Holmes on Homeowners
Home inspections are a vital part to the homebuying process, but finding a qualified home inspector isn’t always easy. Here, building pro Mike Holmes, host of HGTV’s “Holmes Inspection,” building pro offers these insights to help would-be buyers know if a home is up to snuff
Get Educated
It’s your home, so I recommend educating yourself, which will empower you to make smart choices and hire the right person. Read well-researched magazines, books, watch home-oriented shows, talk to manufacturers and contractors.
Check References
I recommend 20 [references] rather than the traditional three. Also ask about professional organization memberships, and then I suggest you call those organizations and ask about the person’s reputation.
Get the Backstory
Ask how long a person has been in business. Hopefully it’s years – and I like for the person to have at least a minimum of five at that. Ask about the person’s background. You want to know they’ve come from the construction industry – perhaps, homebuilding, electrical or plumbing fields. I would want to know about specialties they’ve gained.
Get Green
Ask about experience with green technology and materials, and, again, for how long they’ve worked with them.
Get Guaranteed
Ask what guarantees they’ll provide. I’d want to know they’ll give me my money back if I’m not satisfied, and I want them to guarantee [their] work for at least three months.
Check It Twice or More
Ask about their checklist for what they’ll provide and cover. I like for them to provide permits for work and to know they’ll look for termites, asbestos, mold.
