Getting the Right Inspector

Home inspectors are not required to be licensed in the state of California and there is no governing agency. What this means to you is, buyer beware. Most home inspectors belong to home inspection associations, such as; AII (American Institute of Inspectors), CREIA (California Real Estate Inspection Association), ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), and NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors). You want to confirm that your home inspector is an credentialed member of one of the associations. Each home inspection association has their own standards of practice and code of ethics; it is in your best interest to review these documents. You want to confirm that your home inspector follows these rules and regulations set forth by the home inspection association. You also want to confirm that the home inspector in question is the one that will be performing the inspection on your home. Some home inspection companies have multiple inspectors with a range of education and experience. Last but not least, you want to confirm that your home inspector holds the appropriate E&O insurance (errors and omissions) this will cover you if the home inspector makes a mistake that is detrimental to the value of the home. He/she should also have General Liability insurance in case an accident should happen during the inspection.