For most people, the purchase of a home is the largest investment they’ll ever make. Getting an independent, expert opinion on the operability of the structure and its systems is a no-brainer. But not all home inspectors have the same experience, training, or certifications. In the State of Missouri there is no licensing of home inspectors . Basically if you have a business card saying you are a home inspector you are one. Needless to say this is not the best of qualifications. So how do you make sure you’ve hired the right person for the job?

When shopping for a home inspector, it’s vital that you do your homework and interview each inspector based on the checklist below.

1. Pricing. When it comes to home inspections – as with most things – you get what you pay for. When hiring a home inspector, you’re basically hiring an advocate with your interests in mind to give you their expert opinion on the home’s condition. With that in mind, making sure that you’re hiring an inspector with plenty of knowledge and training means not shopping for one by price alone. Anyone can run around your home quickly and say it does not look like it will fall down to them, but they have told you very little about the home.
2. Qualifications Don't be afraid to ask an inspector why they deserve to be your expert set of eyes. Items such as experience and training should be determined. One thing you can do to find out about an inspector’s qualifications is to ask what associations they belong to. National home inspectors organizations exist such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Members of ASHI have demonstrated technical proficiency, report writing skills and have committed to continuing education in order to achieve and maintain their member status.   However, not all associations are created equal.  Check out the associations’ minimum requirements. Also find out what level of the association the inspector occupies.  Some associations have “candidate” and “associate” or other levels that basically mean that the inspector has not met the requirements to be a full member. You may learn more about ASHI at http://ASHI.ORG
3. What will be inspected and how long will it take? An inspection should be performed to a strict set of standards covering all major components of the home. Although homes vary in the time needed to perform an inspection depending on size and condition a normal inspection period of several hours should be anticipated. 
4. Report quality A qualified inspector will provide you with a thorough report.These reports are usually available the day of the inspection. Ask if you may obtain a copy of a prior inspection report to determine its quality.
5. Should I trust my realtors recommendation? Although most good agents want a good inspection, make your own decision based on your research.
6. Make sure they’re insured.  A professional inspector should be insured for “errors and omissions”, commonly called E&O insurance.