Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home inspection?
What does a home inspection include?
Why do I need a home inspection?
Do I need to be there for the inspection?
How long will the inspection take?
My house is being built new. Why should it be inspected?
How much does an inspection cost?
Can't I do the inspection myself?
What if the report reveals some problems?
WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION? 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 inspection is like giving it a physical. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.
WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?
Standard inspection reports review the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows; the foundation, basement, and the visible structure of the home. Our services also include access to our free Extended Advice program.
WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. As such, you should learn as much as you can about the home before you buy, so that you aren't hit with any unexpected repairs or difficulty after the home is yours. In addition, the home inspection will note positive aspects of the home, as well as maintenance required to keep your home in good shape. The inspection also helps you to get a much better understanding of the property than you could get on your own.
DO I NEED TO BE THERE FOR THE INSPECTION?
While it is not necessary for you to be at the inspection, it is highly recommended that you attend the inspection to get its full benefits. The inspection gives you the chance to ask questions of the inspector directly and to see your home through the inspector's eyes. This will give you a better understanding of the inspection report as well as the property itself.
HOW LONG WILL THE INSPECTION TAKE?
The time required generally depends on the size of the home. For example, an average 2,500 square foot home will take approximately 2 hours to inspect. Another factor that may affect inspection time is the condition of the home. If the home has a lot of problems, additional time may be required for the inspector to describe those problems and discuss what options the buyer may have to repair those problems.
MY HOUSE IS BEING BUILT NEW. WHY SHOULD IT BE INSPECTED?
An inspection of a new property is important to help spot any shortcuts the contractor or builder may have taken. A trained home inspector will be able to spot certain signs that might otherwise go unnoticed to an untrained eye. Especially valuable is an inspection before the drywall is put up. This gives the buyer the chance to identify and fix problems when they are much easier to spot and repair. Revealing issues during the framing process that will later be hidden beneath walls can potentially save homebuyers thousands of dollars in repairs.
HOW MUCH DOES AN INSPECTION COST?
The cost of a home inspection varies based upon a number of factors, including size, age, special services requested, etc. Typically, the cost is in the range of $250 to $350, although the fees can go higher. However, cost should not be a factor in deciding whether or not a buyer has his or her home inspected. Rather, they should consider the home inspection an investment that will pay for itself many times over.
CAN'T I DO THE INSPECTION MYSELF?
Even the savviest do-it-yourselfer will not have the level of training, knowledge and expertise as
a professional home inspector who has looked at hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the complex elements of home construction;
he or she understands how the home's systems are intended to function, as well as how and why they fail. Most importantly, the inspector is a disinterested third party that can be totally objective about the condition of the home.
WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS SOME PROBLEMS?
No house is perfect. If there are problems, it doesn't mean that your client shouldn't buy the house. However, if there are major problems, you and your client may want to go back to the seller to either get the problems corrected or to negotiate the contract price to reflect the inspector's findings.