In order to find a home inspector,
Dian Hymer, author of "Buying and
Selling a Home A Complete Guide,"
Chronicle Books, San Francisco; 1994,
advises looking for someone with demonstrable
qualifications. "Ideally, the general
inspector you select should be either
an engineer, an architect, or a contractor.
When possible, hire an inspector who belongs
to one of the home inspection trade organizations."
The American Society of Home Inspectors
(ASHI) has developed formal inspection
guidelines and a professional code of
ethics for its members. Membership to
ASHI is not automatic; proven field experience
and technical knowledge of structures
and their various systems and appliances
are a prerequisite.
One can usually find an inspector by looking
in the phone book or by inquiring at HomeJoy
Real Estate office or sometimes at an
area Realtor association.
Rates for the service vary greatly. Many
inspectors charge about $400, but costs
go up with the scope of the inspection.
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