When it’s time to hire a home inspector, where do you start? Sure, you could just Google “home inspectors in my area”, but that still gives you a lot of options to sift through. How can you tell who will be able to get the job done right? Here are some green flags to look for when choosing a home inspector:
They’re licensed and certified
Being licensed isn’t just a green flag– in the state of New York, it’s mandatory. Licensing is a guarantee that your home inspector has completed a certain amount of education and on-the-job training, so by the time they’re looking at your house, they’ll already have hundreds of hours of experience informing them.
Most home inspectors’ websites will be upfront about their licenses and credentials, but if you’re not sure, you can always contact them to ask! Look for qualifications from organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). As a personal example, I’m a licensed New York State home inspector, accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) certified by InterNACHI, and a member of Metropolitan Association of Home Inspectors (MAHI) as well.
They have positive reviews
Some home inspectors, myself included, have publicly available reviews on their business sites or other sites like Yelp or Google Reviews. If a home inspector has had other happy customers in the past, odds are better that you’ll have a good experience, too.
One or two negative reviews aren’t necessarily a red flag, but pay attention to how the inspector has responded. Are they patient and professional with people who have had issues? If so, that red flag of a one-star review can turn green again.
They let you ask questions before you start working together
A home inspector who truly cares about getting the job done right won’t have a problem with fielding questions about their services before a client commits. They should at least be willing to answer the basics, like what cost you can expect and what their services cover. Some inspectors can even provide a sample report to give you a better idea of what to expect.
You may also want to ask how long they’ve been inspecting for. Everyone has to start somewhere, and even the most newly licensed inspectors have had hundreds of hours of training, but knowing someone has been in business for a long time (in my case, over 10 years!) can bring you extra peace of mind.
They’re upfront with what they CAN’T do
This isn’t a matter of ability, but rather a matter of legal certification. Just like home inspectors have to have certain credentials to practice, so do professionals who handle things like pest control or testing for toxic materials. A good home inspector will be upfront with you if there’s some aspect of your ideal inspection that they can’t help with.
For example, I’m licensed to inspect a home for termites, but not for licensed asbestos testing. Even if one inspector can’t do everything you want, the good news is they probably have a referral for someone who can fill in the gaps.
They have access to advanced inspection technology
Technology has changed almost every job over time, and home inspection is no exception. Yes, we can use our expertise and our eyes to notice some issues, but there are certain tools that can help us uncover problems that may be a little more hidden. In my own inspections, I use a drone to help get a closer look at your roof, as well as a moisture meter and thermal imaging camera to gather the most accurate possible insights into your home’s condition. Consider adding “what technology do you use?” to your list of questions to ask a potential inspector.
Ultimately, what makes a home inspector the right one is up to you, but knowing the basic green flags can help you make a more informed decision. And if you’re looking for a home inspector on Long Island who checks all these boxes, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
