FAQs

About Your Home Inspection Frequently Asked Questions For Home Buyers and Sellers…

Q: Can A House Fail The Inspection?

A: 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.

Q: When Do I Get The Report?

A: Your home inspection report will be delivered to your inbox within 24 hours of the inspection, with most reports being delivered the same day.

Q: What Kind Of Report Can I Expect?

A: The Inspection Report, containing digital photos of deficiencies, will explain:

• The general condition of the home from the roof to the foundation.
• How household items work.
• Major deficiencies and maintenance items in summary.
• Any expected major expenditures.
• Where to find main water & gas shut off valves and the main electrical disconnect.

Q: When And How Do I Schedule A Home Inspection?

A: You generally have five days after you sign the contract to get a home inspection. We would advise you to call us as soon as you sign a 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 just, give us a call or schedule online. We have full time schedulers on staff Monday – Saturday to assist you.

Q: How Much Does An Inspection Cost?

A: The price of the inspection varies based on several key factors:

• The size of the building.
• The age of the property.
• The foundation type – Slab, Crawl Space or Unfinished/finished basement.
• Extra mechanical systems – HVAC systems, zoned heating/cooling or additional water heaters.

Q: How Do I Choose An Inspector?

A: Often times our office receives calls from prospective clients and their only question is: “How much?” Of course, price should be a consideration, but it should be one of multiple considerations. We coach clients to ask:

• What are the credentials of the inspector?
• Are you an active member of a professional home inspector association?
• How long will you be onsite?
• What diagnostic tools does your inspector use to evaluate the property?
• Does your service have a satisfaction guarantee?
• Can I attend the inspection?
• Can I ask questions after the inspection?
• May I see a sample inspection report?

Q: How Do I Pay The Inspector?

A: A link to our secure online credit card processing is sent via email once the inspection is scheduled. You may also pay at the conclusion of the inspection by cash or check. If you are unable to attend the inspection, we ask that you pay with your credit card in advance.

Q: What Will The Inspection Cover?

A: Our thorough Inspection covers everything from roof to the foundation, including, but not limited to:

• Attic
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Roof & Flashings
• Gutters
• Basement
• Crawlspace
• Foundation
• Grading
• Retaining Walls
• Siding & Trim
• Driveways & Walks
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Walls
• Doors & Windows
• Chimney
• Fireplace
• Major Appliances
• Electrical System
• Water Heater
• Plumbing System
• Air Conditioning
• Heating System

Q: How Long Will The Inspection Take?

A: Most Inspections take about three to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.

Q: Should I Be Present During The Inspection?

A: We recommend, if you are able, that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.

Q: Why Use Our Services?

A: The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, “Will This Home Stand the Test of Time?” It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money.

A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.

Q: Why Can’t I Have Someone In My Family Who Is Very Handy Or A Contractor, Inspect My New Home?

A: This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector’s instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.

Q: What If I Have Questions After The Inspection?

A: You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our goal is to be your Home Inspection Company for life.