Questions to Ask Home Inspector

20 Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector Before Hiring Them

Hiring a home inspector is an important step in the home buying process. A good home inspector can help you identify any potential issues with the property and give you peace of mind. Once you have a list of 3 to 4 home inspectors, call them to interview them. But what exactly do you ask them during your interview? Here are questions to ask your home inspector before hiring them. To make it easy for you, I’ve made these questions into a printable so you can download, print it and use it while you are on the phone with the inspector (see below).

Questions to Ask the Home Inspector Before Hiring Them

1. What is your fee?

It’s important to know how much the inspection will cost upfront so you can budget accordingly.

2. Are you licensed and insured?

A licensed and insured home inspector will have the necessary training and experience to do a thorough inspection.

3. What is your availability?

You’ll want to make sure the inspector is available when you need them.

Questions to Ask Home Inspector

4. How long have you been working as a home inspector?

Experience is important when it comes to home inspections.

5. What is included in your home inspection?

Make sure you know what the inspector will be looking for during the inspection.

6. What is not included in your home inspection?

It’s important to know what won’t be covered during the inspection. Common inspections that are usually not included in the basic home inspection are radon test, well water testing, pest inspection, mold inspection and septic tank inspection. You may want to add these to your inspection.

7. How long does it take to conduct the inspection?

Knowing how long the inspection will take can help you plan your day.

8. Do you inspect the roof? Do you climb up?

The roof is an important part of the home and should be inspected. I like to ask this question because it shows that the home inspector is thorough if they are willing to climb up the roof. However, don’t expect an entire roof inspection, you can get a more thorough roof inspection by asking a roofer to come out.

9. Do you check for mold?

Mold can be a serious issue. If you suspect mold or water damage, you should definitely find out if your home inspector will inspect for mold. A thorough mold inspection is usually not included in the basic home inspection.

10. How familiar are you with homes in my area?

An inspector who is familiar with homes in your area will be better equipped to identify any issues.

Questions to Ask Home Inspector

11. Can I attend the home inspection?

Attending the inspection can give you a better understanding of any issues with the property. If the home inspector says you can’t attend the home inspection, see it as a red flag and don’t hire them. It’s important to be present during the inspection so you can ask questions and get a better understanding of any issues that may arise.

12. When can I expect to receive the home inspection report?

Knowing when you’ll receive the report can help you plan your next steps. And if you’re in a rush, it’s important to know whether or not your home inspector can deliver. The last thing you want is your home inspector holding up your home buying process because they are taking too long to get the home inspection report to you.

13. What format is your home inspection report? Is it digital?

Knowing the format of the report can help you plan how you’ll review it.

14. Are there photos in the home inspection report?

Photos can help you better understand any issues with the property. I recommend hiring only home inspectors who provide photos in their report. It’s really hard to visualize home inspection issues without photos.

15. What is your policy on refunds?

It’s important to know what will happen if you’re not satisfied with the inspection.

16. What is your policy on cancellations?

Knowing the cancellation policy can help you avoid any fees.

Questions to ask home inspector

17. What is your policy on re-inspection?

If any issues are found during the inspection, you’ll want to know what the policy is for re-inspection.

18. How does your post-inspection support look like?

Knowing what kind of support you’ll receive after the inspection can give you peace of mind.

19. Can you give me references?

References can help you get a better idea of the inspector’s experience and professionalism.

20. Will you answer follow-up questions?

You will likely have follow-up questions to ask your home inspector. If the inspector says they will not answer follow-up questions, see this as a red flag and don’t hire them. It’s important to have an open line of communication with your inspector so you can get all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Questions to ask home inspector

Questions to Ask the Home Inspector: Free Printable

Below is a free printable with 20 questions to ask potential home inspectors before hiring them. Print it, and use it while you’re on the phone with the inspector.

Sign up once and you will get access to ALL exclusive content on this website. After unlocking the printable, just save the printable image and then print it.

Questions to Ask Home Inspector Checklist

Check out our: Home Inspection Checklist (you will need this during the home inspection!)

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