9 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

Colorado doesn’t require home inspectors to be licensed. That surprises a lot of buyers, and it means the burden falls on homebuyers to vet who they hire. So before you book, run through these questions to ask your home inspector. A good inspector will answer every one of them without hesitation.

1. Are You ASHI or InterNachi Certified?

Certification isn’t legally required in Colorado, but it should still matter to you. ASHI and InterNachi both require inspectors to complete real training before certification, plus ongoing continuing education every year. An inspector who holds one of these certifications has met a real bar, not just picked up a clipboard.

2. Do You Carry Liability Insurance?

Every credible home inspector should carry liability insurance in case something gets damaged or someone gets hurt during the inspection. This protects you as much as it protects them. If an inspector hesitates on this question, treat that as a red flag.

3. How Many Inspections Have You Performed?

Experience matters here more than almost anywhere else. An inspector who has walked through hundreds of Colorado homes has seen the patterns that repeat across neighborhoods and decades. That pattern recognition is exactly what catches the issues a newer inspector might miss.

4. What Exactly Does the Inspection Cover?

Not every inspection covers the same ground, so ask for specifics. A thorough home inspection should cover the roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. If a company can’t clearly explain what’s included, you won’t know what you’re actually paying for.

5. Can I Attend the Inspection?

You should always be able to walk through the home alongside your inspector. Seeing issues firsthand, in context, teaches you far more than reading about them in a report later. Any inspector who discourages you from attending is worth a second look.

6. How Long Will the Inspection Take?

A rushed inspection is a red flag, plain and simple. Most single-family homes take two to four hours for a proper walkthrough. That time varies with the home’s age and size. If someone promises to be in and out in 45 minutes, ask yourself what they might be skipping.

7. What Add-On Services Would You Recommend for This Home?

A good inspector doesn’t just run through a checklist. They should look at your specific home and flag whether a radon test, sewer scope, or energy audit makes sense. That kind of tailored advice is worth more than a one-size-fits-all package.

8. How Soon Will I Get My Report?

Timing matters, especially with a tight closing deadline. Ask how the report gets delivered and how quickly you’ll have it in hand. A same-day or next-day report gives you and your agent time to actually act on what’s found.

9. What Happens If I Have Questions After the Inspection?

This might be the most important question on the list, and it’s the one buyers forget to ask. A good inspector doesn’t disappear the moment your report is delivered. Through our Ask Your Inspector program, we stay available by chat or email. So you can follow up directly with the person who actually walked your home, not a random support line.

The Bottom Line

Without state licensing to lean on, knowing the questions to ask your home inspector is one of the best way to vet candidates. A certified, background-checked, insured inspector who’s willing to answer all ten of these without flinching is one worth hiring. If you’re getting ready to schedule an inspection, take this list with you and see how your inspector measures up.