What Not to Expect from Professional Home Inspectors  I remember my first home inspection. Back then lots of houses were sold without inspections, but my wise Uncle Bob suggested I hire a friend of his before I made my purchase. Uncle Bob’s friend turned out to be a pleasant, practical-looking, retired man complete with overalls, a clipboard, and tools. He’d spent his entire working life building houses. He took me through my first home inspection from top to toes. And for every problem he spotted, he advised me what “really” needed to be done and what it would cost, ensuring that I had some protection against inflated prices. I learned a lot from that guy.

Mostly, what I bought from Uncle Bob’s friend was reassurance—something we all want when purchasing a home. My inspector was my advocate, exclusively. 

Much later, when I got my own Home Inspector license, Uncle Bob’s friend was the model I wanted to match. But I discovered that today, that model is often broken. Home inspectors are trained professionals who are regulated in the majority of states; satisfying you isn’t their only concern any longer. Now, they walk a narrow path between courting and losing referrals from real estate agents, avoiding complaints to licensing boards, and defending themselves from lawsuits for saying too much––or too little. It’s no wonder that many home inspectors work strictly from standardized “scripts” and forms.

Now, I’m not suggesting for one teeny, tiny minute that you bypass a formal inspection. I recommend that you always hire a professional inspector before you sign a pile of mortgage papers. But be aware that your best interests are top priority to you only.

Resources like The 6-Minute Home Inspection Guide are excellent for placing you back in charge. The Guide will build your confidence as you narrow your search for a home. It will help you sort out big trouble spots from minor ones, and it will help you make the most of the services of a home inspector when the time comes.

The 6-Minute Home Inspection Guide will help make you your own Uncle Bob.

Krasna Svoboda, Phd

Building Inspector