What should I know when choosing an inspector?

Consider the following when looking for a quality home inspector :

• Licensing - All Oregon Home Inspectors must have a Construction Contractors Board license(CCB#), be an Oregon Certified  Home Inspector(OCHI#) and be  bonded    and   insured. You can verify  each contractor's status    see when  they obtained their license, if any  claims  are  pending   against them, and  check their  bonding  and  insurance  by  looking them up at    http://www.ccb.state.or.us    or calling 503.378.4621 x4900
  
  
• Experience - An inspector's professional background is important. An inspector with experience in the building trades may have more knowledge than a classroom taught inspector. Ask for a work history.
  
  
• References - A quality inspector can offer references from former clients and other Realtors.
  
  
• Professionalism - The information you are seeking from the home inspection is crucial to your decision making and negotiating process for one of the most important purchases of your life. Your inspector should be articulate, personable, offer explanations to any questions, and be available after the inspection for further consultation.
  
  
• Trade Associations - High quality inspectors are affiliated with national home inspection associations. These associations require constant continuing education and usually have testing to become a member. See the links section above for more information.