So you are making the biggest purchase of your life. You need to hire someone to inspect your purchase to make sure that the major components are in working order and the structure is in good shape. How do you pick someone that is reponsible for inspecting one of the biggest purchases you will have in your lifetime? There are many things to look for when hiring a home inspector.

What does your inspectors inspection cover? You should make sure that the inspection complies with all the ASHI’s standards of practice. To find out what your inspectors inspection covers you may ask for a copy of their inspection report up front to review. Most inspectors will be happy to email or fax it to you. This is the report that will be completed and in writing after your inspection.

You should then check their resume. Ask them how long they have been in the business and how many homes they have inspected. ASHI’s members are required to have completed 250 paid professional home inspections and have passed two written exams that will test the inspectors knowledge. You should also make sure that they are specifically experienced in residential inspections not construction or engineering.

You should not use an inspector who’s company offers to do repairs on any defects found, this is a huge conflict of interest.

Your inspection should last around 2 to 3 hours for the typical residential home. Any less time spent or promised should be questioned.

Make sure your inspector carry’s E&O insurance, this is important should you have a claim in the future. Also, some inspectors or inspection companies will offer some kind of written guarantee.

Your inspector should encourage you to attend the inspection and even walk around with them as the inspect the property. We encourage all of our clients to do this. This way they can ask questions as they go along and point out anything that they feel concerned with. There is no better way to get to know your new house and all of it’s components. If something has been found that is of concern it is also good for you to see it first hand and get a first hand explanation of the concern. A good inspector will encourage you to be present and take the time to explain anything that you have concerns or questions about.

Your REALTOR will most likely offer up a couple of different referrals to inspectors and this is a good place to start. Most likely your REALTOR has worked with those inspectors for several years and know their level of knowledge as well as their reputation in the industry. Ultimately the decision is up to you as the consumer, so do your research and work with your REALTOR to find the best home inspector for you and your investment.

For more information on home inspections, state regulations or to find a ASHI certified Home Inspector visit http://www.ashi.org/homeinspectors/

To start your free, no obligation home search on the best home searching engine HBSR visit www.coloradosuccessteam.com and clink on the Home Buyers Scouting Report Link to begin.