Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does a home inspection include?
A. A home inspection entails a visual inspection of all the major features of a home, including the HVAC system, interior plumbing and electrical systems, the walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, roof, attic, and other structural components.
Q. Why is a home inspection important?
A. A home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. When you are considering a purchase of this magnitude, you want to make sure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision possible for you and your family. If the home inspection identifies serious problems, such as a roof in need of repair, the offered price for the home may no longer be so attractive. If the inspection finds no serious problems, you can negotiate with confidence and be sure you will not need to deal with any unpleasant surprises when you move into your new home.
Q. Why can’t I do the home inspection myself?
A. Even the most experienced homeowner does not have the training and expertise of a professional home inspector. Home inspectors know exactly what to look for and can make a thorough assessment of a house in a few hours. When you hire a home inspector, you won’t have to worry that you missed something.
Q. Do I have to be there while the home is inspected?
A. It is not required that you be there, but we highly recommend that you accompany your inspector as they examine the home. If you are there, you will see what the inspector sees and have a better understanding of the scope and severity of any problems that are encountered. This will help you make a better decision when it comes time to purchase the home.
Q. Can a home fail an inspection?
A. Homes cannot fail a home inspection. The job of the home inspector is simply to catalog any issues that exist with the property, not to check whether the home is up to code. The purpose is to indicate any aspects of the property that require minor or major repairs, not to “pass” or “fail” the building.
Q. How long will the home inspection take?
A. Obviously, the time will vary depending on the size and condition of the home, but the average home inspection takes roughly three to five hours.
Q. Does a newly constructed home need an inspection?
A. Yes, all homes can benefit from inspections. This is especially true with new homes, because even brand new homes often have issues that need to be addressed. If you are purchasing a newly constructed home, it can be beneficial to spot problems early, when they are easier to correct. If you are building a new home yourself, it can be extremely valuable to have a professional inspection done before the interior walls go up.
Q. Will the home inspector fix the problems he finds?
A. No. To ensure that there is no conflict of interest, you will be required to hire another contractor to complete any repairs. The inspector’s job is simply to catalogue any issues with the property so that you know exactly what needs to be fixed.
Q. What is in the home inspection report?
A. The report includes a detailed summary of the condition of the home as well as a description of the condition of every system of the home that we have inspected.
Q. Should a seller get a home inspection?
A. A professional home inspection can be very beneficial for a seller. If you get an inspection before you put your home on the market, you can address any potential problems before buyers see it, and correspondingly increase your asking price.
Q. Does the seller have to fix all the problems you find in the home inspection?
A. The seller is not required to fix any problems that are found in the home inspection. The purpose of the inspection is simply to inform you of the condition of the property. You may use this information in negotiations with the seller, either requiring them to make repairs or lower the price to compensate for the damages.