Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I get a home inspection?
Buyers: When considering the purchase of a home, it's important to have all of the information. Having a home inspection performed, will give you an accurate understanding of the condition of the home to include maintenance or repair concerns so that you may purchase your home with the information you deserve.
Sellers: By performing a home inspection before you sell your house, you provide yourself with a snap shot of the home to reveal attractive selling features, unknown problems or even upgrades you may want to consider to increase the marketability of your home.
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Do I need to be present during the inspection?
No, you are not required to be there for the inspection; however, we highly recomment that you are 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.
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How do I choose a home inspector?
Consider the following questions when speaking with prospective inspectors:
Have you been formally trained as a home inspector?
Because the home is comprised of very complex and detailed elements, it is important that a home inspector has taken the time to complete professional training to back the quality of his business. The highest level of certification is the ASHI certification.
Are you a full-time inspector?
You want a home inspector that is committed to his business and thus committed to the quality of your new home.
What type of report is generated from the inspection?
After your home inspection, there are many decisions to be made in a timely manner. Therefore, it is important to have a copy of the inspection report immediately. Whether as a paper or electronic format, be sure that the report is easily accessible within 24 hours of completing the inspection.
Are you a memeber of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)?
ASHI is the most reputable and well established organization in the industry. To become a member of ASHI, an inspector is to maintain a high level of quality work, periodically participate in training and complete a minimum of 500 home inspections. Ensure that your home inspector belongs to ASHI.
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How long will the inspection take?
The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 2 hours is a sufficent time frame. However, for larger homes, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer.
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Why can't I do the inspection myself?
Likely, even if you are very familiar with home construction, you still do not have the knowledge, training and experience that a professional Home Inspector will have. I personally have completed thousands of home inspections and am well familiar with the systems of a home and how they work and are to be maintained. In addition, it is critical to note the importance of an impartial third party such as the Home Inspector. The inspector has the ability to remain objective in order to report the fact that you may or may not wish to hear.
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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 also not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house. Rather the home inspector will describe its physical condition and indicate which components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
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What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect and all require some kind of repair. If the inspector identifies problems, it does not mean that you should or should not buy the house. It simply sets proper expectations. It is up to you, the buyer, to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, you may try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price of the home, offering more favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems before you buy will give you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.
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How long do I have to ensure the inspection is completed?
From the day the real estate contract is signed, the buyer has 10 calendar days to complete all inspections and report back to the seller all defects that the buyer finds unacceptable. From this point on, the repairs are negotiated between the buyer and seller. As a result of the home inspection, the buyer can choose not to buy the house and get their earnest money returned to them.
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