Ohio

Ohio Home Inspector

While efforts have been underway in the legislature since 2008 to regulate the home inspection industry, at this time there are no licensing requirements for becoming home inspectors or conducting home inspections in the state of Ohio.

In the absence of such regulatory requirements, make sure that the home inspector you select is reputable and has a sufficient level of experience. Be sure to ask how many inspections the individual carries out on an annual basis. A full-time Ohio home inspector should be able to conduct about 200 inspections per year. If your job candidate does half as many, it could be a sign that home inspection is not a full-time occupation. Perhaps this individual isn't as experienced or qualified as you'd prefer.

Also check for membership to one of the leading associations for home inspectors. Your home inspector's reputation can be verified by his or her good standing in such national organizations as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). In fact, both organizations are good places to begin your search for a qualified inspector.

Your home inspector should also carry professional liability insurance--your safeguard against errors or omission. Following the inspection, you should end up with a written report, usually at least ten pages in length.

The advantages of getting a home inspection are obvious to the prospective home buyer in terms of heightened confidence, but sellers should consider it to be an equally good investment. Full disclosure of existing problems is a seller's advantage in today's challenging real estate market. An inspection before your house even goes on the market can inspire greater buyer confidence and could result in a quicker and smoother sale. Besides, it's better to know the condition of your home upfront so that you can hire a contractor before the for-sale sign even goes up, or figure known defects into your asking price and readiness to negotiate.

While home inspections aren't required statewide, they're mandatory in some local communities in Ohio. An interior and exterior inspection by a competent home inspector should reveal the condition of a home's roof, foundation, fireplace, attic, HVAC system, visible insulation, wiring, plumbing, windows and doors and other visible structural elements. A properly conducted inspection of a house of average size should take somewhere between two and four hours (or longer if the home is much larger than average or is older or in suspect condition).

Whichever side of the transaction you're on, don't hesitate to ask questions. Whether buying or selling, your home is likely to be the most important investment you ever make. You deserve an honest and credible Ohio home inspection.