Frequently
Asked Questions
What is a Home
Inspection?
Why do I need
a Home Inspection?
What does
a Home Inspection include?
Do I need to
be there during the Inspection?
How long will
the Inspection take?
Does a newly
constructed home need an Inspection?
Why can't I
do the Inspection myself?
What if the
Inspection uncovers problems?
Will you fix
the problems you find during the Inspection?
What is a Home Inspection? Back
to top
A home inspection is a professional, complete visual examination
of the all the systems and physical structural elements of a home.
Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that
would affect a purchasers buying decision.
Why do I need a Home Inspection? Back
to top
A home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. It only
makes sense to find out as much as you can about the house you are
interested in before you buy. That way you can avoid costly surprise
repairs and problems with your new home. Our report will also advise
you of what maintenance is required to keep your home in top condition.
A professional inspection will give you a clear picture of the many
systems and structural elements that make up the property. If you
are selling your home, a listing inspection will point out any potential
problems that might be uncovered later by the buyers inspector.
Finding them early will allow you to address them before listing
your home, making for a faster and smoother sale.
What does a Home Inspection include? Back
to top
Our standard inspection report covers all the major systems and
structural elements of the house. This includes the condition of
the homes heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical
systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls,
doors, windows and all visible structures.
Do I need to be there during the Inspection? Back
to top
No, you aren't required to be there for the inspection. But we
highly recommend that you be present. Its a valuable learning experience
for most people and will help you get the most benefit from the
inspection. By following the inspector you can ask questions directly
and the inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas.
We feel youll be able to best understand the finished report and
get the most benefit from it by having been there during the inspection.
How long will the Inspection take? Back
to top
The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of
the home. For most homes, 3 hours is pretty typical. But for larger
homes, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer.
Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection? Back
to top
Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new home is important.
We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy
to correct. Its especially valuable to arrange an inspection before
the interior walls are finished. As building professionals, we may
find problem areas where the builder has taken shortcuts or not
done good work.
Why can't I do the Inspection myself? Back
to top
Chances are that even if you are very familiar with home construction,
you still don't have the knowledge, training and experience of a
professional Home Inspector. We've inspected thousands of homes.
We are not only familiar with all the systems of a home, and how
they work and need to be maintained, but we also know what to look
for to tell us that they are getting ready to fail. But beyond the
technical expertise and experience a professional inspector brings,
it is important to remember that the inspector remains an impartial
third party. If you are involved in buying or selling a house, its
impossible for you to remain completely unemotional about the house,
and this may cloud your judgment. The professional inspector will
provide an objective outside reporting of the facts.
What if the Inspection uncovers problems? Back
to top
Our report will tell you the condition of the house, including
needed repairs and expenses. No house is going to be perfect. It
is up to you to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers
might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered,
you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired
before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price,
or offer more favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision
rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you
buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.
Will you fix the problems you find during the
Inspection? Back
to top
No. The code of ethics of National
Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they
inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest
by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective
third party report on the condition of the home.
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