Getting the most value out of your home inspection

Bankrate.com, a financial publishing website, recently highlighted four major ways to get the most out of a home inspection for prospective homebuyers.

Tips for homebuyers before they sign the papers and rent the moving trucks include choosing a highly recommended inspector, making a detailed list of things to go over with the inspector, asking as many questions as possible and carefully evaluating long-vacant homes.

David Kolesari, president of the National Association of Home Inspectors, recommends in the Bankrate article for homebuyers to ask potential inspectors how many inspections they have done before, as well as when they can expect to see a final written report on the house inspected.

Dan Steward, president and CEO of Pillar To Post Inc. in Tampa, Florida, told the website he believes homebuyers should visit a home two or three times after inspections to make sure their investment is worth the risk.

The American Home Inspector Directory states that home inspectors standard practice typically doesn't not include looking for things like asbestos, lead paint, radon gas, toxic mold and pests. The AHID says the focus of inspections are on the structural, mechanical, electrical condition of properties inspected.