Summary:
Buying a home is exciting. However, it also carries risk. That risk increases when buyers hire what we call a blind inspector, defined as someone who lacks experience and/or training. Just because they have been doing it for 20 years, doesn’t mean they have been doing it write.
Be sure to hire an InterNACHI-certified inspector.
A summary of the article;
- This article was written to help both people in the local area and those outside it.
- Is it a generic website or has some thought been put into it? Check the website
- Read Reviews(do they just collect them or do they respond to them?)
- Review sample reports, see our example below; some are better than others
- Ask about the number of inspections performed, part-time inspectors versus full-time.
- Do they have minimal certifications?
- Look for InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspectors and more.
- While there are other associations, none have a higher standard than InterNACHI; we have multiple Certified Master Inspectors on Staff (CMIs) and Certified Professional Inspectors, in addition to our required Indiana License.
- Do they use technology to help with the inspection?
- If so, are they trained on it?
Read below for more information.
Fortunately, homebuyers in Southern Indiana and other areas can protect themselves. With the right approach, you can choose a home inspector who delivers real value, not superficial results.
Below is how to avoid costly mistakes and hire InterNACHI-certified home inspection professionals who work for you.
Do Your Due Diligence Before Hiring a Home Inspector
When choosing a professional for your inspection, would you prefer an ‘A,’ ‘B,’ or ‘C’ player? Most people naturally want an ‘A’ player. However, B and C players often try to convince you they belong in the top tier—frequently by underbidding the competition, offering earlier availability, and/or free services built in. In our industry, a low price is often a red flag for lower quality or next-day availability. How can you, the consumer, avoid this trap?
Not all building inspectors, property inspectors, or home inspectors operate the same way. Some work alone. Others rely on a trained team.
Look for companies that work as a collaborative unit. As a result, clients benefit from shared knowledge and consistent quality. Unlike one-man operations that don’t have shared experience to rely on. At Champion, our team works together; we have coordinators to take orders, unlike many single-man operations that will do it during your inspection.
Experience also matters. A home inspector typically completes 400–500 inspections per year.
Look for Certified Professional Inspectors and/or Certified Master Inspectors through InterNACHI.
Look for companies with both inspectors and licensed general contractors. For example, we have both Certified Master Inspectors on staff, and Austin Denning is also a Licensed General Contractor who builds homes.
Experience and education matter. For example, Champion has completed over 6,800 inspections across Southern Indiana. Because of that experience, our inspectors quickly recognize patterns that others miss. As we hire inspectors at Champion, they grow from home inspectors to experienced building inspectors over time. Our company budgets over 450 inspections per year per inspector between residential and commercial inspections.
The left image below shows the number of inspections the other company did.
- How much experience can they bring to the table when doing only 5 to 6 inspections a week?
- Are they focused on the latest education and equipment when doing this part-time?
- Or with insufficient amounts of inspections coming in to support a family?
Choose Inspectors Who See What Others Miss
Below is from real inspection reports.
Here is an example with absolutely no detail. This is a real inspection report from one of our competitors. He may be $30 cheaper, but look at this report. Did he really help you? There are no photos, no specific locations, and no real commentary—they just wrote ‘mold.’ This raises the question: Where is the mold? How large is the area? Is it a minor issue or a major one? You need to know more than this.
Notice no photos, detail, just “Mold.”
Sample reports should show details.
Here’s a screenshot of ours for demonstrative purposes. At Champion, we ensure you are informed. We may even call you directly to discuss the findings and offer our mold testing services. In our reports, we document the locations, use directional arrows for clarity, and provide hyperlinks to the EPA’s website for information on mold safety. We also use specific narratives to clearly distinguish between minor and significant mold issues.
Our reports will have both photos and video
Local Experience Makes a Difference
Local inspection companies remain accountable. They rely on reputation, not volume.
Champion Property Inspection is locally owned and operated in Southern Indiana. We have served buyers for over a decade. That longevity reflects trust.
Large national chains often rotate inspectors. One-man shops often lack support.
A stable, local team provides balance. Our inspectors also bring decades of combined construction experience. That experience strengthens every inspection we perform.
Jake is a Certified Professional Inspector
What Other Homebuyers Say Matters
Reputable inspectors welcome feedback. They also measure performance. The majority of users use some sort of video and social media.
Check social media for ongoing content from your inspector.
Buyers can also watch real client testimonials on our YouTube channel. Champion collects client feedback after inspections. We review it. We improve from it.
Reviews provide insight into consistency. They also show how inspectors treat clients.
Why Experience Creates Value for the Customer
Experience saves buyers money. It also saves stress.
For example, trained home inspectors can accurately identify the age and condition of major appliances. This includes furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, and electrical panels. Knowing appliance age helps buyers plan. It also helps them negotiate intelligently. In many cases, it prevents surprise expenses during the first year of ownership.
Because we have inspected thousands of homes, we know what normal aging looks like. We also know when something looks prematurely worn. That insight provides real value to our clients. In addition, experienced inspectors recognize installation issues early. These issues often include safety concerns that new inspectors overlook.
Check online reviews; there should be responses to reviews. A few bad reviews is ok, it shows the company is doing a lot of inspections. A perfect rating may indicate low volume or they are paying to have them removed.
Research the Inspector’s Online Presence
Your real estate agent should provide a list, most have at least 3 on the list. This is ok, not a red flag. You, the consumer, should still do your own due diligence.
Look at the inspector’s website and social media. Educational content shows buyer loyalty. Listing reshares may indicate agent-focused priorities. Also, be cautious with “free” add-ons. Free radon tests or warranties can sound appealing. However, they may distract from inspection quality. Instead, focus on professionalism. Ask how the inspector manages time. Notice how they communicate. These details often predict inspection quality.
For buyers seeking transparency, reviewing online feedback matters. Champion Property Inspection maintains strong reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Zillow.
Education, Training, and Certifications Matter
A general contractor repairs homes. A professional home inspector evaluates every major system.
That difference matters.
Quality home inspectors complete formal training. They also pursue ongoing education. Building methods change. Codes evolve. Inspectors must keep up. Champion invests heavily in continued learning. Our inspectors attend industry conferences and hands-on training. We go beyond minimum requirements. Certifications help, but they do not stand alone. Real expertise comes from education plus experience.
Credentials to look for include InterNACHI-certified Inspectors(click here):
- Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)
- Certified Master Inspector (CMI)
- Licensed General Contractor
Even on new construction projects, our expertise is essential. We recently encountered a builder with over 20 years of experience who claimed our services weren’t needed. However, we were able to educate him on the importance of proper roof penetration flashings. Rather than installing the required flashing, his team had simply applied caulk around the area. The following photo from our report shows exactly why an independent inspection is necessary.
Missing flashing
When combined, these credentials provide deeper insight for buyers.
Technology Adds an Extra Layer of Protection
Buying tools does not make someone an expert. Knowing how to use them correctly does.
Look for inspectors who use advanced inspection technology, including:
- Infrared thermal imaging
- Moisture meters
- Sewer scope cameras
- Drones for roof inspections
These tools help uncover hidden defects. They also help confirm visible concerns. When used properly, technology improves accuracy. As a result, buyers gain confidence. They also avoid expensive surprises later.
The majority of us make videos showcasing our abilities.
InterNACHI Moisture Inspector
The Inspection Report Should Work for You
Your inspection report should be clear. It should also feel thorough.
Professional home inspection reports are typed. They include photos and video. They explain findings in plain language. Most quality reports exceed 30 pages. Short reports often lack detail. That lack of detail can cost buyers later.
Before hiring any building inspector, property inspector, or home inspector, ask to see a sample report.
A sample report by Certified Professional Inspector Noah Schnur
Ready to work with Southern Indiana’s most trusted inspection team?
Scheduling an inspection with one of our building inspectors at Champion Property Inspection in Southern Indiana is simple.
- Call us directly at 812-629-3186 or
- Schedule online anytime through our website – https://championpropinspect.com/schedule/
Our team will answer questions, explain services, and help you choose the right inspection. We work around your timeline. We also communicate clearly throughout the process.
