• Introduction
• Ask for proof
• The inspection report
• Costs
• Download the article as a

Ask for proof

At present, anyone who wants to call himself or herself a home inspector can print up some cards, hang out a sign and go to it. They may have never studied the building codes, may have no certification from the organizations responsible for developing the codes and may have no insurance to protect you from their possible errors.

Ask for proof of liability and “errors and omissions” insurance. Ask to see a current certificate from the authorizing body (look for the “CABO,” “ICC’” or “SBCCI” initials designating one of the recognized code organizations) documenting that the inspector has passed all required tests and has complied with the continuing education requirements. Find out if your prospective home inspector is a member of a professional association such as North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association (www.nclhia.com)