What is a Home Inspection? Why do I need a Home Inspection? What does a Home Inspection include? Do I need to be there during the Inspection? How long will the Inspection take? Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection? Why can’t I do the Inspection myself? What if the Inspection uncovers problems? Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection? When Do I Request An Inspector? Can a Building 'FAIL' The Inspection? If The Report Is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection? Cost...Is It worth It? What is The Cost? What is a Home Inspection?  Back to top 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. More Details Here... Why do I need a Home Inspection?   Back to top 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 buyers inspector. Finding them early will allow you to address them before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale. What does a Home Inspection include?   Back to top 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. More Details Here... Do I need to be there during the Inspection?   Back to top 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 get the most benefit from the inspection. By following the inspector you can ask questions directly and the inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. We feel you’ll be able to best understand the finished report and get the most benefit from it by having been there during the inspection. How long will the Inspection take?   Back to top The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 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?   Back to top Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new home is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It’s especially valuable to arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. As building professionals, we may find problem areas where the builder has taken shortcuts or not done good work. Why can’t I do the Inspection myself?   Back to top 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. We are not only familiar with all the systems of a home, and how they work and need to be maintained, but we also know what to look for to tell us that they are getting ready to fail. 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. What if the Inspection uncovers problems?   Back to top Our report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs and expenses. 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. Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?   Back to top No. The code of ethics of The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) 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. When Do I Request An Inspector?   Back to top The best time to consult the inspector is right after you’ve made an offer on your new building. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to inspect the building. Ask your professional agent to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection. Can a Building 'FAIL' The Inspection?   Back to top No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement. If The Report Is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection?   Back to top Definitely! Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You may have learned a few things about your property from the inspection report, and will want to keep that information for your future reference. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy your new home or building the way you want. Cost...Is It worth It?   Back to top 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. What is The Cost?   Back to top The cost of the inspection will vary with the size and structure of the home. An average home inspection fee varies from $200 to $300. Call for a firm quotation prior to the inspection. Payment is due at the time of the inspection. The inspection fee includes an itemized report and a verbal summary. The inspector will also provide you with maintenance tips. If you wish, a copy of the inspection report will be faxed to your realtor. Call (269) 207-0783 to schedule an appointment!