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Should I be present when the inspection takes place ?
Absolutely! I strongly encourage you and your spouse/partner to attend the inspection. This is a perfect time to re-visit the home for a good length of time and ask all the questions you like as we go through the many components of the inspection. Plan on being there at least 1.5-2 hrs for a typical home.
What does a Home Inspection cover ?
A Lot. The inspection and report will cover components and areas to include:
· Roof, vents, flashings, and trim.
· Gutters and downspouts.
· Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations.
· Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings.
· Eaves, soffit and fascia.
· Grading and drainage.
· Basement, foundation and crawlspace.
· Water penetration and foundation movement.
· Heating systems.
· Cooling systems.
· Main water shut off valves.
· Water heating system.
· Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets.
· Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.
· Electrical service line and meter box.
· Main disconnect and service amperage.
· Electrical panels, breakers and fuses.
· Grounding and bonding.
· GFCIs and AFCI’.
· Fireplace damper door and hearth.
· Insulation and ventilation.
· Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers.
· And much more.
How long does a Home Inspection take ?
A Few Hours. Typically, you can expect an average of 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Some homes can take as long as 3 hours, or even more. The age and how well the home was maintained both determine how long the inspection will take. Older homes that have not been well maintained will take longer than newer homes that have. Regardless, I'll be there until it's completed.
When can I expect the completed report ?
Quickly. I'll be working on your report the same evening of the inspection, and will have it ready for you the very same day. Depending on the condition of the house could be a factor. You'll be sent an E-mail with a link to your Home Inspection Report. Once your report opens, you can save or print it. You can then forward the link to other individuals as you choose.
Note that the report belongs to YOU and that I will not send it to NO ONE without your permission. In most cases, you would be the one to send it to others since it's so easy to forward.
Can a Home Inspection fail ?
NO. A Home Inspection is not a Pass/Fail examination. It sole purpose is to enlighten you the Buyer, or Seller, of the current state and condition of the home's systems and visible componants . Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect house, ... Even with newer homes. All homes have areas of concern. Keep in mind that virtually everything can be repaired. The Home Inspection will assist you in making that decision of whether or not you want to be responsible for making the repairs, or negotiating a price reduction. It's my job to point them out to you so you can make an informed decision.
Will you tell me whether or not I should buy the home ?
NO. As a Home Inspector, I must adhere to strict Standards of Practice. My job is to point out areas of concern, as well as strong points of the home. The decision of whether to buy or not is strictly up to you.
Do you recommend contractors, give bids on repairs or do repairs yourself ?
NO. You should be wary of any Home Inspector who does offer contract work. To do so, would be a Conflict of Interest. INSPEC adheres strictly to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics set forth by the Industry. A fair and unbiased inspection is the result.
Who pays for the repairs that you find in your report ?
That Depends. The "Who pays for What" depends on you and your Realtor. Normally, it's up to your Realtor, and the Sellers Realtor, to negotiate a Sales Price for the home based on what discrepancies or positive attributions the house may have. This is beyond the scope of a Home Inspector. I will offer no opinion or advice in this matter. To remain objective and avoid a possible Conflict of Interest, I do not involve myself in any aspect of the purchase decision and/or repairs of the house.
When are you able to perform an inspection ?
Within 5-9 days. A good inspector is usually kept busy! So it may be wise to pre-book a time slot with your inspector even prior to getting the result of your offer acceptance. Due to the busy schedules of Realtors, Clients, Sellers and Buyers, INSPEC is available Monday through Saturday. Keep in mind that inspections do need to be performed during daylight hours. Or, at least have the exterior inspected prior to sunset. The interior can then be inspected after sunset.
What is the fee for an inspection ?
Reasonable. The fee(s) for a Home inspection depends on a number of factors. Size, age, components of the home, if there's a pool or spa to be inspected and whether it has a detached living quarters and/or barn, etc. After a few brief questions over the phone I'll be able to quote you my fee. Remember, a few hundred dollars spent wisely, could end up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.
My Uncle Bob is a handy man. Why can't he inspect the house ?
Experience and training. I'm sure that your Uncle Bob is a very nice guy. Unfortunately, a lot of the problems and safety issues I find with homes are the results of "Uncle Bob's" handiwork. Most Inspectors are rigorously trained professionals who understand cause and effect of aging buildings as well as great knowledge of virtually all systems in a home. The Industry also requires its inspector to undergo minimum continued education to stay on top of technologies and new discoveries related to inspecting homes.
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