What is the Master Inspector Certification Board, Inc. ... home of the best inspectors in the world.

The Master Inspector Certification Board, Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the inspection industry. The Board holds the registered Trademark Certified Master Inspector® the inspection industry’s top professional designation, and awards it to those inspectors who have demonstrated a high level of dedication by completing 150 hours of inspection-related continuing education, abiding by the industry's toughest Code of Ethics and passing a criminal background check. The Master Inspector Certification Board, Inc. is not a trade association and the Certified Master Inspector® is not a membership level. Certified Master Inspector® is a professional designation available to all inspectors who wish to attain it

 What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of a home. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the prediction of future conditions.

A home inspection is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of the home.  Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, (including: roof, foundation, basement, exterior and interior walls, chimney, doors, and windows) electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems of the home.

Findings should be provided to you in the form of a comprehensive easy to understand report. It is important that the report include an objective evaluation of the condition of the home, clearly stating existing defects and potential problems.

 A home inspection is not

•  A home inspection is not an appraisal or assessment of the property.

An appraisal estimates property value as it relates to a mortgage or mortgage insurance. An assessment is used to value the property for taxation purposes. Appraisals or assessments do not identify defects or potential problems with a home. To ensure an objective evaluation of a home’s condition, many lenders encourage homebuyers to use private inspection services.

•  A home inspection report is not a warranty.  

A home inspection does not detect every conceivable flaw. A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the home. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection.

 Preparing for a home inspection.

Whether the home inspection has been arranged by you, as the seller, or by the realtor, you can take several steps, which facilitate the inspection process: 

• Make sure the inspector can access all areas of the house.

• Clear all items that may block access to the furnace, water heater, electrical panels, attic crawl spaces. Inspectors will not enter inaccessible areas.

• If access to your attic crawl space is located in a closet, remove clothing, shoes, and other items. As the hatch is removed, debris (dust, insulation, loose plaster) is likely to fall from the ceiling onto items left in the closet.

• Ensure that filters are clear in air conditioners, heaters, vents, drains, etc. Clear out areas under sinks so they can be inspected.

 Choosing your home inspector  

While there is no formal licensing of home inspectors, reputable companies adhere to the rigid Standards of Business Practice.

• The inspector will have no undisclosed conflict of interest with the client, nor will the inspector accept or offer any undisclosed commissions, rebates, profits or other benefit.

• The inspector shall not communicate any information about the inspection to anyone except the client without the prior written consent of the client, except where it may affect the safety of others or violates a law.

If so desired you may accompany the inspector through the inspection. You have the right to be there. Being there helps you to better understand the findings in the report. Don’t forget your list of questions. A thorough home inspection covers everything from foundation to roof, and may take two to three hours, depending on the size of the property.

To help you choose a qualified company that will conduct a thorough home inspection and provide you with an objective report, ask the following questions:

• Do you follow industry standards?

• Are you a full time home inspector?

• What will be inspected?

• How much will the service cost?

• Approximately how long will the inspection take?

• When will the report be ready?

• May I attend the inspection?

• Are you willing to supply a sample report?

• Do you provide other home services?

• Do you perform repairs on items you inspect?

• Do you provide an inspection agreement defining the scope of the inspection?

When you receive sample reports, ensure they are through, easy to understand, narrative in format with photos. Compare them with reports sent by other companies. Is the fee comparable with those quoted by competitors? The cost of a Home inspection is very small relative to the Home being inspected. (Remember the lowest fee is not always the best fee…. you get what you pay for.)

 When to arrange a home inspection   

As soon as you decision to purchase a particular home, and all of your finances are in order with your financial institution you should have a home inspection done.

 Who needs a home inspection?

You do…if you are buying a home.  

A home inspection can help provide peace of mind and avoid costly and unpleasant mistakes. It will help you identify if the house is right for you, and alert you to potential concerns prior to closing a deal. It will also teach you about your home and its operating systems.

You do…if you are selling your home.

A pre-listing home inspection provides the seller with an objective evaluation of the home’s condition before the house listed on the real estate market. A pre-listing home inspection provides you with a detailed report of any observed material defects within specific components of the home. The report will help identify which components of the home may need to be replaced or renovated.

To the purchaser (home buyer)

Buying a home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make. The process can be extremely stressful and confusing. A professional home inspection will significantly reduce your risk and help make the entire home buying process easier and less stressful. A home inspection is your best defense against costly repairs.

You may have a friend or relative who may have a background in construction, plumbing or carpentry but there is no substituting the skilled objective eye of your home inspector, he knows where to look, what to look for, and how to evaluate property. Armed with the information in your report, you can make your decision with confidence.

To the listing clients (seller)

As a seller, must present the most saleable property possible. A pre-listing home inspection report will reveal the current condition of your home. Most problems in a house are minor and can be fixed easily enough. A pre-listing inspection provides you with the information needed to repair some of the problems before your home is even listed. The inspection will also help in complying with full-disclosure. The report will focus on the condition of your property and you will be less likely to overlook a defect or material fact for which you later could be held liable.