When Connecticut started requiring home inspectors be licensed in 2000 (New York began requiring home inspectors be licensed in 2005), the risk of hiring an incompetent inspector went down dramatically. Nevertheless, there remains a wide range of capability and performance between home inspection companies.
Hire an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI)
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has been nationally recognized since 1977 as the leader in home inspection quality standards. ASHI requires nearly twice as much continuing education every year than is required by the Connecticut Home Inspection licensing law. ASHI members can also draw on the formidable knowledge and experience base among their peer members.
Consider hiring a Professional Engineer (PE)
Some ASHI members are also Professional Engineers. When a non-engineering inspector discovers a structural situation at a home that they think is serious but are uncomfortable fully judging, they will likely recommend that a PE advise. This means the home buyer has to pay two professionals to “complete” their home inspection.
While most Professional Engineer home inspectors charge more for their inspections, the time spent and the total value will likely work out in your favor. This is particularly true when one takes into consideration that the engineering training is brought to bear on each aspect of the inspection.