Choosing a Home Inspector Besides cost, there are a number of things to consider when choosing a Home Inspector to inspect your new home. Most people that call the office usually ask only one question! "How much do you charge for a home inspection?" Though this is a pertinent question when seeking a home inspection, it should not be your only concern. Many homebuyers do not know what else to ask. Since this person will be inspecting the most valuable possession you may ever possibly purchase, here are a few ideas along with a list of questions you should consider when calling about a home inspection. Although some real estate agents offer their clients a short list of in house home inspectors that have good reputations and are recommended regularly, be wary of agents that try to suggest one inspector in particular as there may be personal reasons behind this such as the inspector working closely with the agent and will be willing to overlook some issues in order to keep getting referrals. This conflict of interest is quite common and has spawned many law suites involving home buyers suing Home Inspectors and Realtors claiming defects in the home were overlooked. The following is a list of questions you may want to consider asking when seeking a home inspection for your new property: 1.What are your qualifications? We arelicensed by the State of New York,Certified by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors,Certified by the National Environmental Health Associationto provide Radon measurements,Graduates of the Building Performance Institute,Graduates of the New York School of Home Inspection and Construction,fully insuredand have25+ years hands on experiencein the building trades. In Vermont there are no requirements or qualifications to becoming a home inspector. Likewise there are no requirements to carry insurance. 2.Can you provide references? Inspectors should be able to provide you with references if you request. We have atestimonial pageon our website and can provide many more if requested. 3.What types of reports do you produce? The top home inspectors in today's business don't produce handwritten reports. A professional inspector will provide a comprehensive computer generated report. The report should include full-color digital photos of the issues discovered during the course of the inspection. The average report should contain 70-90 photos. The report should also provide you with "Summary Pages" with specific categories like Major Concerns and Safety Issues. We also report the positive attributes of the home as well. We spend a significant amount of time in the office reviewing the photos and notes to make sure nothing is overlooked. Your best interest is our first priority. 3.What do you inspect? We inspect the following. Don't settle for less. Roof, vents, flashings, and trim Gutters, downspout and extensions Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations Decks, stops, porches, walkways and railings Eaves, soffits and fascias Exterior doors, windows and siding Lot, grading and drainage Foundation, basement and crawl space Water penetration and foundation movement Heating systems Cooling systems Water heating systems Interior plumbing fixtures and facets Interior doors, windows and floors Insulation and ventilation Electrical panels, breakers and fuses Grounding and bonding GFCI's and AFCI's Fireplace doors, damper and hearth Sump pumps with accessible float Garage doors, safety sensors and openers AND SO MUCH MORE  Our Reports Exceed the Standards State of The Art Testing Equipment Round the Clock Scheduling Computer Generated Reports with Photos Courteous and Knowledgeable 5.Do you get on the roof during the inspection? Believe it or not, not all inspectors will get on the roof, most don't. Some inspectors will up to a certain height. Weather permitting we get on every roof. 6.How much do you charge? There is no such thing as a good, cheap inspector. The money you save on the "cheap" inspector may cost you $1000s in the future. Not all inspectors are the same by any means. As with most things "you get what you pay for ...read more

FIVE THINGS YOU MUST KNOW  TO AVOID HIRING THE WRONG HOME INSPECTOR   1. GET A HOME INSPECTION FROM THE OWNER OF THE COMPANY:Nobody works harder for the client than the owner of the company!  The success  of the business depends on exceeding your expectations for quality and professionalism each and every time and you just don't get that level of service from "employee inspectors!"  So be sure to get an inspection from the owner of the company because he has a vested interest in insuring your Total Satisfaction! 2.  EXPERENCEIt takes a full time inspector at least 100 inspections to develope the eyes, ears and the nose for hunting down proplems.  Part time home inspectors simply don't have the time in the field to develop that radar.  A quality full time home inspector conducts between 200 and 400 inspections annually- part time inspectors conduct 50 to 100 annually3.  EDUCATION&TRAINING:Being a contractor is very different from being a Professional Home Inspector.  Home inspectors are responsible for evaluating all of the systems and componets of the home--not just one aspect like the framing or the foundation.  To be able to provide a competent evaluation of all these elements takes formal education and training.  New York State requires inspectors to complete 24 hour of continuing education every two years.  Cramer Home Inspection Group completes close to 75 hours of continuing education EVERY year.4. THE INSPECTION REPORT:The top home inspectors in todays business dont produce handwritten reports.  A professional inspector will provide a comprehensive, computer generated report with digital photos.  The report should provide a Summary page with specific categories like defective and marginal items and well as safety issues.5.  ASK YOUR LENDER FOR A REFERRAL TO A QUALITY HOME INSPECTOR:The lenders sole interest in the transaction is seeing that you get a quality home thats right for you and your family!      ...read more