GUIDE TO SELECTING YOUR HOME INSPECTOR

Take the time to ask these questions to learn more about the inspector's expertise and integrity. The National Association of Realtors recommends the following questions be asked when choosing an inspector:

Ask exactly what the inspector does or does not inspect and how the report is delivered:
1.) at the end of the inspection, 2.) by hand delivery, 3.) fax, or 4.) email and when?

Ask what scientific instruments are used such as moisture detectors, combustible gas detectors, electromagnetic detectors, etc.

Ask about the inspector's professional affiliations or memberships, educational level and licensing they hold.

Ask how many inspections the inspector has conducted and whether the inspector works full time as a property inspector.

Ask what type of insurance the inspector has including: liability, accident, errors and omissions.

Ask the inspector about the scope of the inspection: termite, pool, spa, landscape sprinkler and drip system, etc. Also ask what he does not inspect.

Ask whether the inspector is involved in any other businesses, such as home repair, that may represent a conflict of interest.

Ask the inspector about the cost of a re-inspection. At the final walkthrough, you may want to hire the inspector to verify the repairs were done properly and actually correct the defect(s) noted in the inspection report.

Ask the inspector about you accompanying him during the inspection or arriving near the end of the inspection for a verbal summary of his written report and to ask questions.

Ask the inspector for several names and telephone numbers of people he as done inspections for recently.

Ask the inspector what he charges to do a home insepction. He will want to know the year built, square footage, furnished or unfurnished, and features of the house.


The Arizona chapter of American Society of Certified Home Inspectors has a list of its members for public view.

The National Association of Home Inspectors provides a link to their local chapter officers.

These are my favorite home inspectors.

My Phoenix Home Buyers Guide has other helpful buyer tips and lists additional resources available to assist you with your home purchase.