The following ten questions are taken from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.  (http://www.hud.gov/)  HPI's responses are listed under each item.

Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

1. What does your inspection cover?

The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.

HPI Response:  We follow the CREIA Standards of Practice, which are included on this website, and our procedures are also explained on our "Services" page.

2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?

The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.

HPI Response:  Bob has been inspecting for nine years, and in construction since 1971.

3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?

Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.

HPI Response:  We have done thousands of inspections and we attend clinics, classroom learning, and seminars on a regular basis.  Bob holds several certifications and a California contractor's license.

4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?

Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest.  

HPI Response:  The CREIA Code of Ethics considers it a conflict of interest and a compromise of integrity for an inspector to perform or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs to a structure on which the inspector, or the inspector's company, has prepared a home inspection report in the past 12 months. 

In the opinion of HPI, an inspector who makes repairs on properties he has inspected has an incentive to find defects that need repair.  In other words, the more repairs he can find with a home, the more money he makes.  A CREIA inspector does not face that dilemma.  He receives the same fee whether he finds two defects or twenty.  So the client is assured of a "fair" inspection, and need not worry about an inspector who stands to gain by finding repairs in a home. Bob is a licensed California contractor, but in the interest of best serving his clients he chooses to abide by the CREIA Code of Ethics, and not perform repairs on properties he inspects.     

5. How long will the inspection take?

The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings.

HPI Response:  The time spent on a property inspection varies because of size of the structure, condition of the property, and the components of the home. 

6. How much will it cost?

Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. A typical range might be $300-$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. HUD Does not regulate home inspection fees.

HPI Response:  Condominium fees start at $350, please call for a quote.

7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.

HPI Response:  Our reports are narrative in style, included photographs, and are available within 24 hours of the inspection.  Sample pages are available upon request.  

8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?

This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.

HPI Response:  Clients are always welcome.  We recommend they arrive around 1½ hours into the inspection.

9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?

There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.

HPI Response:  Bob is certified by CREIA, ICC, F.I.R.E., he holds a California Contractor's License #420315, and carries documentation at all times.  

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

HPI Response:  Over the years, Bob has attended hundreds of hours of conferences, seminars, and classroom study on property inspections and the home.  This year Bob has attended over 100 hours of inspecting related classes including the ITA manufactured housing class, the 3-day Pool Industry Conference, the CBPCA six-day seminar on Green Building, the PG&E Basics of Photovoltaic Electrical Systems, and the PG&E Solar Water Heater Systems class.  At HPI we are very committed to continuing education.