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 One of the most important things you can do during the home buying process is to get your home inspected!  The home inspection is cheap insurance and the only way to make sure you are not buying a lemon.  Here is a short list of questions to ask your inspector before you hire them. 

1. Are you licensed with the state?
   This is a new requirement for home inspectors, beginning September 1^st of 2009.  All home inspectors in Washington state must be licensed. 
2. What does your inspection cover?
   For houses, townhomes, and multi-family buildings, your inspection should cover the exterior of the building, siding, windows, roof, and foundation.  The inspector may inspect any outbuildings, such as garages, studios, and any other structure on the property.  The interior inspection should cover plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and structural elements.  I like to see inspectors with moisture meters to check for water intrusion behind walls and under tile as well. 
3. How long have you been in the business?
   I would suggest asking how many homes per year along with how many years the inspector has been in the business. 
4. How long will it take?
   An inspection for a single family house should take between two to three hours.  A condominium inspection will take somewhere between one to two hours.             
5. How much will it cost?
   An inspection for a single family house or townhouse should cost somewhere between three and five hundred dollars.  Condominiums will be less.  Some inspectors will base their rate on the square footage of the home.
6. What kind of report will I get, and when will I receive it?
   I like to see inspectors that do their reports electronically.  The best inspection reports will have photos of any items in question, with a detailed explanation, along with a suggested remedy.  I like the electronic reports because then the inspector can email them to both the client and the agent right away.

I have heard a lot of inspectors say that a buyer should not trust the inspector that the agent recommends.  I think that if you cannot trust your agent, you should not be working with that person.  Choose wisely, on both counts.  A good inspection will save you money during the purchase, and also save you money during the time you own the house. 

Happy house hunting!

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