Detailed Inspection Report
The report you receive from the property inspector should detail the condition of all the major accessible elements found on the interior and exterior of the home. The report should also document problem areas and areas that could not be inspected due to storage, furnishings or other limitations.

Review a sample report to see how detailed your home inspection will be. This is an easy way to understand which elements are inspected, how the inspector reports on the condition of major elements as well as problem areas, and what type of information is given regarding future maintenance.

Guaranteed Inspection Services
Inspection firms may offer a written guarantee on the report findings. For instance, some guarantees provide reimbursement to home buyers for unexpected repair expenses for specified elements of the home found to be in satisfactory condition during the inspection process. Ask for a copy of the terms and conditions of any written guarantees or service agreements so you fully understand the scope of the property inspection service.

Experience and Training
The well-trained property inspector will be able to accurately identify the less obvious defects or problems with a home that other home buyers or even other inspectors might miss. In addition to requesting overall qualifications and work history, find out which associations the inspectors belong to and if they receive ongoing training and support. Ask for proof of certification and training by respected industry organizations, such as the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI). This type of professional training assures you that your inspector is trained in the necessary areas of residential construction and understands the home inspection process.

Reputation and References
Any property condition inspection service should be more than willing to offer at least three references and a sample report. Contact the references given and question the inspector's thoroughness and client satisfaction. Check with the Better Business Bureau in your area for any complaints. Neighbors and family members can also be a good resource for finding a reputable inspector. Ask around to see who they might recommend.

License and Insurance
Never use a property condition inspection service that is not insured. Look for an inspection firm which carries Errors and Omissions insurance, as it is through quality service and a proven track record that the costs for this insurance are kept at a minimum.

Licensing is often a first step in becoming an inspector. As mentioned above, be sure to hire a home inspector who is not only licensed, but who also participates in ongoing training and certifications. This way, you can be certain that your inspector has the most up-to-date knowledge on changes in the industry and as well as the problems found in residential construction.

Finding a Qualified Inspector
Your real estate agent may recommend several property condition inspection services, as may your family and friends. You can also check the yellow pages and perform a local internet search. No matter how you were referred to the inspector, thoroughly research his or her qualifications and service options. Look at more than just price. Develop a checklist of important criteria including service guarantees, inspection report detail, insurance coverage, and overall professionalism. Purchasing a home is one the biggest and most important investments you can make, so it?s vital to invest in the time and money to hire a quality property inspector.

This article was provided by HouseMaster, the oldest and most respected home inspection franchise system in North America. HouseMaster, founded in the late-1970s, has grown to over 350 local offices whose inspectors have collectively performed nearly 2-million home inspections. Home buyers, home sellers and real estate professionals rely on HouseMaster's property condition inspection services
For more information, visit www.housemaster.com.

About the Author
R.L. Fielding has been a freelance writer for 10 years, offering her expertise and skills to a variety of major organizations in the education, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing industries. She lives in New Jersey with her dog and two cats and enjoys rock climbing and ornamental gardening.