7 Fundamental Rules Every Home Buyer and Seller Needs to Know When Selecting a Home Inspection Service

Many "home inspectors" -- whether hired through real estate agents or the home buyer -- don't really perform a complete inspection at all, but rather what's known as a "warrantee evaluation." Understanding the difference between the two is critical.

A warrantee evaluation only cover the basic elements protected by the home warranty, such as the heating/air conditioning system and other built-in mechanical systems. It does not cover all visible pre-existing conditions that might exist throughout the home. This type of evaluation usually takes under an hour to complete.

A real home inspection, however, consists of a full 500-point evaluation of virtually every system and component of the home, including major appliances and overall structural conditions. Plus, it includes a 'no pre-existing condition" warranty that protects both the buyer and the seller against inspection oversights and omissions. This type of inspection usually takes about three hours to complete.

2 Do You Employ Only Certified Home Inspectors?

When selecting a home inspection service, it is extremely important to ask whether your inspector is certified. Your should also ask what type of training certification they have, and if they are members in good standing of one or more nationally recognized organizations such as ISHI, NACHI or ASHI.

Always look for a home inspection service whose technicians have received PHI (Professional Home Inspector) and CHI (Certified Home Inspector) titles. This insures that the people inspecting the home are backed by a national warranty company, and that they participate in advanced, ongoing training and certification processes.

3 Do Your Inspections Include an Examination of the Building's Foundation?

The foundation of a home is the most important element of its stability and integrity, which is why it may surprise you that most inspection services do not survey its condition at all. Make sure that your home inspection service includes a foundation level survey to check for unusual settling problems that could later cost you thousands of dollars to repair.

4 Do You Check the Heating Exchanger?

Another critical element of a home which many inspection services completely overlook is the heating exchange, which is the single most important functioning part of a gas heat system. An aging or ill-repaired exchange system can release deadly carbon monoxide into your home with tragic consequences. Your inspection service should offer a complete inspection of this system, included in the price.

Most home inspection services will go through your home and, based on a simple, visual inspection, give you their opinions on what components need attention. But once you sign off on the inspection report, you are 100% on your own regarding what to do with those opinions, and the inspection service has no further responsibility (or liability). The best home inspections services stand behind their work with a 90-day or 120-day ironclad guarantee that states "if we don't report a problem, we repair the problem."

A common practice of the home inspection industry is performing a visual inspection, then, if a possible problem exists, recommending a further evaluation from a specialist (e.g., electrician, plumber, etc.). This means added time, expense and headaches for both the home buyer an the seller. A well-trained and certified home inspector, however, has the depth of knowledge in all components of a home to provide what's known a a "no-further-evaluation guarantee." This means that if the inspector cannot positively identify a component problem right there on the spot, he will pay for the specialist's further evaluation.*

7 Do You Offer Sellers a "Certified Pre-Owned Home Program?

Contrary to what some believe, a home inspection can be beneficial to both the buyer and the seller. A comprehensive inspection conducted and fully warranted before the house is listed gives the seller a more immediately saleable property and enables the buyer to make a decision with greater confidence. If you are a seller, ask your home inspection service if they have an established "Certified Pre-Owned" program.

Why Choose A-Pro?

Established in 1994 by veteran home inspection experts, A-PRO is now among the fastest-growing inspection services in the country, serving thousands of homeowners and real estate agents nationwide. We were founded on a simple principle: deliver professional, complete and accurate inspections that exceed national standards, and make the process fast and easy for both buyer and seller.

When you put your trust in an ISHI-certified, A-PRO professional, you're guaranteed a prompt, courteous, 500-point inspection, including complete structural, roof, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and appliance reports, plus a foundation level survey. Ask your inspector for a copy of ISHI's Inspector Standards of Practice and compare them to any other association in the country.

What's more, we stand 100% behind our work with a 120-day inspection guarantee that states, very simply, "If we don't report it, we repair it." This guarantee provides the seller, buyer and real estate agent with the confidence to proceed with the transaction and peace of mind. And in case further evaluation of the home is needed, our technicians will perform the work at not additional charge*. That's the A-PRO "All-In-One" guarantee.

A-PRO professionals do not benefit financially from the sale of any home, nor the repair of any of it's components. That means you're assured of an honest, impartial assessment with no strings attached. All of our inspectors are highly trained, fully certified and insured.

Simply, put, an A-PRO Inspection means total protection. Call us today for more information or a free estimate on your next home inspection.