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The January 2004 Issue of Consumer Reports® has a relevant investigation of defects in homes. Importantly, the article gives excellent advice regarding how home buyers can take
steps to avoid trouble.
The Consumer Reports® article states “Be proactive. Consumers should never buy a house without first hiring a real-estate attorney and a home-inspection
engineer.”
It is important for home buyers to understand that the credentials of home inspectors vary widely, some are licensed engineers, some are non-engineers, some claim to be professional
home inspectors, some claim to be certified, some claim membership in a home inspector group. Certifications can be obtained by almost anybody, a high school diploma is not a requirement and certifications can
even be obtained by joining a trade group.
The Consumer Reports® article states “Hire a qualified home inspector. Preferably, the inspector should be an engineer or architect.”
Only a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) can provide a home buyer with advice
based upon professional engineering judgment. A national list of licensed Professional Engineers who specialize in home inspections can be found here.
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