Not all home inspectors are created equally! The abilities and knowledge of home inspectors vary widely; choose carefully to get the best home inspection possible. The key is to ask about the qualifications, background, and experience of your inspector.

Oh yes, then there's the question of pricing... Remember the old adage, "you get what you pay for"? Consider this statement instead: you may not always get what you pay for, but you never get what you don't pay for! When choosing a home inspection company, the cost of quality is soon forgotten, while the cost of a cheap choice may linger forever.

In comparison to the price of your family's home, the price of a QUALITY home inspection will be the best money you ever spend!

Consider these questions carefully before choosing a home inspector:

• Does the inspector come from a construction background?
  It's great that your inspector is a nice person, but what did they do before inspecting homes? Do they bring a wealth of knowledge about the construction trades, building, or remodeling? Or were they a hairdresser in a previous life? We're definitely not picking on hairdressers - but that occupation certainly doesn't have anything to do with inspecting a house. All HomePro inspectors have a strong background in construction, with an emphasis on resisdential construction. Each inspector goes through an extensive training process, and must complete many hours of continuing education each year. There are no one-day inspectors at HomePro!
  
  
• Is the inspector a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)?
  This is critical! ASHI is the oldest, largest, and most respected organization for home inspectors in the country. They also maintain the highest standards and ethics for home inspectors. If your inspector is ASHI Certified, you can be sure that they have passed rigorous testing (The National Home Inspectors Exam), and they have completed all training and administrative requirements for membership, which are extensive. You can even verify membership status at www.ASHI.org. The inspector may be a member of other organizations, but none have requirements as strict as ASHI. And don't be fooled by those companies who claim to inspect to "ASHI standards" - if they aren't a bona fide ASHI member, find another inspector. HomePro makes this one simple - ALL HomePro inspectors are ASHI members!
  
  
• How long has the inspector been in the inspection business, and how many inspections has he performed during this time?
  Longevity gives comfort that the inspector will be with you in the future as new needs and issues arise. But if he's only done 12 inspections during his several years in business, that's not good! Your home buying decision is far too important to be a practice place for a part-time inspector. HomePro Inspections have been serving and satisfying customers in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia since 1994, completing over 25,000 home inspections!
  
  
• Will your inspector walk on the roof, crawl in the crawlspace, go into the basement, and climb into the attic space (if applicable)?
  Your inspector should be capable of going and willing to go into the places that must be seen to best protect the customer. There are times when those locations cannot be completely inspected due to physical risk to the inspector, risk to the equipment, or seasonal limitations. But for the inspector to not inspect those locations because he doesn't want to, is scared of the dark, or is too ample to fit into those spaces is unacceptable. For our customers, HomePro inspectors go places where others fear to tread!
  
  
• Does the inspector utilize the latest in high-tech equipment during the course of every inspection?
  At a minimum, your home inspector should use temperature sensors, moisture meters, and infrared cameras during your inspection. However, some inspectors try to upsell the use of this type of equipment instead of making it a standard part of each service they perform. HomePro Inspections not only uses the latest equipment, but we include an infrared scan as a part of each home inspection, integrated into the final report. And we're tireless in our yearly training so that you always have the latest information available!
  
  
• Does the completed report include photographs?
  Often, the report will contain descriptions of damage or defect in locations of the home that only the inspector was able to access, like roof-tops or crawl spaces. You will want pictures of these areas to make your understanding of the scope and location of the damage clear. It also makes repairs simpler to get estimated when a photograph is available. HomePro Inspections includes photographs as a standard part of each home inspection!
  
  
• When will the completed report be delivered, and can it be emailed?
  Often the buying decision is time critical, you want to be sure you will receive your completed report in time to read, review, and respond. The best companies can deliver the report to you on-site, right at the home, just as the inspection is completed. Some inspection companies make you wait for days for your report, but HomePro Inspections delivers your report on-site, complete at the end of the inspection. Each home inspection report comes in the HomeBook, which becomes a valuable, long-term owner’s manual for your home!
  
  
• Will the inspector allow you as the client to attend the inspection?
  There is no substitute for the complete inspection experience; the report generated is only a small piece of the inspection. When you attend the inspection, see the process, ask questions, and become educated about your home, you'll gain great comfort and confidence in your buying decision. HomePro Inspections ENCOURAGES all customers to come along on the inspection, and bring anyone extra they choose. We'll go through the home with you, explaining everything in detail, answering all of your questions, and making sure you understand each item!
  
  
• Does your inspector have experience in homes similar to the home you are having inspected?
  All homes have some systems and features in common, but a brand new home has risks and issues that differ from an historic beauty from the year 1855. Only someone who has walked the walk and crawled the crawl numerous times in similar homes can sleuth out those important items that are specific to your age, size, and type of home. Training and experience give HomePro inspectors insight about houses similar to yours, so they know what to look for and can readily compare your house and its systems with other houses of similar age and construction!
  
  
• Does the inspector hold the appropriate license and meet all requirements for home inspectors in your area or state, and where can you go to verify this license?
  This question may not be applicable in all states - there are states without licensing requirements for home inspectors (for instance, here in Florida, there is currently no state regulation of home inspectors). But if your state has some kind of requirements, you need to know what they are, and where you can go to verify that your chosen inspector has done what it takes to be state-compliant. Verification is essential, because many states have the capability to track continuing education of the inspector as well as complaints. While home inspector licensing is not currently an issue in Florida, HomePro Inspections strives to always do what is right!

HomePro Inspections would love to be your inspection company!
Call now to schedule your inspection with us! 904-268-8211