subject: What A Certified Building Inspector Shouldn't Be [print this page] So you are now moving to a new home and since you are about to sell your old dwelling and looking to buy a new one, the need for a certified building inspector is all the more urgent. No doubt you've scoured the net for things to look for when hiring a building inspector, but what about the things to avoid?
Even if you are a honest and sincere individual, the unfortunate truth is that in this world, there are still people who plan and scheme to cheat you for a quick buck. You might argue that that is reason enough to fight back by becoming like them, but that's not the proper route. Why don't you learn to avoid them instead? Learn what the signs are that can warn you of unscrupulous characters, be they politicians or building inspectors.
One of the signs of a rogue home building inspector is the way he handles himself. When you go and meet him or her for an initial consultation, take note of how he dresses, how he talks, and how his general presentation is. Not to discriminate against naturally sloppy dressers, but the way a person dresses is an indication of how professional he or she is. If the inspector you are meeting with comes in shorts, flip flops and a tank top with unkempt hair and an unruly beard, then I recommend you steer clear from him. Who knows if he is just a hobo pretending to be an inspector to make a quick buck? Or even if he or she is indeed a certified building inspector, would you like someone who dresses and acts unprofessionally do safety check on your home? Who knows how professional they will be when it comes to work? Ticking boxes as if they were a restaurant survey is not a good thing.
An inspector that looks and dresses professionally can be expected to perform the same way. Another thing to look out for is if the inspector is telling the truth. Say, you are in a meeting and the inspector shows you his or her past projects. All impressive to say the least, but are they really his works? After a consultation, do a little background check on the person to see if they are who they say they are. Many inexperienced and dishonest contractors may pretend to have extensive experience while some may go as far as to take other people's work s their own. Beware of these types.
Of course there are many more signs if a certified building inspector is who he says he is, and the best advice I could give you is use common sense. You really don't want to end up like a friend of mine, who hired a contractor, paid him in full, and never saw him ever again. Moral of the story? Use common sense. I cannot stress that enough. Do not pay in full until the complete building inspection service has been rendered, and do not hire someone if you have even a hint of doubt as to he or she is. Do your research, ask around and stick to contractors with a solid track record.
