeowner manuals and other reference material is made available online, and may form an integral part of your home inspection report.
    
    
11. Do home inspectors inspect wood stoves and fireplaces?
    Some home inspectors are qualified in wood heating (ie: WETT Certified) and can provide an inspection report, something your insurer may require to bind your insurance policy for wood heating. Many home inspectors are not, and cannot provide a WETT inspection report, however should nonetheless be able to refer you to a professional who can, and should also be able to comment upon any obvious problems with your wood burning installation, during course of your home inspection.
    
    
12. Do home inspectors inspect farm buildings and heritage homes?
    Some do, some don't...  you'll have to ask.
    
    
13. Cottages, mobile and factory-built homes?
    Most often yes...  again something to establish at the time of booking.
    
    
14. Can home inspectors provide rough costs for repairs and improvements?
    Some do, some don't... and even those who do, may not be willing to commit to an estimate in every case.
    
    There are reasons for this. Simple repairs or replacements are easy enough to ballpark, however many projects present more than one course of action.  Not until someone who is ready, capable and willing to do the work, has arrived at an agreed-upon cost estimate including a description of the work to be done, will you really know what you are going to pay.  Off-the-cuff estimates made by a home inspector can grossly under, or over-estimate the work required and the cost.
    
    
15. Can home inspectors contract for repairs or improvements?
    Although this practice is not illegal, it may cross an ethical boundary. Using the home inspection as a vehicle to obtain other work in the house is, for the most part forbidden by professional organizations.
    
    
16. Can home inspectors be affiliated with real estate or construction companies?
    A home inspectors can, and should be working along with anyone you are working with - however anything closer than an arm's length relationship may compromise the impartiality of the inspector, especially when it comes to the harder questions about buying a house.
    
    
17. Do home inspectors solicit, receive or give referral fees?
    Shouldn't really...  it's borderline.  (see also 15, 16 above.)
    
    
18. Can I call my inspector at a later date, for information or advice?
    You should be able to contact your inspector, especially regarding the content of your inspection report.
    
    
19. Do home inspectors work 7 days a week?
    As with most businesses, availability varies among home inspectors, however most can be contacted any day of the week. 
    
    
20. How much notice will I need to give?
    Again, depends on who you are calling, as well as the day of week and the time of the year. One thing's for sure - the sooner you call, the more likely you are to get an appointment that fits yours, and your Realtor's schedule.
    
    
21. Do home inspectors accept credit and debit cards?
    Some do, some don't - best to ask ahead. Credit card processing is a cost not everyone wants to absorb; others may not accept personal cheques. Most are willing to take payment by cash or Interac e-Money Transfer.
    
    
22. Do home inspectors invoice relocation companies?
    Better ask ahead... depends on the inspector, and whether they have a relationship with your relocation company.
    
    
23. Should I ask for references?
    You may be satisfied with personal or professional references, but there's certainly nothing wrong with asking an inspector for other references. You could also review the inspector's Google or Yellow Pages ratings.