CHOOSING

Our recommendation is that you contract with an
inspector who has extensive experience inspecting
homes in your area which are similar in age and
construction to the home you are considering and
one who is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) and
Certified Member of the American Society of Home
Inspectors (ASHI)Ž.

The Professional Engineer's training and experience assure the
ability to evaluate unusual conditions not covered in brief training
programs. A Professional Engineer who is well-versed in all aspects
of structural and mechanical components of the building can
recognize clues that signal unseen problems. Because the inspection
is normally based only on visible evidence, the inspector must have
the best training and experience available. By law, in practically all
states, a Registered Professional Engineer is the only one who can
legally render an opinion on the structural stability of an existing
building.

To obtain a state license to practice professional engineering, an
individual must satisfy at least the following requirements:

1. Four years of college level engineering education.

2. Four years of professional engineering experience.

3. Sixteen hours of successful completion of examination
administered by the State Board.

Some inspectors advertise the fact that they are "Licensed
Contractors" as a qualification. In Washington, and many other
states, the only requirement for becoming a licensed contactor is
proof of insurance and a bond and this licensing process takes
about 20 minutes. There is absolutely no requirement for training,
experience or proof of competency to get a contractor license.
Washington State law does require that home inspectors be
licensed. Verify that any home inspector you are considering
meets the law by checking the list (click here). (Select "Licensed
Home Inspector" at 'License Type' then enter the last name or
county)

Many inspectors who are not ASHI Members advertise that their
inspections are "conducted according to the Standards of Practice
and Code of Ethics of ASHI". This is an attempt to mislead and
deceive consumers that these inspectors have some connection
to ASHI, whereas, they have not qualified themselves to be
members. ASHI qualifications are based upon experience and
educational requirements. ASHI Members are required to pass a
very difficult and comprehensive exam, have completed a
minimum 250 fee paid inspections and must provide proof of
annual continuing education to remain members. Check at
ashi.org to verify that the inspector you are considering is actually
a member.

Most referrals are from Realtors, Attorneys and from word of mouth.
Ask for an inspector who will look carefully at the home you are
considering and will focus on your concerns. Talk to the inspector
personally and ask about his past experience and how long he has
been doing inspections. Ask about the scope of the inspection, the
format of the report (whether a handwritten checklist or a
professionally prepared narrative report) and if the inspector follows
published Standards of Practice, such as those published by ASHI.
Some agents will not refer inspectors who they feel are "too picky" or
"deal breakers". There is no such thing as "too picky" when you are
spending a huge sum on such an important purchase. You deserve to
have all the information about the house so you can make an informed
decision. The inspection is for your benefit, not to make life easier for
the agent by not providing all the details. We believe you have the
intelligence to decide which items are a concern to you, once you
know all there is to know about the home. Ask if you can attend the
inspection and if the inspector is free of any repair or real estate
connections which might pose a conflict of interest. Finally, ask if the
inspector will provide a warranty or guarantee on the accuracy of his
services (we do).