FAQ’s

A home inspection is an unbiased evaluation of a home’s condition by a trained professional who inspects accessible portions of a house, both inside and outside. The findings are presented in an inspection report, which gives an objective assessment of the home. The information in this report will allow you to make confident decisions regarding the home.

BUYERS: A home inspection can help you avoid costly mistakes, and it can provide peace of mind. It will alert you to any potential concerns prior to closing the deal and will teach you about your home and its operating systems.

SELLERS: A pre-listing inspection provides the seller with an objective evaluation of the home’s condition before the house is put on the market. Consequently, you are provided with guidance in preparing your house for maximum sales appeal. A home inspection not only encourages a faster sale and a better price, it also helps ensure compliance with disclosure requirements.

HOMEOWNERS: Even if you do not intend to sell your home, a thorough inspection of your house and property every five years can yield significant returns. An inspection can identify conditions that you may not even be aware of and can help detect potential problems early, before they become severe and costly.

BUYERS: A home inspection is needed once you become serious about the purchase of a home. It is recommended you have a protective clause written into the purchase agreement that provides you with the right to have a home inspection company conduct a complete, general home inspection.

SELLERS: Before you put your house on the market, you should consider a home inspection. By moving the inspection to the beginning of the sales cycle, you are able to shorten the process by removing obstacles before they can compromise a sale. Any necessary repairs can be performed by contractors of your choice, thus avoiding costly last minute repairs on a tight time schedule.

HOMEOWNERS: As a property owner, you know that some areas of your home will eventually need to be repaired or updated to maintain the value of your investment. Be proactive and make small repairs before they become bigger problems.

A general home inspection, which usually takes two to three hours, includes observation of and, when applicable, operation of the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical and appliance systems, as well as observation of structural components such as roof, foundation, exterior and interior walls, chimney, doors and windows. We also inspect for signs of Chinese drywall, which is commonly found in homes built or remodeled from 2003 to 2007.

Our Inspectors follow the Standards of Practice of International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), The inspections cover about 1,000 check-points in approximately 400 items around the home. Findings are provided in the form of a comprehensive report that includes existing defects and indicate any potential problems.

A home inspection does not estimate a property’s value as it relates to a mortgage loan or mortgage insurance. A home inspection is not a warranty. Because a home inspection is a visual examination of the home and operating systems, it is not technically exhaustive. There is no assurance that equipment will not break down at some future date. However, such protection is available when a home inspection is complemented by a home warranty. When the services are used in conjunction with one another, a home warranty covers the items that were serviceable at the time of the inspection and subsequently fail due to normal wear and tear.

A home inspection does not detect every conceivable flaw. It is an inspection of those areas and items that are visible. Home inspectors cannot see through foundation, floors or wall and cannot inspect areas or items that are inaccessible.

BUYERS: Know as much as possible about the home. Prior to the inspection, prepare a list of questions or concerns about the property. Relay these to the inspector in advance to ensure the matters will be properly addressed. We recommend the homebuyer be present during the inspection.

SELLERS: If it is a buyer-initiated inspection, it is best if you are not present. But know that you should be notified in advance of any inspection. The real estate agent generally will schedule the inspection for a time convenient to both you and the buyer to allow you enough time to make preparations. Whether the home inspection has been arranged by you, as the seller, or by the buyers, you can take several steps that will benefit you and facilitate the inspection process:

• Ensure that water and electricity are on and working.
• Make sure the inspector can access all areas of the house. Clear all furniture, boxes, clothes, toys and other personal items that may block access to the A/C system, water heater, electrical panels, attic access, etc. Inspectors will not enter inaccessible areas.
• Have your A/C system serviced prior to the inspection. The fewer problems an inspector finds with the property, the better overall image the property presents to the prospective buyer.

We strive to deliver the home inspection reports electronically the next business day before noon.

Home inspection reports lend credibility and stature to the image of the real estate professional. It says the firm and the sale associates are genuinely concerned with the best interests of both the buyer and the seller, thereby reflecting on the real estate agent’s integrity. Such impressions encourage referrals and tend to eliminate buyer’s remorse and litigation.

Yes. Don’t assume that there aren’t any problems because the house is new construction. Even the best and most reputable builders can overlook something.

Home inspection costs vary depending on the property type, size, age and the components that need to be inspected. The best way to obtain an exact cost is to contact us on (239) 300-2420. For your convenience we do accept all major credit cards.