What is a home inspection?
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.
What does the inspection include?
What does the inspection include?See Standard Home Inspection page.
Why should I use your services?
All our inspectors are formally trained and certified to ensure you receive consistent results and presentation. Don’t let the price of the inspection determine whether or not you get a home inspection or 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 their experience, training, and professional affiliations should be the most important consideration.
Why do I need a home inspection?
For the Home Buyer: The purchase of a home is probably the single largest investment you will ever make. To minimize surprises or difficulties after the purchase, you should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property before you buy.
In addition to outlining maintenance needs, a home inspection also points out the positive and important aspects of a home, such as the location of all safety shut off switches or valves or the life expectancy of the installed fixtures. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the house you are about to purchase.
For the Home Owner: If you are already a home owner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and learn preventive measures that might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have a home inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions that may be discovered by the buyer’s inspector, and give you the opportunity to make the repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Buying a home is one of the most import investments you will ever make. Perhaps a better question to ask yourself is “What might it cost if I don’t get a home inspection?” A home inspection is the best way to identify possible or evident problems before committing to the purchase of your new home. Making sure it’s a good investment gives you peace of mind. Our home inspection can also educate the first time buyer and even the seasoned homeowner about ways to maintain your home properly.
What is your home inspection fee based on?
The price of the inspection varies based on the size and age of the home. Larger and older homes take longer to inspect, hence the fees for these homes are greater than those for a smaller home.
How do I pay the home inspector?
After scheduling your inspection, you will receive an email with the inspection information and the Inspection Agreement. Payment is expected at the inspection. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
When should I call a home inspector?
A home inspector is typically contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both buyer and seller are obligated.
Do I have to attend the inspection?
We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, during the inspection, or at least the last hour, if possible. By attending your inspection, you will learn as much as possible from your inspector and can walk the home to view the inspector’s concerns and how the components operate.
You will also find the written report easier to understand if you’ve seen the property first-hand through the inspector’s eyes. Plus, your attendance may be required in order to sign the Inspection Agreement and take care of payment for our services, if these have not already been done on-line.
What if the report reveals problems?
Our report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs. 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.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. For example, you may find out from our inspection that your electric panel is already full to capacity which will make your future plans to add circuits in the basement or finished attic more expensive.
How long does the inspection usually take?
The majority of our home inspections take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the size, age & condition of the home. Some larger homes can take between 4 and 5 hours.
When and how do I schedule a home inspection?
You generally have between seven and ten days after you sign the contract with your real estate agent to get a home inspection. We would advise you to call us as soon as you sign the contract on the prospective home. This will ensure that you can get the inspection done at a time that’s most convenient for you. When you’re ready to schedule your inspection, you can call, contact us via website or email us. We are available 7 days a week.
What kind of report can I expect?
We provide a computer-generated report with digital photos. The Property Inspection Report will give you easy to read details on:
- The general condition of the home from the roof to the foundation
- Safety concerns
- Major and minor deficiencies
- Suggestions to remedy deficiencies
- Any major expenditure coming up
- What to watch out for
When do I get the Report?
After the completion of the inspection a detailed computer report with color photos will be created with our findings and will be emailed to you later that same day.
Will you fix the problems you find during the home inspection?
No. The ASHI Code of Ethics 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.
What if I have questions after the Inspection?
You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.
Can a house fail the inspection?
No. A professional home inspector does not issue a pass or fail grade on a home. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective home. The home inspector will describe the physical condition of the home and indicate what may need repair or replacement.
Does a newly constructed home need a home inspection?
Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new home is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct and still under warranty.