Frequently Asked Questions

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection observes the readily visible and accessible installed systems and components in the house.

What does a home inspection include?

A standard home inspection summarizes findings from a visual inspection of the condition of the subject home’s

Structural components

þ Foundation
þ Floors and floor structure
þ Walls and wall structure
þ Columns or piers
þ Ceilings and ceiling structure
þ Roofs and roof structure

Exterior & Site

þ Wall cladding, flashings, and trim
þ Entryway doors and all windows
þ Garage door operators
þ Attached decks, porches, balconies, steps, and railings
þ Eaves, soffits, and fascias
þ Grading, drainage, driveways, patios, walkways, and retaining walls

Roofing

þ Roof coverings
þ Roof drainage systems
þ Flashings
þ Skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations

Plumbing

þ Interior water supply & distribution
þ Interior drain, waste, and vent system
þ Hot water systems

Electrical

þ Service entrance conductors
þ Service equipment
þ Amperage and voltage ratings
þ Branch circuit conductors and Over-current devices
þ The operation of a representative number of fixtures, switches and receptacles
þ The operation of ground fault or arc fault interrupter circuit
þ Smoke detectors

HVAC

þ Heating and cooling equipment
þ Normal operating controls
þ Chimneys, flues, ducts, and vents where readily visible
þ The presence of installed heat source in each room

Interiors

þ Walls, ceiling, and floors
þ Steps, stairways, balconies, and railings
þ Counters and cabinets
þ Doors and windows

Insulation and Ventilation

þ Insulation and vapor barriers in unfinished spaces
þ Ventilation of attics and foundation areas
þ Kitchen, bathroom, and laundry venting systems
þ Absence of insulation in unfinished space adjacent to heated living areas

Built-in kitchen appliances

þ Dishwasher, run through normal cycle
þ Garbage disposal
þ Ventilation equipment or range hood
þ Microwave
þ Refrigerator

Are there any limitations?

Yes, for example the air-conditioner or heat pump cannot be run if the outside ambient temperature has not been greater than 65° F for 24 hrs. Some spaces such as the crawlspace may be inaccessible due to HVAC ducts, utility lines, knee walls, or other obstructions. Weather may limit access to roof areas. Concealed areas such as wall cavities cannot be inspected.

Why do I need an inspection?

A home inspection will let you know the condition of the property before you buy, so you may avoid unpleasant costly repairs afterwards. After an inspection, you should have a clearer understanding about the property and feel confident about the purchase of a home. It will reveal major problems with the house and also point out the positive aspects of the home.

Why do I need a home inspection?

Buying a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future. Buyers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before executing an agreement for sale or purchase. If you are planning to sell your home, an inspection prior to placing your home on the market provides a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and provides you an opportunity to make repairs that will make your home more desirable to potential buyers.

What will it cost?

Inspection fees for a typical single family home vary by geography, size and features of the property, and age of the home. Additionally, radon testing may be warranted depending upon the individual property. Prices vary, call for a free quote.

Can I do it myself?

Sure, if you think you have the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector that is looking at properties every day. However, even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. A professional home inspector has the experience, depth of knowledge and training to make an unbiased and informed report of the condition of a property. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance. An inspector understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail and knows what to look for and is uniquely suited to interpret what their findings reveal about the condition of the property.

Most buyers find it difficult to remain objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information about the condition of a home, always obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

Can a house fail a home inspection?

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a code inspection, which verifies compliance to local codes and standards. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes the physical condition of a property and indicates what may need repair or replacement.

What happens if a house has problems?

Our report will tell you the condition of the house, and point out any areas where repairs may be needed. As a home ages, systems may perform at less than optimal levels, no house is perfect. It is your decision how any of the problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions for your and your family.

Which houses should be inspected?

Any house should be inspected regardless of age. New construction as well as existing houses have defects. The inspector uses his experience of inspecting older houses to anticipate future problems in new construction.

Is an inspection an insurance policy or warranty against future repair?

No. The home inspector will never be able to predict every repair or maintenance item encountered while owning a house. Purchasing a home brings risk. An inspection cannot eliminate this risk. It gives you an impression of the condition of the house and discloses immediate major repairs. There are extended warranty programs available through various real estate brokerages that will cover repairs to certain components in the house.

Do I need to be present at the home inspection?

It isn’t absolutely necessary for you to be present at the inspection, however, we certainly encourage your being at the inspection to help you learn about your new home. The inspector can give you tips on maintenance and upkeep. It’s a good time for you to ask questions.

When do I call in the home inspector?

Usually after your offer has been accepted by the seller. Your realtor will generally include an inspection clause in your offer which gives you a time period within which to have the inspection done. By including an inspection clause, it makes your offer contingent upon the findings of the inspection report.