• Ask friends and relatives for names of qualified building inspectors.

• Avoid selecting an inspector who also does repair work, which could pose a conflict of interest and throw into question the objectivity of the inspection report.

• Find out about the inspector's background and credentials. The best inspectors have undergone special training specifically for building inspections.  They also belong to national organizations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors Inc (ASHI) or the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), which offer accreditation and training programs. 

• Make sure the inspector provides written reports. The best reports provide extensive documentation of the inspection process and provide narrative descriptions of the age and condition of major systems, such as heating and air conditioning.

• Ask the inspector how long he or she takes to complete an average inspection.  Competent inspectors need at least three hours to adequately inspect a typical three-bedroom home.  They take even longer to inspect larger homes.

• Quiz the inspection company regarding your particular inspector's expertise.  The best inspectors get plenty of practice doing their jobs.  Look for someone who has performed five or more inspections weekly for more than two years.

• Watch to see how the inspector dresses for your appointment.  A home inspector who shows up in a suit or dress isn't likely to inch through your crawl space.  Hire someone who isn't afraid to get dirty.

• Ask about a written contract outlining the inspector's scope of work.  Never enter into an agreement to have something as expensive as a house inspected without having a written contract specifying who's responsible for what.

Building Inspections can be scheduled between 8:30 and 6:00 Monday through Friday.  Call us directly at one of the following telephone numbers  we can be reached at 706.278.3202.  Georgia counties where our service is available include Dade, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Gilmer, Fannin, Union, Raben, Walker, Chattooga, Gordon,  Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, and Floyde Counties.