Finding a Reputable Home Inspection Agency

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A recent story from KAAL-TV in Austin, Texas caught our attention.
Angie's List: Finding a Reputable Home Inspector (ABC 6 NEWS) -- A recent Angie's List poll finds that more than half of people who built a home during the housing boom later found problems with it.
 A home inspector is always a wise decision when buying a house, but you may be surprised to hear it may be especially important when buying a home built between 1999 and 2007.
 "During the housing boom, houses were going up fast and furious. So fast that code inspectors were having trouble keeping up with the housing," said Angie Hicks of Angie's List.
It’s disturbing to think that so many housing inspections went so wrong. The best way to prevent this from happening to you is by making sure whatever home inspection agency you work with can be trusted and has a reputation for quality work. How?
  • Check their credentials: Make sure they are licensed, insured and bonded. See if they are a member of a professional group, and how much experience in the industry they have. Make sure they comply with all local and state laws, regulations and procedures.
  • Make a list, check it twice: Call the qualified inspection agencies in your area and call them. See how each conducts their inspections, their rates and how long they take.
  • Ask about reports: What kind of report will you receive after the job is done? Will it include photos of potential future issues?
  • Screen their phone manner: Is the inspector’s phone manner one that is courteous or are they rushing you? If the latter, then this might extend to the inspection.
  • Get references: Obtain three references, and call these folks. It’s great to make sure they had a good experience, and whether they would use the company in the future.
Choosing a home inspection agency shouldn’t be just calling the first listing in the Yellow Pages. Checking around will help you avoid unscrupulous inspectors who are only after your money.

AmeriSpec Home Inspection is a Twin Cities MN home inspection agency. 

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