If you’re purchasing a property and thinking about choosing a home inspector based on price, take a moment to consider the possible consequences. A home will be one the biggest purchases you will ever make, its best to make sure you’re making a sound investment. Hiring a qualified home inspector will help you make a knowledgeable purchase.
Here are some tips for choosing a qualified building inspector:
1) Speak with the inspector to find out what kind of training they have. In Maine, no qualifications are needed to become a home inspector therefore, the more training an inspector has the more qualified for the job they will be.
2) Find out if the home inspector is full time or part time. You should be looking for someone who is up to date on industry standards and preforms inspections on a regular basis.
3) Ask if the Inspector is a member of the Better Business Bureau or other professional organizations. This shows that the inspector is committed to keeping a good standing in the community and is interested in maintaining a good reputation.
4) Find out how an inspector will report their findings. Verbal reports are generally not recommended. Ideally, the home inspector will provide you with a detailed report with photos and recommendations.
5) Ask your inspector what they won’t include in the report, and decide if you need to hire someone else to cover whats not done, or if there is someone who can do all of the inspections you want.
6) Ask for testimonials from past customers, or ask your Realtor, they can usually connect you with someone who is reliable and well qualified.
Maine Real Estate Blog 
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