Why should I have a professional home inspection?
A home purchase is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make; an inspection helps provide the information you need to feel confident about it. After receiving our thorough, objective report detailing the home's condition, you’ll be able to make an intelligent, informed decision.
Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. An inspector knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.
When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
How long does an inspection take?
The process usually takes two to three hours depending on size, age and condition of the home and any additional services provided.
Do I need to be present during the inspection?
Ideally, YES. The goal of a home inspection is not just to inspect the property, but also to educate the homeowner or potential buyer about the property’s condition. This is better achieved if you are present at the time of the inspection.
By accompanying the inspector, you will have the opportunity to:
*Prior to the inspection, please prepare a list of any questions or concerns you may have about the property, and communicate those issues to us in advance to ensure they will be properly addressed (and that any necessary special arrangements can be made). Please bring your list to the inspection as well.
How will the inspection help me determine the condition of the home?
During the course of the home inspection, I will explain the condition of the property. You will also be provided with a Home Inspection Report to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
What is included in The Home Inspection Report?
The report is an easy-to-reference document detailing the condition of the home's major components (such as heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc.). In addition, you'll receive a Preventive Maintenance Checklist with tips for keeping your home in shape.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.
A home purchase is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make; an inspection helps provide the information you need to feel confident about it. After receiving our thorough, objective report detailing the home's condition, you’ll be able to make an intelligent, informed decision.
Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. An inspector knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.
When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
How long does an inspection take?
The process usually takes two to three hours depending on size, age and condition of the home and any additional services provided.
Do I need to be present during the inspection?
Ideally, YES. The goal of a home inspection is not just to inspect the property, but also to educate the homeowner or potential buyer about the property’s condition. This is better achieved if you are present at the time of the inspection.
By accompanying the inspector, you will have the opportunity to:
- See the condition of each key component throughout the house and property firsthand, helping give a better understanding of the home and of the resulting inspection report.
- Ease any concerns about findings which may seem distressing on paper but are in fact superficial. For example, the inspector might explain that inexpensive lubricant can quiet an alarming appliance noise or that an unsightly column needs only a coat of paint.
- Have all of your questions and concerns addressed immediately as they arise.
*Prior to the inspection, please prepare a list of any questions or concerns you may have about the property, and communicate those issues to us in advance to ensure they will be properly addressed (and that any necessary special arrangements can be made). Please bring your list to the inspection as well.
How will the inspection help me determine the condition of the home?
During the course of the home inspection, I will explain the condition of the property. You will also be provided with a Home Inspection Report to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
What is included in The Home Inspection Report?
The report is an easy-to-reference document detailing the condition of the home's major components (such as heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc.). In addition, you'll receive a Preventive Maintenance Checklist with tips for keeping your home in shape.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.