Question 1

What is a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. It is not a report that tells you whether or not you should buy the home. Our inspections are impartial and discharged with integrity and fidelity, with fairness, objectivity, and without bias to all parties.

Question 2

What does a home inspection include?

Accepted Answer

The full service home inspection report will review the condition of the home’s heating & air conditioning system (temperature permitting), plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. It will also include educational material that is helpful in maintaining and/or repairing a home and our exclusive Protection Plan, which includes:

Inspector Performance Guarantee
Report Guarantee
Contract Fall Through Guarantee
Optional 30-day or 90-day Home Warranty (customer self-registration)

Question 3

Why do I need a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. Would you purchase a new $500,000.00 home without an inspection? Surprisingly, many people do. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

If you are planning to sell your home, you should have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer’s inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Question 4

How much will a home inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible additional services, such as septic, well, or radon testing. It is a good idea to check local prices on your own.

However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration.

Question 5

Can a house fail inspection?

Accepted Answer

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home or current home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

Question 6

Are there any areas you do not inspect?

Accepted Answer

We do not inspect any areas that cannot be accessed safely and without physical damage to the property. Of particular concern to many clients is inspecting the roof. We make every attempt to access all roofs, so long as the inspector feels safe doing so. Generally, we cannot access roofs that are more than 2 stories above the point of access (a deck, lower roof etc.) and in inclement weather. We also do not inspect pools and septic systems.

Question 7

When will I get my inspection report?

Accepted Answer

The inspection report is issued within 24hrs of the inspection completion time Monday thru Friday (excluding Holidays and weekends). If reports are needed sooner, please discuss with our office, depending on circumstances we sometime deliver same day. This applies to the home inspection only, does not apply to special services (e..g. Termite, Radon etc.).

Question 8

Do you perform inspections for homeowners before selling or considering selling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please take a look at the services section of our website. A full inspection can be used to sell your property by documenting all aspects of the home. It can be sent via email, posted to a website or printed and bound for an open house.
​
There is also our discounted inspection which reports on any problem areas that you may want to address before sale. This inspection is discounted from the standard Full Service Home Inspection. Discounts vary between 10% and 20%.

Question 9

In the agreement, it states that this is a ‘limited visual inspection’. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

The Inspection is limited to what we can see, without taking things apart; in other words, it’s a non-invasive inspection.

Question 10

What is the difference between an attic and a crawlspace?

Accepted Answer

The attic is the space closest to the roof and the crawlspace exists closest to the ground. Most properties either have a basement or a crawlspace but some properties may have both.

CONTRACTORS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS