Tips on finding a home inspector

Home inspections are a vital part of the home-buying process, but finding a qualified home inspector isn't always easy. Here, building pro Mike Holmes, host of HGTV's “Holmes Inspection,” offers these insights to help would-be buyers know if a potential inspector is up to snuff:

Get educated#8220;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.#8221;Check references#8220;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.#8221;Get the back story#8220;Ask how long a person has been in business. Hopefully it's years #8212; 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 #8212; perhaps, homebuilding, electrical or plumbing fields. I would want to know about specialties they've gained.#8221;Get green#8220;Ask about experience with green technology and materials, and, again, for how long they've worked with them.#8221;Get guaranteed#8220;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.#8221;Check it twice or more#8220;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.#8221;