What to look for when choosing a home inspection company!

Climb up on the roof¹, crawl through the attic and crawl space, open the electrical panel, check the furnace heat exchanger, look for wood borers and rot, check for toxic substances, operate all the appliances and equipment and report on basement water leakage evidence

Put your property into perspective by comparing it with its peers (i.e., homes of similar vintage, material usage, intent)?

Summarize the major points of concern and the significant qualities of the property?

Does the company know it is supposed to work for you and not your Realtor?  

Many home inspectors are so DEPENDENT on referrals from Realtors that they "under report" or do not fully disclose the significance of the problems found in the home.  After you buy the home and move in you get to find out for your self! 

Does the owner of the company perform the inspection?

Identify potential remodeling problems, such as materials containing asbestos; electrical systems which cannot be expanded to accommodate a new kitchen; and old galvanized plumbing supply pipes which will not deliver an adequate supply of water or may leak?

Inform you about amateur workmanship or substandard maintenance, or advise when to consult an expert to look more closely at suspected problem areas?

Detail the maintenance for all the components of the home?

Does the inspector teach the 300 hour classes that home inspectors are required to take?

Unlined fireplace flues

Aluminum general lighting circuitry

Un-vented gas space heaters

Toxic substances like asbestos

Inadequate combustion air or clearances to heating equipment

Recessed and overheating light fixtures buried in attic insulation

Inadequate insulation

Overextended electrical systems

Un-tempered glass shower doors.

Restrictive ventilation in attics and crawl spaces.

Wood close to earth, increasing the risk of wood borer and rot damage.

Evidence of previous termite treatments.