What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective, visual analysis of the structure and systems of a home. The inspection includes items of the home’s interior and exterior from the roof to the foundation.
What does a home inspection include?
What Our standard inspection report covers all the major systems and structural elements of the house. This includes the condition of the home’s heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures. Once the home inspection is completed you will receive a written report that includes images, videos, and descriptions of the current condition of the home and any needed minor/major repairs or replacements.
How long does an inspection take?
The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 2-3 hours is fairly typical. For homes that are larger, or are in need of more repairs, or have a crawlspace below the home, it will take a little longer. If we are conducting the termite inspection and/or the radon test that adds a little time as well.
Why do I need a home inspection?
If you plan on buying or selling a home, or you currently own your own home, then the home inspection might be the single, most important investment that you will make. The inspection will empower you to learn as much as possible about the condition of the house, and the need for any minor/major repairs before you decide to purchase. Doing so will minimize any surprises or difficulties you may have after your purchase.
Do new homes need a home inspection?
No home is perfect, even a brand new one. Anything from major damage to minor maintenance issues can be found. Even homes a few years old are not immune – they could have problems with the plumbing, electrical system, heating and cooling system, or the roofing system just to name a few. For example, we have inspected brand new homes with leaking drain pipes throughout the home, deck joist hangers without nails or screws in them, and “black mold” covering the entire basement ceiling just to name a few. Remember…builders and contractors can make mistakes too.
How much does a home inspection cost?
The exact price will depend on the size of your home, where you live, and what you want inspected. The initial costs of the inspection is pennies in comparison to the price of your home, and a drop in the bucket when compared to the peace of mind these inspections will save you down the road.
Can I do the inspection myself?
As a home owner it would challenging to remain objective and free from emotion when observing the structure of a home and the systems within it. Our professionals know how a home should be built and we will offer an objective review of your home’s current condition. Our ASHI/ICA Certified professional will offer an impartial evaluation, accompanied with notations and depictions for any minor/major repairs or replacements.
When should I call a home inspector?
Whether you are a home owner, buyer, seller, or real estate agent you should contact us the moment you know that you will need to know the current condition of the home. A home inspector is typically called right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. Education empowers decisions and informed decisions make good decisions.
Can a house fail an inspection?
The inspection process is not a pass/fail, but rather an evaluation of your home’s current condition. Your investment into a home inspection will go along way and brings you a peace of mind in having a report that notates and depicts any repair(s) or replacement(s) needed.
How do I chose a home inspector?
The best source is a friend, or perhaps a business acquaintance, who has been satisfied with, and can recommend, a home inspector they have used. If that source is not available then you can tell a lot from a home inspection by simply looking at their website.
- Do they have clear concise descriptions of the services they offer?
- Do they have certification visible for you to review?
- Do they have client testimonials?
- Do they offer a sample report for you to preview?
- Are they locally owned and operated?
This is a big decision and you want to get it right, so ask yourself if they seem to be passionate about what they are doing and are they doing what they are passionate about? Ask yourself if they will represent your best interest for your biggest investment? Good luck and God bless!
Do I have to be there during the inspection?
We highly encourage it, but it is not mandatory. We expect you to ask questions, after the inspection, of our Certified & personable professionals to understand your homes current condition. CURRENTLY WITH COVID-19 WE WOULD LIKE THE HOME TO BE EMPTY DURING THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. HOWEVER, IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE PLEASE KNOW THAT OUR CERTIFIED AND TRAINED PROFESSIONALS WILL BE ADHERING TO ALL CDC AND SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES. WE CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY…AND OURS.
What if the inspection reveals problems with the home?
No house or home is perfect or defect free. The inspection is to provide you with the homes current condition which allows you to make an informed decision based on the details of the report which are notated and depicted. This information will allow you to communicate possible repair work and/or adjust the sales price. Some areas were noted as need maintenance from the home inspection.
Can you make the repairs?
No. We are in the home inspection business…not the repair business as this would be a conflict of interests. Our professional and personable inspectors are there to provide an objective review of your home’s current condition that is both impartial and unbiased. The ASHI code of ethics prohibits us from soliciting repair work and it is to ensure that you hired us to represent your best interest and not ours.
What if I have questions after the inspection has been completed?
Great! We love questions. We welcome questions before the inspection, after the inspection, and after you received the inspection report. We will make our contact information available to your from the beginning of the inspection process all the way to completion and beyond…When you hire us, we become your Home Consultant for as long as you live in your home. We are available for free phone consultations on any questions you may have relating to the Home Inspection.
Will the inspector come back to inspect repairs that have been made?
Yes we can. There is an additional charge for the re-inspection and please allow for advanced notice to schedule a re-inspection. We will provide a copy of the original report to the inspector as to ensure all repairs have been completed to standards.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned a few things about your new home from the inspector’s report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. Above all, you can feel assured you are making a well-informed purchase decision, and you will be able to enjoy your new home the way you want to.
