10 important questions to ask your home inspector

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MORTGAGE NETWORK, INC. NMLS # 2668 Corporate Headquarters 300 Rosewood Drive Danvers, MA 01923 18003344648 www.mortgagenetwork.com 10 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOU HOME INSPECTOR 1. What does your inspection cover? The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state and will comply with a well recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you would like to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront. 2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed? The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualied, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection. 3. Are you specically experienced in residential inspections? Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well. 4. Do you oer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection? Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conict of interest. 5. How long will the inspection take? The average onsite inspection time for a single inspector in two to three hours for a typical single family house; anything signicantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings.

Transcript of 10 important questions to ask your home inspector

Page 1: 10 important questions to ask your home inspector

MORTGAGE NETWORK, INC.

NMLS # 2668 Corporate Headquarters

300 Rosewood Drive Danvers,  MA 01923 

1‐800‐334‐4648 www.mortgagenetwork.com 

10 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOU HOME INSPECTOR

 

1. What does your inspection cover? The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state and will comply with a well recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you would like to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.    

2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed? The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.   

3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspections? Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.   

4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection? Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest.  

5. How long will the inspection take? The average on‐site inspection time for a single inspector in two to three hours for a typical single family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings. 

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10 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK

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6. How much will it cost? Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. A typical range might be $300 ‐ $500, but consider the value of the home inspection in term of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. HUD does not regulate home inspection fees.   

7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report? Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector’s reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.  

8. Will I be able to attend the inspection? This is a valuable education opportunity, and an inspector’s refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.    

9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association? There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.  

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date? One can never know it all, but the inspector’s commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training. 

© 2012 Mortgage Network, Inc. NMLS ID# 2668 All rights reserved. Trade/servicemarks are the property of Mortgage Network, Inc. 300 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923. Also doing business as MNET Mortgage Corp. Connecticut 3785; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Act Finance Lenders Law License 603B322; Delaware 010168; Florida Mortgage Lender Servicer MLD170; District of Columbia Mortgage Dual Authority License MLB2668; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee 15441; Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee MB.0006470; Indiana-DFI First Lien Mortgage Lending License 16783; Indiana-DFI Subordinate Lien Mortgage Lending License 16784; Maryland Mortgage Lender License No. 19266; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender and Broker MC2668; Massachusetts Third Party Loan Servicer Registration LS2668; Maine SLM2499; Minnesota Residential Mortgage Originator License Other Trade Name #1 MN-MO-20261162; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department 5573-MB; 300 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 – Location authorized to conduct New York regulated mortgage activities, MNET Mortgage in lieu of Mortgage Network, Inc. in New York - Registered Mortgage Broker – NY State Banking Department RMB 207997; Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance-New Jersey Residential Mortgage Lender License 0755551; North Carolina L-113607; Ohio Mortgage Broker Act Mortgage Banker Exemption MBMB.850051.000; Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking 21978. Rhode Island Licensed Lender 95000456LL; South Carolina-BFI Mortgage Lender / Servicer License MLS – 2668; Texas Reg. 43205; Texas Regulated Loan License 10569-46959; Licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission MC-2593. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Rates, terms, fees, and equity requirements are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. Customer survey conducted by Mortgage Network, Inc. from January through December 2011. Equal Housing Lender.

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