Home inspections are becoming a standard part of the real estate sales process. However, with this acceptance comes an influx of many to the profession and, since there are no licensing requirements in most states, you should be careful when selecting an inspector.

Here are some tips on how to select a home inspector. When interviewing firms over the phone, ask the following questions:

1) Are you affiliated with the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) or other recognized home inspection organizations? CAHPI inspectors subscribe to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice. They must pass comprehensive testing and have completed a minimum of 250 fee-paid home inspections before acceptance.

2) What is your background? Contractors, engineers, architects, and other technically oriented people make good inspectors if they are trained in inspection techniques. The home inspection field is unique in that its focus is on understanding the deterioration process of a home versus the design or building of a home. Accordingly, home inspectors generally learn the profession from another qualified home inspector.

3) How much home inspection experience do you have? Many inspectors come to realize that they still know very little about a home, even after performing several dozen inspections. This is why experience is so important. All homes are different and a seasoned home inspector will see thousands of different scenarios and problems. This experience is invaluable when he or she comes to evaluate your home.

4) Do you physically get on the roof to inspect it? Some inspectors use binoculars to examine the roof. This will not suffice in most cases. Not only do the roof materials need to be viewed closely, there are portions of the roof, such as gutters, valleys, flashings, skylights, and roof projections that cannot be seen from the ground. Unless prevented by hazardous weather conditions, the inspector should get on the roof. If weather does not permit, the inspector may have to inspect the roof at a later time.

5) Will you be able to explain how the systems function? There are signs that tell a story about the conditions of the home. It's important to look for an inspector who will be able to explain how the systems operate and who is willing to pass on this knowledge to you.

6) Will you be able to explain the defects and their solutions? There's a big difference between being able to mimic standard recommendations and actually being able to explain the causes and solutions of these defects. Like a medical doctor treating a patient, the professional inspector will be able to give you explanations of the causes of and solutions to the home's physical problems.

7) Will you provide cost estimates for the significant items? The inspector who provides this service is going the extra step to help you with your home-buying experience. Armed with cost projections for repairs or replacements, you will be able to negotiate, budget or plan for future maintenance and repairs.

Inspection fees are important. However, they should not be the sole consideration in your decision. The interview process should give you a feeling for the competency, integrity, and overall attitude of the inspector and his/her company. Our advice is to set your standards very high!