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When looking for a home inspector in Tennessee, what qualifications should I look for?

The most important qualification to look for is the number years the individual has been a Home Inspector. Caution: Home Inspectors will claim to have many years of experience, but they include experience in a trade or experience as a contractor.  Experience in a trade or as a contractor, while it may help in one aspect of the job, this experience will not make them a better at Home Inspection in general. 

The second most important qualification to look for is education and depth of knowledge about Standard Practices contained in the State Building Code. Code certifications, and the more they have the better, are the best way to determine if a Home Inspector really knows what a "latent" defect is.  These "latent" defects are defects that are not obvious to an untrained eye, but can be important to your safety, and pocketbook, when buying a home. This is the reason people hire a home inspector in the first place- to find the defects that a casual inspection doesn't. Consider also that most TN Counties were relatively late to enforce Code on new construction. Many counties in Eastern TN did not start enforcing code on new construction until 2010. While Home Inspectors are forbidden from mentioning Code sections in their reports by the TN Home Inspector regulations, they should have enough code knowledge to spot safety issues while performing a Home Inspection. 

The third most important qualification to look for is membership in a Home Inspector organization that promotes a high bar of ethics and standards that go beyond the minimal requirements of the State regulations.  The American Society of Home Inspectors, or ASHI, has the highest technical and ethical standards. There are other organizations that many Home Inspectors belong to, so it is important for the buyer to be aware of the difference.  Key differences (not a complete list) include: ASHI Home Inspectors inspect appliances for proper operation and age (other organizations do not require this); and ethical differences like a Home Inspector cannot be a Real Estate Agent. A Home Inspector in your area can be found by clicking on the "Find an Inspector" section of the website ASHI.ORG    

The final most important qualification to look for are reviews.  Just like when buying anything online, reviews are important. But, some review sources, like Google, have a way for home inspectors to pay for good reviews.  So in my opinion, the best source for unbiased reviews is the Better Business Bureau or BBB.  If you want an honest and ethical inspector, look for a BBB member with an A+ rating.  

Remember, home inspectors should work for you!  Don't let your agent choose the inspector! You should be in control of this critical part of the home inspection process!

To find out more about us please go to https://accuspecinspections.com/meet-the-team

To Book a Home Inspection in East Tennessee including Knoxville, Sevierville, Dandridge, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Newport, or Maryville, please go to accuspecinspections.com 



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