You’re a savvy homebuyer, so you’ve searched for the best REALTOR®, shopped around for the lowest mortgage rate, and researched the homebuying process. But how well do you know your home inspector?

Buying a home is a big purchase, and it can also prove even morse costly if you find issues with your new home soon after closing. One way to mitigate your risk and feel more assured of your purchase is to interview home inspectors to make sure you have the right person for the home you’re considering.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• What’s included in your inspection? (Roofs? Wood-boring insects? Heating and cooling systems? Radon? Appliance recalls?)
• How long does it take?
• What kind of report and documentation do you provide?
• What is the turnaround for receiving the report?
• What parts of a home do you not inspect?
• Do you have any specialties?
• Can I be there during your inspection?
• Are you licensed and what accreditations do you have?
• Can you provide references?

In Texas, there are three levels of licenses for real estate inspectors: apprentice inspector, real estate inspector, and professional real estate inspector. Only professional real estate inspectors do not have to work under the direct or indirect supervision of another sponsoring inspector.