1.    Is the inspector a candidate or a certified member of ASHI?
2.    How long has the inspector been in business as a home inspector firm?
3.    Is the inspector specifically experienced in residential construction?
4.    Does the company offer to do any repairs or improvements based on its inspection?
       (Be wary of a yes to this question, it might be a conflict of interest.)
5.    How long will the inspection take? The average time is approximately 2 1/2 to
       3 hours; anything less is not enough time to do a thorough inspection.
6.    How thorough is the inspection? Does the inspector utilize technical tools such as
       moisture, electrical, carbon monoxide, gas, and water leak detectors to aid in diagnosing problems?
7.    Does the inspector supply a comprehensive written report with detailed explanations or a checklist?
8.    Does the report include a summary list of important conditions and more essential information?
9.    Does the inspector encourage the client to attend the inspection?
       (This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal should raise a red flag.)
10.  Does the inspector participate in continuing education programs to keep his expertise up to date?

Defective Products and Recalls

Some homes and condominiums include products that have been alleged to be defective and are subjects to lawsuits, recalls or regulatory inquiry. The following are just a few examples: Louisiana-Pacific (LP) Inner-Seal Siding, Masonite Hardboard Siding, Masonite OmniWiid Siding, Masonite Woodruf Roofing, Exterior Insulating Finish Systems (EIFS synthetic stucco), Polybutylene plumbing materials, ABS Pipes, Weyerhaeuser Hardboard Siding, Sladwood Siding, Georgia Pacific Hardwood Siding, Cadet and Encore brand electric in-wall heaters, and Cernwood Shakes.

This is not intended to be a complete list. Other products may be found to be defective. The above products are not necessarily defective; they were alleged to be defective at one time. Manufacturers frequently update products: some products carrying the above brand names or descriptions might be found to be acceptable.

Discovering and assessing defective products or materials is beyond the expertise of real estate agents and licensees. Homeowners and buyers should consult appropriate experts. Some products have been the subjects of class action settlements for which compensation may be avai1able. Property sellers should disclose the existence of any potentially defective products that are known or suspected to be in or about the home. Buyers should investigate the condition of the home with the assistance of professional inspector(s) before committing to the purchase. If there has been a class action settlement, the seller may need to assign a claim to the buyer in a form provided by the settlement administrator.

For more information consult a competent home inspector and the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission
1-800-638-2772 or http://www.cpsc.gov, a clearinghouse of some major class action lawsuits at http://kinsella.com, or a central information site for consumer information found at http://www.notice.com. For information on a few particular products with class action settlements: