What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a professional, thorough and complete (top to bottom) visual examination of all the systems and physical, structural elements of a home. Our main goal is to identify existing or potential problems that would affect the health, safety and/or structural integrity of the home.
Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?
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 buyer’s inspector. Finding them early will allow you to address them before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale.
What If the Inspection Uncovers Problems?
All homes have issues or concerns. Most are typical and manageable with a few of them being serious/costly. Our reports will highlight the serious/costly concerns and recommended repairs on a summary page and the typical/manageable issues will be noted throughout the body of the report. In the end, knowing about the issues and concerns before you buy, gives you the ability to make a plan and educated decision.
How Do I Hire an Inspector?
Getting an independent, expert opinion on the operability of the structure and its systems is a no-brainer. But not all home inspectors have the same experience, training, or certifications. What's more, is there are currently no federal regulations governing home inspectors. Home inspectors are governed by the state in which the inspection is performed, and these laws vary greatly. So how do you make sure you've hired the right person for the job?
What Does Home Inspection Include?
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?
No, you aren't required to be there for the inspection. But we highly recommend that you be present. It's a valuable learning experience for most people and will help you benefit from the inspection. By attending the inspection, you can ask questions directly, and the inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas.
We feel you'll be able to understand the finished report best and get the most benefit from it by having been there during the inspection.
How Long Will the Inspection Take?
The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 2-3 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?
Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new home is essential. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. A pre-closing "punch list" is provided to the buyer to provide the builder for items that may need to be completed.
Why Can't I Do the Inspection Myself?
The 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. 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, it's 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.
Will You Fix the Problems You Find During the Inspection?
No. The code of ethics of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) 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.