Whether or not you decide to use Sonoran Property Inspections, the following summary could be useful information as you search for a home inspector in the Prescott or Scottsdale area. Not all inspectors are the same, so take the time to educate yourself on what to look for and expect in an inspection report.
Influenced by the changes in both economic and legal environments, home inspection reports have changed to accommodate increased consumer expectations, and to provide more extensive information and protection to both inspectors and their clients (including real estate agents).
If your home inspector is not a member of one of the two main professional inspection organizations (ASHI or InterNachi), you may want to find another inspector. Those that are members of these organizations adhere to Standards of Practice that are designed to identify both the requirements of a home inspection and the limitations of an inspection. I am a certified inspector through InterNACHI and would be happy to answer any questions for you concerning these Standards of Practice.
Here is a summary for you (and your clients) of what to expect from a home inspection:
- Inspections are a visual inspection to provide you with the general features of the home, and identify any potential deficiencies or safety issues. Your inspector can not perform any destructive or exhaustive testing (for example, they will not take anything apart to determine a problem).
- Inspectors may not be an expert in every system of the home, but are trained to recognize conditions that require further examination by an expert. As a past home builder, I know homes inside and out, but will still recommend an expert in a certain trade if I see something that concerns me.
- Reports should be easy to read and understand, and contain a summary section to outline the major points for the client. A sample report can be seen on my website to give you an idea of how this report should look.
- A post inspection review on-site with the client and/or real estate agent can help everyone understand the “facts” of each home and offer advice or answer any questions or concerns.
In summary, for clients to have a realistic expectation about what information will be included in the home inspection report, follow these tips:
- Read the Standards of Practice, and the inspector agreement to know what is and is not inspected
- View a sample report on the inspector’s website
- Talk to the inspector – before and after any inspection
If I can help you in any way with your inspection questions, please call or email me.
