Finding a trusted home inspector can be tricky business. While some states require home inspectors to be licensed, Michigan does not have any home inspection requirements. What does this mean for you?

• Anyone can claim to be a home inspector, even without proper training.
• Home inspectors don’t have to follow a checklist, which could lead to an incomplete inspection.
• Some unqualified home inspectors have been known to report major problems – such as a broken furnace – when there are none.
• Careless inspection practices can cause unnecessary damage to property.

That said, it’s still a good idea to hire a home inspector before purchasing a house (99% of realtors agree). To avoid the nightmares that unqualified home inspectors can bring, be sure to do your research and hire a proper professional.

Here are the top five things to look for in a qualified home inspector:

1. InterNACHI or ASHI certified. These are the only two nationally trusted certifications in the US. Choosing a certified home inspector will ensure consistency and quality.
2. Non-judgmental. It is not the place of a home inspector to judge the life expectancy of any house components. A home inspector’s job is to inspect and report on the current conditions, and they are not trained to determine lifespans of roofs, furnaces, etc. If your home inspector is InterNACHI certified, you can rest assured the information you’ll receive is accurate and doesn’t overreach the expertise of the inspector.
3. Stays Neutral. The purpose of hiring a home inspector is to provide a neutral third party to determine the state of the property and allow you to make an informed decision. If your home inspector advises you on whether to purchase, they are overstepping their role and violating InterNACHI standards of practice.
4. Accessible. You have enough going on as a buyer or homeowner without having to chase down your home inspector. Choosing a home inspector who makes it easy to schedule and communicates clearly and promptly will make your life and the home buying process far easier and more enjoyable.
5. Provides a thorough, easy to read report. All home inspectors should give you a written report of their findings, complete with photos. But if you don’t understand what the report says, it’s not very useful, is it? Find a home inspector who provides easy to read reports. Bonus if they’re willing to sit down with you to discuss it!

Now that you what to look for – and what to avoid – when hiring a home inspector in Upper Michigan, finding the right man for the job just got a lot easier. Call Rich at (906) 360-3879 to schedule your inspection today.

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