Q&A When Hiring An Inspector
TOP 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN HIRING A HOME INSPECTOR….
Do you guarantee your work?
At Alpha Inspection we offer a 200% guarantee. This means if you don’t believe you received a thorough and honest inspection we will return the inspection fee and pay (up to the same amount) for an inspector of your choice to inspect the home.
Do you walk the roof, enter crawl spaces and attics?
In Mississippi the standards and practices require an inspector to “look” at the roof – but does not require them to walk on the roof. They do have to include in the report how they inspected the roof. Alpha Inspection walks the roof whenever possible. If the roof would be damaged or it is an unsafe condition for roof walking the inspectors put ladders up in various locations around the roof to get the best possible view.
Crawl spaces and attics are areas where structural information can be obtained. Be sure your inspector will actually go under the house or through the attic. Again, looking in is all that is required. And once again – Alpha goes as far as physically and safely possible in these two areas.
What type of follow up do you offer?
You want to be sure your inspector’s available to answer questions directly after the inspection and even further down the road. Alpha Inspection wants to be your personal building consultant for life. Calls are welcomed a week, month, six months, year and even years later. We really do have people who call back a year later with questions about their home – not the inspection but just things going on in their home. Wouldn’t it be great to have a place to get answers without having to pay – just to find out who you really need to call? All our phone consultations are free. This has been estimated at a value of at least $250 a year. We also offer this service to agents. You can call about your own home or one you are listing. Sometimes you just need an answer.
What is your professional training and background?
When choosing an inspector you want to know where they received their training. There are several great schools throughout the country and of course a number of correspondence courses. You want an inspector who had some hands on training and hopefully even a background in construction. Charlie Sessums, the lead inspector at Alpha Inspection has a background in both commercial and residential construction. All our other inspectors have been through a hands on training systems and direct training from Charlie.
Am I allowed to attend the inspection?
This is a very important question to ask. You want to be at the inspection if your schedule will allow. The inspection should be more than a check list of items to consider when buying a house. The inspection should be a time to learn about your new home. As an educated home owner you will help systems to last longer and work more efficiently. At Alpha Inspection we encourage you to come to the whole inspection.
Are you a member of any professional organizations?
This is an important question because professional organizations provide a great support system and they usually require additional continuing education. As a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors referred to as ASHI have a great support system and are required to obtain twice as many continuing education hours as we do for the state.
Are you licensed? For new construction?
In Mississippi all inspectors must be licensed and insured. If you are building a new home your inspector must have a “new home” license. In essence this means he has a builder’s license too. The inspectors at Alpha Inspection are licensed, insured and licensed for new construction.
What are your office hours—when can I call with questions?
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to call with a question or concern and not being able to reach anyone. Often questions arise after hours, when you’re done with your work day and can finally sit down and think about your new home. So, our phones are answered! We answer our phones from 7am until 10pm. You are always welcome to call with questions.
How quickly can you fit me in the schedule?
When you are buying a home you may find you have a tight time line for scheduling a home inspection. Usually your agreement with the sellers will say “7 – 10 days”. Alpha Inspection has more than one inspector to try to accommodate your needs. When necessary we will inspect after 5pm or on Saturday.
Where can I get more information about your company?
Look into the company before you choose. Check out their web site, look on Angie’s page (a nation wide service giving feedback directly from the consumers) or ask for referrals. You can find information about us on Angie’s page. We will provide referrals to prospective clients.
P.S. One additional question you might want to ask…. Do you take credit cards? We accept both Visa and Mastercard.
If you’re Looking for an inspector you may want to view a sample report.
For comments and thoughts of past clients and agents visit our Rave Reviews page.
