We have many parts to a real estate transaction:
Finding an acceptable home
Getting Financed
Getting your home choice inspected
Choosing and working with your mortgage representative
Choosing the right Realtor
Choosing the right home inspector
This post is about how you as a buyer should go about choosing a home inspector. In fact...in most cases a buyer will need more then one inspection. If you are in a part of the Country that has issues with Radon Gas, wood destroying inspects, environmental issues like mold, a high occurrence of foundation issues, etc... you may need multiple inspections.
Here is a list of possible inspectors you may need:
Environmental: If you or your inspector feels a potential mold problem may exist you will need to get an environmental inspection done. FYI...these can be very costly.
WDI: If you live in a part of the Country that this is common (Northeast, Florida, TX, etc... this is a must) you will automatically get a Wood Destroying Insect inspection...in other parts of the Country you may rely on your home inspector to let you know if a potential problem exists.
Radon Inspection: Parts of the Country have huge issues here...some parts do not. Rely on your Realtor and Home inspector to tell you if you need to get a Radon Inspection (some home inspectors will also do Radon for an extra fee).
Foundation Inspection: many parts of the Country have issues with soil movement. Areas that build on slab construction (ex...Southeast Texas) will have a large percentage of homes with this issue) are very susceptible to this issue. If you or your home inspector suspect foundation trouble a structural engineer will be the answer (some home inspectors are also structural engineers...check with your Realtor).
Home Inspection: This is a comprehensive inspection of all systems that help the home run including electrical, gas, HVAC, sprinkler, roof, structure, cosmetic, appliances, alarms, etc...). This is the most critical inspection you do!
Here are some ways for you to choose you inspectors:
1. Ask your Realtor for a list of inspectors in each area of concern. Call the inspectors and interview them over the phone. Ask them how long they have been performing home inspections...and ask for a list of referrals. See what technology they use (some have inferred cameras that can spy through the walls and see potential problems). See how long they have been licensed (if you are in a State that requires license.
2. Ask your friends and neighbors who they used. See what kind of materials they have from the home inspection that was performed for them. Did they receive a full manual on their home...or just a few page report.
3. Check the State real estate website for a list of inspectors...this is a much better place to go then the yellow pages. In many States all you need to do to become an inspector is hang a shingle in front of your house...be careful.
The annual 
