Home Inspection: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Home Inspection?

A professional home inspection is a complete visual examination of the all the systems and physical structural elements of a home performed by a home inspector. Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that would affect a purchaser's buying decision.

Why do I need a Home Inspection?

A home is likely to be the largest purchase you ever make; let us help to make it your most informed. Professional inspection services will give you a clear picture of the many systems and structural elements that make up the property. Our building report will advise you of the maintenance that will be required to keep your new home in top condition and will help you to avoid costly surprise repairs.

If you are selling your house or condominium, an inspection will point out any potential problems that might be uncovered later by the buyers inspector. Finding problems early through a pre-sale home inspection will allow you to address them before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale.

What does Home Inspection include?

Our computerized building report covers all the major systems and structural elements of the house. This includes the condition of the home's heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures. Some common areas in a shared property setting such as a condo or a co-op may be excluded as they would be the concern of the condo or co-op association.

Do I need to be there during the Inspection service?

You aren't required to be there for our inspection service, but we highly recommend that you be present. By following the inspector you can ask questions directly and the inspector will give you maintenance tips for specific areas. We feel you'll be able to best understand the finished building report and get the most benefit from it by having been there during the inspection service.

How long will the Inspection service take?

The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. A 2 bedroom condo or single family townhouse takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. For a two family home, 2 1/2 hours is pretty typical. But for larger homes, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer.

Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?

Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new house or condominium or is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It's especially valuable to arrange inspection service before the interior walls are finished. As building professionals, we may find problem areas where the builder has taken shortcuts or not done good work.

Why can't I do the Inspection myself?

Chances are that even if you are very familiar with home construction, you still don't have the knowledge, training and experience of a professional Home Inspector. We've performed thousands of home and condo inspections. We are not only familiar with all the systems of a home or condominium building, and how they work and need to be maintained, but we also know what to look for to tell us that they are getting ready to fail. But beyond the technical expertise and experience a professional inspector brings, it is important to remember that the inspector remains an impartial third party. If you are involved in buying or selling a house or condo, it's impossible for you to remain completely unemotional about the property, and this may cloud your judgment. The professional inspector will provide an objective outside report of the facts.

What if the Inspection uncovers problems?

You need to know what to do after the home inspection. Our building report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs and expenses. No house or condo is going to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. 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.

Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?

No. The code of ethics of The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home.

View a Sample Home Inspection Agreement