Text Box: GROUND-UP Inspections Jack Robnett TREC 7046 Ph: (806) 438-5974 Email: jrobnett@tx.nachi.org HOW TO SELECT AN INSPECTOR Home Inspectors are not created equal. To aid in choosing a qualified home inspector, interview each prospect, using the following criteria: License In Texas, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires home inspectors to be licensed as a Professional Inspector, a Real Estate Inspector, or an Apprentice Inspector. Professional affiliation with the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) requires membership adherence to strict Standards of Practice and ongoing continuing education. These master inspectors have all successfully passed NACHI's Inspector Examination, taken a Standards of Practice Quiz, completed a Code of Ethics Course, adhere to Standards of Practice, abide by a Code of Ethics, attend required continuing education courses, and are NACHI Certified.  NACHI...the very best home inspectors. Inspection Experience Although building knowledge is essential to a home inspector, construction itself has little or no relation to the skills of a forensic investigation. A home inspector is primarily a property detective … someone that observes and ascertains defects. Real Estate Home Inspectors should be viewed as distinct from other contracting professionals. Building Code Knowledge The primary focus of a home inspection is not code compliance. Nevertheless, property defects often have their basis in code related standards. To ensure inspector competence in this area choose someone with building code knowledge. Reports The proof is in the product, so request a copy of a previous report. The best format should not only be detailed and comprehensive, but easily interpreted. A quality report will let defect disclosure stand out distinctly in contrast with less pertinent data. Inspection Fees Avoid price shopping. The price of a quality inspection is between $250.00 and $300.00 for an average size home. Lower fees should be regarded with suspicion, as they often identify those who spend insufficient time performing the