Q: How do I choose a Home Inspector?
A: Probably the best start in the process is to try and get referrals from friends who have had their home inspected recently or your attorney or your real estate agent. When you have what you would consider three to four solid references then call them up and start the interview process right over the phone. Based on our combined 25 years of experience we at the Building Inspectors Consortium feel that there are several key questions to ask at the outset. Be aware that the State of Illinois now requires that all home inspectors be licensed by the state.

1. How long have you been in business?
   1. Our feeling is that the company inspecting your property should have been in business at least 10 years. Experience is probably the number one criteria when looking for an inspector.
2. Are you insured?
   1. Inspectors are not required to carry insurance. However, it is not in your best interest to hire and inspector or inspection company that is not insured. Your inspector should carry two types of insurance:
      1. Errors and omission insurance (this is if he/she misses a problem with the home) and
      2. General Liability Insurance (this is for any damage the inspector may cause while doing the inspection)
   2. If you have any question about the type of insurance the inspector or company has then feel free to ask them to fax you a copy of their coverage.
3. Are you licensed by the State of Illinois?
   1. All building inspectors, operating in the State of Illinois are required to carry a home inspection licensed maintained by the Office of Banks and Real Estate.
4. Are you a member of ASHI?
   1. ASHI (the American Society of Home Inspectors) is the trade organization behind the home inspection industry. Your inspector should be full member of ASHI (not a candidate). This will assure you that you are dealing with a professional having strong inspection standards and a code of ethics. Should you wish a copy of the ASHI standards of practice please phone us or visit the ASHI web site at ASHI.com.
5. Are you a general contractor?
   1. Hiring a General Contractor can be one of the bigger mistakes that a potential homebuyer can make. A few general contractors may be familiar with all components of a home but it is unlikely. Good builders don't necessarily micro manage their projects and, like all good operators, rely on sub contractors to supply the expertise in certain areas. As an example of this, a general contractor may not know how much make up air is necessary for an 80,000 btu furnace but he knows that his HVAC sub contractor will. That is where the home inspectors expertise and general knowledge of all phases of structure and mechanical systems is necessary. Additionally, only licensed inspectors with the State of Illinois are permitted to perform home inspections.

Q: What will the inspection cover?
A: A thorough Inspection covers everything from roof to the foundation.

Q: How long will the Inspection take?
A: Most Inspections take about three to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.

Q: Should I be present during the Inspection?
A: We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.

Q: Why use our Services?
A: The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, "Will This Home Stand The Test of Time?" It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money.

A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.

Q: Why can't I have someone in my family who is very handy or a contractor, inspect my new home?
A: This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector's instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.

Q: What if I have questions after the inspection?
A: You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.