Before you choose which home inspector you’ll hire, run down a quick list of questions, including:

• Do you specialize in residential or commercial properties?
• How long have you been a licensed home inspector?
• Are you a member of any professional organizations?
• May I walk through the home with you?
• Do you have “errors and omissions” insurance?
• Do you offer a guarantee?

If the inspector doesn’t want you to be present for the inspection, that’s a red flag—you should probably move on to someone else.