Inspecting your own potential house is not recommended. Home inspectors are specially trained to look for things you may miss. Unless you are a home inspector yourself, seek out a professional. Some states or financial lenders require a licensed inspector to complete the inspection.

Not all home inspectors cover the same things and each state has legal requirements for home inspections. This does not guarantee that the inspector you choose will automatically inspect for those required items. Before calling your list of inspectors, make sure you that you educate yourself on the list of state requirements for inspections.

Inquire about the inspector’s level of experience and ask for references. Inspectors who are confident in their service should willingly supply you with a list of references that can confirm they provide quality service.

Knowing the length of time for an inspection is important because you usually have to arrange a time with the realtor and the current owner for the inspector to examine the house. Since an inspection usually involves looking at pipes, wiring, roofing, and areas that may be hard to reach, it may require hours to complete. The home inspector you choose should provide you with an accurate estimate of how long the inspection is expected to take.

Ask about an inspector’s specialties. There are various types of real estate, and all need varying forms of inspection before purchase. Commercial real estate is different from residential real estate, which is different from multi-family real estate.

The home inspection is a valuable experience for you as a home buyer and future home owner. The inspector should allow you to attend the inspection. You will be able to see first hand what potential problems exist now or may arise soon. Knowing what looks normal and what a problem looks like will help you later in maintaining your home.

Not always, but there may be some conditions that the house must satisfy in order for your financial lender to offer you the money to buy the property. The purpose of the inspection is to determine what needs to be corrected on the property.