Sunday, January 13, 2013

What to look for in a Home Inspection Company

Home inspection companies are a dime a dozen. So how can you choose the right one? Most inspection companies will perform an inspection just to meet State or Local guidelines. In some States these guidelines may not provide you the best inspector for your investment. Try to find a company that holds certification above and beyond the State requirements, this will help protect your investment. In the State of Washington a home inspector is not required to hold a Structural Pest license which is required to inspect for termites, wood destroying organisms and WDI conducive conditions. This should be a requirement for your home inspector to have. During inspections it is very often that homes in the Seattle are will have some level of mold. State licensed home inspectors do not carry the needed certification for dealing with mold inspections and testing and will need to hold an independent mol;d inspector certification. While not needed it is advised that you hire an inspector with such certification rather than dealing with an inspector that is not certified in the mold field. A non certified inspector may miss or not understand the seriousness of mold issue that are within the home. Some inspectors will recommend in the reported findings that the buyer seeks an specialist mold injector. Is the inspection firm a credible company? Does there website show a physical business address? Are the working out of a PO Box? Are they a full time inspection company? How old are the inspectors? What is the background of the inspectors? Asbestos laws also have changed and become more enforced, having a home inspector that is also State certified for Asbestos is a big help. Even new home built in Bellevue, WA will need to undergo asbestos testing if any remodel work is being considered. When it come to the older home 1978 or prior Lead paint becomes a concern and is outside the SOP of Washington. A firm that holds a Lead Paint Certified also give you more value towards your inspection. For a Home Inspection in Seattle we are aware of only one firm that holds all of recommended certifications, Pacific Northwest Inspections Group,LLC. Before you hire your inspector, do your homework!