First Time Home Buyers
HOW DO I FIND A HOME INSPECTOR?
The best source is a friend, or perhaps a business acquaintance, which has been satisfied with and can recommend a home inspector they have used. In addition, the names of local inspectors can be found by searching our online database or in the Yellow Pages where many advertise under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service". Real estate agents are also generally familiar with the service, and should be able to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.
Whatever your referral source, you will want to make sure that the home inspector is a Member of the International Society of Home Inspectors® (ISHI®) in order to be certain of his or her professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics. A list of ISHI® Members in your area is available upon request from the Association's headquarters.
It is imperative that the seller secures the services of a qualified home inspector. . Make sure to hire an inspector who is both trained and experienced in home inspection, maintains proper insurance, and is a member of a professional association such as ISHI.
Home inspection is a relatively new profession in Louisiana and thus far not licensed by the state. At present, anyone can claim to be a home inspector. Therefore, you must exercise extreme care and cautious consideration before hiring just anyone. Select your home inspector with the following criteria in mind:
Inspection Experience. Of paramount importance is an inspector's actual level of direct experience in the practice of home inspection. A general contractor's license can be an important credential, but when it comes to home inspection, a license to build indicates very little as it relates to competence as a property inspector. The experience that matters most is specific home inspection training and experience, not building experience.
Avoid Price Shopping. Home inspection fees vary widely. A home is the most expensive commodity you are likely to purchase and or sell in a lifetime. One defect missed by your inspector could cost 100 times what you save with a bargain inspection. The best method of price shopping is to shop for quality. Considering the high cost of real estate today, an inspection fee is a small price to pay. It can save thousands of dollars and years of regret.
