How To Choose A Home Inspector In Michigan

Here are 8 questions home inspectors don’t want you to ask…But you should!!!

1. HAVE YOU PASSED THE EXAM? The only neutral test of the technical knowledge necessary to professionally inspect homes is the NHIE (National Home Inspectors Exam created in 1998 by the NHIE Board). Of the 30+ States that license Home Inspectors passing the NHIE Exam is the minimum requirement for the vast majority. With over 1,000 Inspectors in Michigan (and no state licensing or oversight) only 173 have attempted the test. Only 106 passed. 90% of Michigan Inspectors have not met these minimum criteria. Get proof your inspector is qualified & passed the NHIE exam.

2. WHICH PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? Expertise on house problems, house components and systems can only be obtained by attending a professional inspector school. Ask what professional school your inspector attended.

3. WHEN DID YOU APPRENTICE UNDER A SENIOR INSPECTOR? Electricians, plumbers and all skilled trades require an apprenticeship. Book learning is not enough. Don’t let your inspector get “On the Job Training” at your expense. Ask your inspector about their apprenticeship.

4. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF ASHI or NAHI? The American Society Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the National Association Home Inspectors (NAHI) are the only two nationally recognized professional associations for inspectors. If an inspector is not a member of one of these associations where are they getting Continuing Education and how do they stay up to date on technical information? Ask your inspector about their membership.

5. HOW MANY PAID INSPECTIONS DID YOU DO LAST YEAR?  Number of years of experience can be very misleading.  Less than 250 inspections per year is a part-time inspector(only 20 per month). Do you really want a part-time inspector for the most expensive purchase of your lifetime?  Ask your inspector how many buyers paid them for a home inspection last year.

6. WHO STANDS BEHIND THE INSPECTOR IF A MAJOR SITUATION IS MISSED? Always hire a company not just a one man shop. Inspectors who answer their own phone (usually cell phones) may be here today and very likely in this economy gone tomorrow. Ask your inspector if he is alone or has a team to support and protect you.

7. ARE YOU A FULLY INSURED INSPECTOR?

DO YOU HAVE ERRORS & OMISSIONS INSURANCE? Your Inspector misses a major situation. Does your inspector have ERRORS & OMISSIONS Insurance to protect themselves & YOU? Request an email copy of your Inspector’s E&O insurance. View Inspections by P.R.O.S. E&O Insurance

DO YOU CARRY WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE? Any inspector you hire may injure themselves. Get proof of workman’s compensation insurance otherwise you may be liable for a lifetime of lost wages. A fall off a roof may end a career and start a lifetime of debt for you. The risk is simply too great. Have the inspector email you proof of their Workman’s Comp insurance protecting themselves & you. View Inspections by P.R.O.S. Workman’s Comp Insurance

DO YOU HAVE GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE? A real life example: Agent leaves the inspection after the 1st hour. Inspector and Buyer leave forgetting to shut off water filling the upstairs tub. Two days later the owner returns to find water cascading from the 2nd floor and damages of $80,000+. Who pays for this damage? Is your inspector one of the 90% not insured? Ask for a certificate. View Inspections by P.R.O.S. Liability Insurance

ARE YOU BONDED? AND HAD A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK? A diamond ring and expensive watch turn up missing after your inspection. The owner calls and asks: “Who will pay for my watch and ring?” Real Estate Agents have a background check by the state as a requirement for their license. Home Inspectors have NO LICENSE, no background check. Confirm your inspector has passed a criminal background check and is bonded. View Inspections by P.R.O.S. Background Check and Bonding

8. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR INSPECTION REPORT?  Is your report computer generated?  Is the final report delivered at the inspection not some days later?  Are there photos for clarification?

YOU EXPECT EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. It starts with a professionally trained scheduling person available 7 days per week.

Excellent service continues through the inspection with an inspector who has the communication skills, technical training and experience to give you the peace of mind that you will avoid the “Money Pit”.

Great customer service does not end at the inspection it continues afterward with one year follow up with “Home Tips” support. Make sure you inspection company are committed professionals who will provide you with Heroic Service!

Call Today! 734-483-3400 or 800-638-7470

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