Something to think about: Before you pick up an inspector's literature in the lobby of your real estate agent's office, ask yourself if this company really working for me or to keep the real estate agent happy so they can get more referrals. Braun Inspection Consultants is not in the business to write water down reports to keep real estate agents happy, we work for YOU to provide the the most thorough inspections possible. If you are referred to Braun Inspection Consultants from your real estate agent, rest assure that he/she is looking out for your best interest.
Just because an inspector says he is certified does not mean that he/she is actually certified. Most inspectors in central Missouri are not certified and/or not properly trained. The state agency, Missouri Housing Development Commission, only recognizes the InterNational Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) as certified home inspector organizations. It is highly advisable to check if the inspector, you are about ready to hire, is certified with one of these organizations. Do not wait until something goes wrong with your new home before you find out that your inspector is not certified to perform inspections.
If your Realtor (who gets compensated only when the home completes the sales transaction) refers you to a home inspector or a list of home inspectors, you should check out all credentials. Not all Realtors are dishonest but as long as there is a conflict of interest, not all Realtors will look out for your best interests. Do not take the word of your Realtor or this might happen to you, confessed by a former Realtor to ABC News:
Things you should check for before hiring a home inspector:
Does the inspector belong to one of these state recognized organizations? InterNACHI, NAHI or ASHI
Is the inspector advertising himself as a Missouri licensed home inspector? If he is, he is lying because there is no home inspector licensing in Missouri. If the home inspector is lying about a holding a home inspection license, what else is he lying about?
Also keep in mind, most inspectors spend only one to two hours at a house. My typical home inspection takes three to five hours. I am well known for being thorough and professional.
I also offer a walk-through verbal evaluations for only $95.00 that takes less than one hour.
