Differences Among Real Estate Inspectors
A Real Estate Inspector is sometimes called a "Home Inspector" or "Property Inspector." A Real Estate Inspector is a generalist who performs a survey that provides information regarding the general condition of the building. As a generalist, the inspection performed is not technically exhaustive, destructive, or intrusive. An inspector may recommend corrections or further evaluations by the appropriate specialists/contractors.
All home inspectors are not the same and do not provide the same quality. Inspectors range in quality and price, just like cars, so shopping only for price can cause serious problems. Some lower priced inspectors are newer inspectors, trying to break into the business, or less qualified inspectors who are not as knowledgeable or not as thorough. Some lower priced inspectors are less qualified or are multi-inspector companies who hire less qualified inspectors.
Some Multi-inspector companies can charge lower fees because they hire new, or less qualified, inspectors who can be paid less, but may perform a lower quality inspection and neglect reporting some existing defects. Undiscovered defects can cause harm, be costly to repair, or very costly and stressful when the buyer discovers the manifestation of the unreported defect and takes legal action. Although some multi-inspector company fees are lower and they may save you a phone call because they provide other inspections, the risks associated with lower quality inspections are not worth saving a few dollars and a few phone calls.
Some multi-inspector companies mention/advertise they are "certified," but only have one, or a few inspectors certified. Some inspectors mention/advertise the names of the associations they are associated with that "certify" home inspectors, but instead of being "certified," the inspector is merely a "candidate," "associate," or "member" of these associations or claim to be following the association’s "standards."
Finding a qualified inspector is important. The state of California does not require Real Estate Inspectors to be licensed, so your qualifying process should include considering inspectors who have been "certified" by the inspector associations with the most challenging criteria for inspectors to become certified, such as the International Code Council (ICC), who requires inspectors pass rigorous testing that is also used by city building departments to certify their inspectors. Other good certifications are from the California Real Estate Inspection association (CREIA) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). I am certified by all three associations, and I am the Vice President of the silicon valley ASHI / CREIA joint chapter. I also certified Initial Disaster Housing Inspector for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and I am a Safety Assessment Program Evaluator for the California Office of Emergency Services.