When Hiring a Home Inspector, Choose Wisely

The home inspection industry is not federally regulated, with some states having limited to no licensing to others providing strict guidelines. These varying requirements can leave the homebuyer confused and potentially vulnerable to inaccurate or incomplete inspections.

Here are four ways to find the right inspector for your next home:

1. Check out the business on the BBB site.
   You will determine if any complaints were issued, how they were handled, customer reviews, and see the Better Business Bureau letter rating from A+ to F.
2. Look for Google and Facebook reviews.
   To find the reviews, Google the company (a box will come up on the right with the overall star rating and the number of reviews) and search for the company once you are within Facebook. Reviews are a tab on the company’s Facebook page.
3. Ask friends and family for recommendations. 
4. Ask questions of the inspector before scheduling your inspection. Here is a sample of four good questions to ask: 
   1. What type of licenses and certifications do you have?
   2. How long have you been in business?
   3. To what professional organizations do you belong?
   4. How long after the inspection will the report be received?

Ohio’s NEW Licensing Requirement

Effective July 1, 2021, the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing will begin enforcing the requirement that home inspectors be licensed. In addition, all licensed inspectors must have a written agreement with their client and provide a written inspection report to that client following the inspection.

The Ohio Home Inspector Board has determined that a person may NOT do a partial or walk-through inspection unless that person holds a home inspection license.

Lastly, in Ohio, real estate purchase contracts may contain language requiring the buyer to use an Ohio licensed inspector, thus thwarting the thought of using a relative or friend who is unlicensed to complete it.

About Integrity Home Evaluation Services

We provide certified home inspection services in Northeast Ohio, including Akron, Aurora, Brecksville, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Kent, Medina, Solon, Stow, Streetsboro, and Twinsburg.

Our services include Residential Home Seller and Buyer Inspections, Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspections, Radon Inspections, Mold Assessment, Infrared Thermography, and Indoor Air Quality (VOC’s).

We are committed to serving you, our customer. Our business is built on trust, integrity, and customer service. Contact us today at 330-815-0013 with any questions you may have!