Why Certifications Matter: Houston’s Top Home Inspection Company

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make. When you decide to buy a house, you want to make sure you are making a solid investment that will hold its value and not cost you a fortune in surprise repairs down the road. This is why having a professional home inspection done before finalizing a purchase is so important.

The Importance of Home Inspections

A home inspection allows a qualified, unbiased third party to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the home. The inspector will check all of the major systems and components such as the roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, foundation, and more. The inspection report will reveal any issues or areas of concern so you can make an informed decision about moving forward with the purchase.

Knowing the true condition of the home before buying can save you from potentially expensive surprises and repairs later on. Without an inspection, you won’t know if there are serious structural problems, faulty wiring, leaks, pest damage or other defects. Finding these types of issues after you close on the house can be an extremely costly nightmare.

A professional home inspection gives you peace of mind that you are buying a quality home or alerts you to any problems that may influence your decision or require re-negotiation with the seller to cover repairs. For most people, a home is the most expensive thing they will ever buy. Doesn’t it make sense to invest a little more upfront to have an expert assess what you are really getting?

Importance of Using a Certified Inspector

When selecting a home inspector, you want to make sure you choose someone who is properly Certified Home Inspection Company Houston. There are many inspectors out there, but not all have the right qualifications, experience and certifications. Using an uncertified inspector is taking a big risk with the largest investment you may ever make.

There are numerous organizations that offer certifications for home inspectors, but the most well-respected in the industry are the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). These organizations require inspectors to meet stringent education and experience prerequisites, pass rigorous written exams, perform a minimum number of paid inspections, follow ethical standards and complete regular continuing education to maintain up-to-date knowledge on inspection methods, building codes and more.

Certified Home Inspection Company Houston inspectors also carry errors and omissions insurance to protect their clients in the unlikely event they miss something big during the inspection. Uncertified inspectors often do not have this type of insurance coverage.

Houston Home Inspection Certification Standards

To give you an idea of the high bar that must be met to become a Certified Home Inspection Company Houston, let’s take a closer look at the requirements:

ASHI Certification Requirements:

• Pass the National Home Inspector Exam, which covers topics such as structural components, exteriors, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, interiors, and insulation/ventilation.
• Complete at least 250 fee-paid home inspections.
• Pass an additional two-part field exam with both written and field inspection components.
• Follow ASHI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance and/or bonding.
• Complete 32 hours of continuing education over a 4-year cycle.

InterNACHI Certification Requirements:

• Complete InterNACHI’s online Home Inspection Course, which includes instruction from certified inspectors.
• Pass the National Home Inspector Exam.
• Perform a minimum of 250 on-site inspections as a Probationary Inspector.
• Pass a comprehensive exam testing knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Agree to abide by InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
• Maintain membership and E&O insurance coverage.
• Complete 20 hours of annual continuing education.

These stringent certification requirements ensure that Certified Home Inspection Company Houston inspectors have the experience, knowledge and ethics to thoroughly inspect homes using industry best practices. They are invested in ongoing education to remain skilled in the latest methods and technologies. Certification indicates a high level of commitment to their profession.

What to Expect from a Certified Home Inspector

When you choose an inspector with certifications like ASHI or InterNACHI, you know they will be thorough and conduct the inspection following established standards. Here is what you can expect when you hire a certified home inspector:

Detailed Inspection Report

You will receive a comprehensive report that systematically covers all areas of the home. Expect to see detailed descriptions of the systems and components inspected along with any defects noted. The report will outline the significance of any issues based on safety or potential cost and rate items as needing immediate repair, further evaluation, monitoring or simple improvements. Photos will document any problem areas.

Unbiased Assessment

A certified home inspector is an independent third party, not associated with the buyer or seller. They can provide an objective analysis, free of any conflict of interest. Feel confident the inspection report is an unfiltered look at the home’s condition.

Professionalism

An inspector displays professionalism not just in their knowledge but their attitude and approach. They should thoroughly explain the process beforehand so you know what to expect. During the inspection, they will be methodical and detail-oriented as they test systems, operate equipment and scrutinize the property.

Code Expertise

Certified professionals have an in-depth understanding of relevant building codes and standards. They know what issues may not be code-compliant and potentially dangerous or unacceptable to an informed buyer. Their insight goes beyond surface issues to recognize underlying problems.

Industry Knowledge

Inspectors are immersed in their field and committed to continuing education. They are up-to-date on advances in building science, repair techniques, and detection technology. You benefit from their years of experience recognizing issues specific to Houston homes.

How Certification Impacts the Inspection Cost

One concern homebuyers may have is that a certified inspector will be significantly more expensive. However, the difference in cost is well worth it when you consider what you get for the money. In most cases, certified inspectors charge only $50-$100 more on average than non-certified inspectors.

When you consider the value certification brings in terms of expertise, technology, tools, insurance protection and peace of mind, that small difference is an excellent investment in your home purchase. Industry surveys have found that non-certified inspectors miss major defects up to 30% of the time. Paying a little more for a certified Certified Home Inspection Company Houston could potentially save you thousands by avoiding a serious issue going undetected.

How to Choose a Certified Home Inspector

Here are some tips for selecting a qualified, certified home inspector in the Houston area:

• Verify credentials – Don’t just take an inspector’s word that they are certified. Check professional associations’ websites to confirm they have active credentials.
• Look for full-time inspectors – Inspectors who work in the field full-time generally offer more scheduling flexibility and availability. Their greater experience translates to more thorough inspections.
• Read reviews – Look for inspector reviews on Google or Yelp to learn about others’ experiences with their professionalism, analysis and reporting.
• Ask about technology – Advanced tools like infrared cameras, moisture meters and drone cameras allow for superior home analysis. Look for inspectors using high-tech aids.
• Request a sample report – Quality reports are thorough, detailed and organized. Ask to see a sample to assess the inspector’s reporting approach.
• Compare services – Price should not be the only driver. Compare the scope of services, certifications, experience and technologies used by each inspector you consider.
• Get references – An inspector who does quality work should be happy to provide references from past clients. Speaking to others who used them is invaluable.

Taking the time to carefully select a certified home inspector is crucial. An inspector lacking proper credentials and expertise could end up costing you big time by overlooking serious defects. When preparing to make the largest financial investment of your life, doesn’t it make sense to work with the most qualified professional you can find? Protect yourself by insisting on Certified Home Inspection Company Houston for your new home.