Inspections...What every homebuyer should ask

5 important questions to ask of any inspector you plan to hire;

1. ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO PERFORM THE 4-POINT AND MITIGATION INSURANCE INSPECTIONS? (you want an inspector who can do your general inspection and the insurance inspection so you do not have to pay twice but not all inspectors are licensed to perform the insurance inspection) If you are getting a mortgage your lender will require you to obtain a homeowner's insurance binder and you need a homeowner's insurance inspection report to get insurance. Homes older than 30 years need the so called "mitigation" inspection as well as the "4 point inspection".

2. ARE YOUR REPORTS GOING TO BE TYPEWRITTEN OR HANDWRITTEN (don't go with company that handwrites their report because usually no one can read it and everyone wastes time trying to decipher what it says and then you have to ask for a clarification, etc.)

3. WILL I GET COLOR, DIGITAL PHOTOS OF ANY STRUCTURAL DAMAGE NOTED IN YOUR REPORT? (the better companies provide this)

4. WILL THE PERSON WHO ACTUALLY PERFORMS THE INSPECTION (S) BE A LICENSED INSPECTOR? (some of these companies send out unlicensed, rookies to do the legwork and then the licensed inspector signs the report but has never been onsite)

5. WILL THE REPORT CONTAIN WRITTEN, DOLLAR AMOUNT ESTIMATES for any repairs/treatments/replacements of any items noted in the report?  This is essential and some inspectors fail to give you any idea of the costs for any recommended repairs.