6 Some property inspection companies will tell you they only do new home inspections and somehow that is a virtue over others that do other type of inspections. It is not, it’s actually a limitation. I get to see buildings built but I also get to see them in use after 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 years when I do pre purchase building inspections. I can see what happens to buildings, how building elements fail and deteriorate. I then use that experience to look for potential defects in your new home. It’s a no brainer, if other inspectors only do new home inspection they are limited, give them a miss.

7 Relevance of qualifications. Instead of simply accepting offered qualifications without asking it pays to look critically:

Engineers are highly qualified professionals but most of their knowledge and training does not relate to housing. I have met an engineer on site doing frame defect inspection but he did not know terminology of house frame members. Perhaps he spent his working life building mines, bridges, roads or sewers. Needless to say his report was a disgrace.

8 Architects. Their training is certainly much more relevant and if there is solid relevant experience they can make suitable property inspector. However architects are not builders and are more oriented toward design and project delivery. You choose who you get on individual merits.

9 Builders in theory should have good blend of technical and practical building knowledge. However I can tell you that in almost a decade in property inspection I have learned more about building inspection than in over thirty years of building and construction.

10 Tradesmen. Many tradesmen are getting into the act of property inspection but their training is very limited. What does a bricklayer know of a house frame? Not much. I know one of them who does pre purchase inspections and I have seen him miss significant framing defects.

11  Professional indemnity insurance is a must, it’s a safety net for you if something does go wrong and the inspector was negligent. If there is no insurance, stay away. That excludes: friends, family, builder friend or a friend of a friend.

12 Equipment. Ask about equipment. Ask if they have invested in thermal imaging. Do they have the best tools and education to inspect the biggest investment of your life? Don’t buy excuses. Stay away!

12  Expertise is a blend of education, training, experience and longevity. Ask wisely, think carefully, evaluate diligently and decide with a cool head. Building expert advice will cost you less than poor advice.