Consider This

Idaho State does not license home inspectors and does not have any standards regarding what is covered in home inspections. Anyone can show up with a flashlight and a clipboard and claim to be a home inspector but how do you know they are qualified to give you complete information about your home?

Here are several tips to help you select a competent inspector:

Hire a certified ASHI inspector that is held accountable to the ASHI® Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

The American Society of Home Inspectors requires its members and associates to adhere to their Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, the highest standards in the industry. These provide a uniform level to which inspections are conducted and ensure a professional, unbiased report. Don’t be fooled by inspectors that say they inspect to ASHI® Standards because if they are not an ASHI® certified inspector, no one is holding them accountable to this. Click here for more information about ASHI.

You usually get what you pay for.

Trying to save $50 or $100 on an inspection doesn’t make sense when you are trying to get the most thorough information possible on the biggest investment of your life. A cheap inspector will either cut corners on the inspection or give you an inferior report. You want to protect your investment by getting the best inspection possible by the best qualified inspector.

Find out what others have said about their service.

Does the inspector offer testimonials from past clients?  Click here to see Peak testimonials.

Ask to see a sample report.

Many inspectors use a form of generic checklist style report which can be confusing to understand. You have to navigate through little boxes to find the information pertaining to your house. Look for an inspector that uses a custom narrative report that is written layman’s terms so you understand what is described. A high-quality report should also include photos to help you understand the issues the inspector is addressing. A good inspector will be happy to provide a sample of their report.  Click here to see our sample report

Make sure the inspector has good Errors and Omissions Insurance.

This insurance provides coverage to the client in the event something is overlooked in an inspection.

Ask the inspector what requirements they meet for continuing education.

What does the potential inspector do to keep current with changing equipment and building practices? Continuing education is vital for inspectors to be effective in diagnosing the condition of the hundreds of items we inspect. Again, Idaho has no regulations for home inspectors – who holds the inspector accountable for their continuing education?

How does the inspector demonstrate their knowledge of home inspection issues?

Without licensing in Idaho, how can you be sure your inspector has the ability to perform a thorough inspection and provide an accurate reporting of the home’s condition? The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) is a 200 question exam required of inspectors in over 20 states for licensing. Ask your inspector if they have passed the NHIE. It is confirmation that your inspector has an understanding of the many elements in a home and the means to communicate the findings.