Subject: How to Hire a Home Inspector

We all know home inspection is important. However, the inspection is only as good as the inspector. Here are some questions that should be asked before hiring an inspector — and every inspector should be prepared to answer!

 -What standards of practice does the inspector follow?

-How much experience do you have as a home inspector? What is your construction-related experience?

-Are you specifically qualified to do residential inspections?

-Does your company offer to make repairs or improvements based on the inspection? (Careful! A "yes" answer here may indicate a conflict of interest.)

-How long will the inspection take? (This should depend on the size of the home. An average residential inspection should take two to three hours.)

-What is included in the inspection specifically? (Take note of what isn’t included, too.)

-How much will the inspection cost? (The cheapest inspection is not necessarily the best!)

-Will you supply a written report? (If not, look elsewhere.)

-Do you recommend that the client attend the inspection? (This should be another yes answer. The whole point is learning as much as you can about your property, right?)

-Do you take classes and participate in other continuing learning programs to make sure your expertise is up to date?

Also, ask for references — and check them. The best way to learn about what an inspector will do for a customer is to talk to one –– or more –– of them.

SkyLights

Homeowner Question: Can you give a perspective on the bad stories passed
on about skylights?
 

Our Answer :
Skylights can be a beautiful and enjoyable upgrade to any home – as long as they function properly. Unfortunately, if a skylight is improperly installed, it can leak and led to damage to the area of installation as well as to the room.
If it doesn’t come
complete with a manufactured or site-built curb, the skylight will probably cause headaches. The curb – which is an elevated frame for the light – should include proper step and counter flashings. Its size will depend upon the type and slope of the roof. For example, a flat roof will use an 8 inch curb, while a roof with a steep slope may require a 4 inch curb. Homeowners should determine the requirements of their own home before attempting to install skylights.

 

 

This newsletter contains basic information on the home and general topics of interest. Due to the variations in homes, individual recommendations require a comprehensive evaluation. To reprint any article in this newsletter, please contact our office. © 1996-2001. All rights reserved.(ISSO01)

 

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