Be Careful When Choosing Your Home Inspector

Business Wire, August 12, 1999

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 1999--

With an increasingly competitive climate in the California home inspection industry, and a growing number of home inspectors offering their services, home buyers and sellers should be selective when choosing a home inspector, according to the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA), a nonprofit, consumer-benefit organization.

Since California inspectors are not required to register themselves with the state, an individual with marginal qualifications may perform an inspection. Consumers should do some homework before hiring a professional inspector. The following tips can help: -0-

     --   Obtain several references from different sources such as
          real estate agents, friends and relatives. Take the time to
          call and verify the references by asking if the inspector
          did a thorough and professional job.

     --   Contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if there
          are any complaints on file.

     --   Ask the inspector for a sample of past inspection reports.
          Most professional inspector provide a detailed report that
          offers a comprehensive explanation of the home's condition
          as well as recommendations and upgrade suggestions.

     --   A professional inspector will usually want you to be present
          during the inspection to familiarize you with the home's
          systems and point out specific conditions outlined in the
          report.

     --   Do not let price be a determining factor in selecting a home
          inspector. Remember, you usually pay for what you get.
          Depending on the size of the home among other factors, a
          professional inspection can range from $250 to over $500 and
          take up to three hours.

     --   Be wary of home inspectors who offer to repair items
          outlined in their report. This is an obvious conflict of
          interest; they may not offer an objective opinion and it is
          in violation of California's Business & Professions Code
          (Chapter 9.3, Section 7197(a))

     --   Ask the inspector to show proof of his or her qualifications
          and experience.

     --   If you find your property requires an inspection from a
          specialist such as a geologist of structural engineer, be
          sure to ask for proof of license, certification and
          experience.

     --   It is best to select home inspectors who will stand behind
          their work and covered by proper liability and professional
          insurance. Errors and Omissions ("E&O") insurance protects
          the home inspector and you against disputes arising from any
          oversights made by the inspector.

     --   Another important factor is membership in a professional
          trade organization such as CREIA. An inspector member of
          CREIA is required to have proven technical knowledge of
          systems in residential properties. CREIA Inspectors must
          adhere to the Code of Ethics and follow the Standards of
          Practice developed by the association. CREIA requires its
          members to successfully pass a written test of property
          systems and complete 30 hours of education each year.

Since 1976, the California Real Estate Inspection Association , a public-benefit, nonprofit corporation, has been providing education, training, and support services to the real estate inspection industry and to the public. CREIA offers its 800 members various sources of education including monthly chapter meetings, conferences, and other approved activities. CREIA keeps records to ensure that members are complying with the requirements. Educational topics cover a variety of technical subjects including updates and advances that affect property inspection and the business of real estate inspection.

CREIA is dedicated to consumer protection and education. To locate a qualified CREIA inspector near you, call the CREIA referral line at 800/388-8443, or visit the CREIA Web site at www.CREIA.com.