Most experts recommend it For example, Dian Hymer, author of "Buying and Selling a Home" A Complete Guide, Chronicle Books, San Francisco, wrote, "Just because a house is new doesn't mean it was built correctly, she writes. "City inspectors sometimes overlook code violations. Ask the builder for copies of any reports on the property, including the soils report. "Have your inspector review these, as well as architectural plans, surveys, engineering calculations, city building inspections and an y other construction documents. Your inspector should help you prepare a quot;punch list" of items the builder needs to complete by closing, according to Hymer.
When choosing an inspector, the person should be either an engineer, an architect or a contractor. Try to hire an inspector who belongs to one of the home inspection trade organizations. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has developed formal inspection guidelines and a professional code of ethics for its members. Membership to ASHI is not automatic; proven field experience and technical knowledge about structures and their various systems and appliances are a prerequisite.
