Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you accept credit cards or any alternate methods of payment? Back to top
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards and debit cards for your convenience. Other optional methods of payment include personal checks, cash, cashier's checks, and money orders. We also offer a "Bill to Closing" service in which we will invoice the fees to the time when you actually close on the home. For more fee details click on the Fees and Services page tab above.
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 purchaser's buying decision. The inspector will point out problems and explain them so that you understand them. Our reports also indicate the good points of the house as well. The inspector will explain what routine maintenance is needed to keep your home in top condition. This will help you to get the most benefit from the inspection and gain more understanding of the systems that make up your home as well as how to maintain them.
Why do I need a Home Inspection? Back to top
A home is the largest purchase (physically and financially!) that most of us will ever make. It is important that you find out as much as you can about the house you are interested in before you buy it - because this can often help to 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 time 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 home's 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? Back to top
No, you are not required to be present at your inspection - but we do encourage you to do so. Most people find that it is a valuable learning experience, and being there will help get the most benefit from the inspection. You can observe some of what the inspection entails and will be able to ask questions of the inspector and he can explain maintenance tips for specific areas as well. And though our reports are written to be easily understood, and will contain photos of some of the conditions as well, we feel you'll be able to better understand the finished report and get the most benefit from it by also 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 fairly typical. For homes that are larger, or are in need of more repairs, or have a crawlspace below the home, it will take a little longer. If we are conducting the termite inspection and/or the radon test that adds a little time as well.
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. As building professionals, we may find problem areas where a builder may have taken shortcuts or not followed good building practices. If it is "move-in ready", we still typically find some areas that the builder or his subcontractors overlooked. In fact, most people are surprised at the number of deficiencies that their brand-new home has. In other cases, where the builder had done due diligence in attention to detail, with good oversight of his subcontractors, a clean inspection report will give the client more peace of mind that they won't have to be trying to call the builder back several times to fix things over the next year.
Why can't I do the inspection myself? Back to top
Even for clients who are familiar with home construction defects, or are professionally experienced in certain areas such as plumbing, electrical, or heating/cooling systems, most likely do not have the training, experience, and knowledge required to properly evaluate all of the large variety of systems and components in a home. We've inspected literally thousands of homes, condominiums, and apartments over the years. We are not only familiar with all the systems of a home (and how they work and how they need to be maintained), but we also know what signs to look for when 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 can be very difficult for you to remain completely unemotional about the house, and this may affect your judgment if you are trying to perform your own inspection. The professional inspector will provide an objective report of the facts that will be more readily accepted by the seller and all other parties versus an inspection performed by a buyer.
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 problems found during the inspection 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 can give you more negotiating power as well as the ability to make the best decisions.
Will you fix the problems you find during the inspection? Back to top
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 you that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide you with an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home.
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Google
Reddit
Yahoo