When it comes to home inspections, not all companies are created equal, but there are minimum requirements that should be included in any search for the right home inspection company.
The first requirement is to confirm that the home inspection company is properly licensed to perform home inspections in the area where the home is located.
Some states have specific licenses for home inspectors, so you may need to do a quick online search to confirm the home inspector is licensed within the state or ask the home inspector for a copy of their license.
For higher-end inspections or commercial properties, you may want to consider using a general contractor for the inspection inspection, as they typically have both the expertise to review the primary components of the home (foundation, structural, etc.) and have subcontractor relationships that can further inspect major systems of the home (air conditioning, waterproofing, dock, elevator, roof, electrical, plumbing, etc.).
The second requirement is to ensure that the home inspector or general contractor has the proper professional liability insurance to cover claims made against them for material errors or omissions in the inspection process or reporting.
Ultimately, the level and amount of professional liability insurance should be considered against the price of the home and the potential risks associated with missing a significant inspection matter.
The third requirement is to get at least one to two solid recommendations from unrelated persons that are either familiar with or in fact used the home inspection company in the past.
These recommendations can provide that add layer of comfort that prior experiences with the particular home inspection company went well and as expected.
With these three requirements met, you can have the peace of mind that you have engaged a licensed, insured, and qualified service provider.
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