Do-it-yourself home inspections

Today, 85 percent of homebuyers choose a home inspection compared to a mere 5 percent in the 1980s, according to the National Association of Home Inspectors. Inspectors typically charge $150 to $600 for their services, with the exact price calculated using an hourly rate or the home's square footage. Although experts agree that inspections are important, some buyers are conducting inspections themselves to save money. Many use professional guidelines as spelled out on Web sites. Freddie Mac's "Consumer Home Inspection Kit" is available for free on its Web site, and America's Doorstep offers a similar kit for $19.95. Buyers who choose to have a professional look over the home should select an inspector based on recommendations, qualifications, references and association membership.

Source: Copley News Service