How To Hire a Great Home Inspector

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Here in California, home inspectors are actually NOT REQUIRED to obtain a home inspector license. Yikes. However, they are regulated by a trade practice act that prohibits unethical home inspection practices, and the California Contractors State License Board is the regulating body. Most inspectors are members of either ASHI or CREIA and you should check to make sure they have an active membership with either or both of those organizations.

You check out their CREIA membership using this link.

Confirm membership with ASHI using this link.

The best thing you can do is refer to your Realtor and use their references. Chances are, they’ve had plenty of experience with various inspectors and can give you great guidance. If they cannot provide a list of referrals, that is a big red flag!

Don’t forget to go online and check out their client reviews and don’t be afraid to ask for a sample report and a copy of their contract. They should be happy to provide you with that information. The contract is critical because it does show the scope of their inspection - what they inspect and what they are not responsible for.

I’d recommend asking your inspector questions like:

• How much do you charge?

• What does your inspection include? Exclude?

• How long will it take?

• Are you available to answer questions afterward?

• How long have you been an inspector?

• Do you specialize in a particular part of the city or certain neighborhoods?

• What other certifications or qualifications do you have as an inspector? (some of them are General Contractors!)