Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a home inspection take?

A thorough home inspection usually takes 2 1/2 hours, depending on the size of the structure, number of findings, condition of home, crawl space, etc. A typical 2000 sq.ft. home on a slab will take 2 1/2 hours. Be careful of inspectors who take one hour to do an inspection.

2. Should a seller have a home inspection?

Pre-listing inspections can help eliminate surprises that may be discovered during the buyers inspection. Those surprises can slow down the close of the sale, reduce your profits or bust the deal altogether. If you know up front about the conditions the buyer's inspector may find, you can address those items prior to listing.

3. What if the report reveals problems?

This does not necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the property, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of problems discovered by the inspector. The inspector will not tell you what to fix. That's between you and your agent.

4. Should I attend the inspection?

It is not necessary for you to be present during the inspection, but it is a good idea. By following the inspector through the inspection process, observing and asking questions, you will learn about your new home and get some tips on general maintenance. If time doesn't allow for you to be present for the entire inspection, most buyers will opt to come at the end of the inspection for the report presentation. The inspector will go over the entire report with you, at which time you may ask questions and look at any items of interest.

5. What should I look for in choosing a Home Inspector?

Your home inspector should have general knowledge of building skills and have good detective skills. General contractors are usually excellent builders but may not be the best detectives. For that reason your inspector should have formal training in the inspection field. Formal training provides inspectors a background in inspection and detection techniques, report writing, and presentation skills. For that reason, inspectors who have formal training in the inspection field are usually better inspectors.

6. What Is An Inspection?

An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, mobile home, or commercial building, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.

7. What Does An Inspection Include?

A complete inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.

8. When Do I Request An Inspector?

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.

9. Can A Building “FAIL” The Inspection?

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.

10. Why Do I Need An Inspection?

The purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect --- both indoors and out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.

As a seller, if you have owned your building for a period of time, an inspection can identify potential problems in the sale of your building and can recommend preventive measures, which might avoid future expensive repairs.

11. When Do I get the Report?

You can receive the Home Inspection Report several different ways; you can receive the report on-site at the time of the inspection, it can be e-mailed to you the same day or you can receive it on a CD at the time of inspection.

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