New Mexico

New Mexico Home Inspector

Inspecting a home before purchase is not for the faint at heart. Cosmetically, a home may look like it is well-kept and that everything is ready for occupancy; but in reality, there may be significant hidden damage. A private home inspector reporting on the buyer’s behalf is one way to find hidden problems. Different states treat home inspectors differently. Some states require home inspectors to be trained, licensed, and certified. Other states have no regulations at all.

New Mexico is one of the latter states. There are no requirements for training, education, or experience. Essentially, any person can hang out a shingle and perform home inspections. There are no requirements for inspection standards, bonding, liability insurance, or workers compensation. In New Mexico, diligence is required selecting any home inspectors. Ask for references, how long a person has been in business, and how many home inspections have been completed. Additionally, always ask for a sample report.

Home inspection is needed for newly constructed homes. Cities and counties in New Mexico inspect construction progress. While these are licensed professionals, they are only inspecting to ensure minimum code compliance and not looking at the quality of construction. Home inspections need to be scheduled early in the escrow process. This is necessary in case the sellers have to perform repairs prior to closing on the sale.

While New Mexico does not impose state laws or regulations on a home inspector, it is possible a city or county might have local regulations and may require a business license. Be sure the inspector complies with local regulations. When it comes to home inspection and home construction activities, there may be potential liability imposed on the person contracting with the home inspector. In some states a construction-related tradesman receives workers compensation from the person initiating the contract. In a state with no regulations, this may or may not be the case but could cause significant legal problems. Prospective home buyers should check with their liability insurance provider to determine the extent of exposure.

Home inspections can take the entire day or longer depending on the size of the home. New Mexico home inspectors do not check for mold, mildew, or radon. These inspections are performed by separately selected environmental inspectors. Although much of New Mexico is high desert, there is still enough moisture for mold and mildew to be a problem. Check with local insurance agents about that issue. When contracting with a home inspector, ensure that there is a written list of the type of inspection and level of detail that will be contained in the report. An experienced home inspector is a good investment. Choose one wisely.