Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: Will
you cause any damage to the home?
A: No. The inspection
is gentle to the home. No destructive or invasive testing
is done.
Q: What
are you looking for?
A: We will be
checking the major components of the home to determine if
the items are in working condition and/or if they are safe.
Q: Will
I receive a copy of the report?
A: Yes. The report
and copies for your distribution is issued within 24 to
48 hours of the inspection.
Q: How
do I schedule an inspection?
A: Please call
866-PRO-EXAM. Our office is open 7am to 9pm, 6 days a week.
Or use our online order form.
Q: What
is not considered part of a Home Inspection?
A: A home inspection
is not a code compliance inspection and does not guarantee
that the house complies with building codes. It is not an
appraisal of the value of the property. It is not technically
exhaustive in nature. It does not protect a client from
any future failure of any systems or components. It is not
an insurance policy.
Q: Can
the Inspector "fail" the house?
A: No. There is
no "passing" or "failing". Our inspectors goal is to accurately
report on the physical condition of the house in a calm,
straight forward, and professional manner while indicating
what repairs might be necessary or what items may need to
be monitored for change in the future. The results can then
be compared to the real estate 'Offer To Purchase and Contract'
and a determination can be made as to what items are subject
to negotiation.
Q: Will
the Inspector advise me concerning the purchase?
A: No. Ultimately,
it is the clients decision whether or not to buy the house.
We have no knowledge of the value of the property, the financial
condition of the client, or any number of many other very
important factors. The home inspection should be viewed
as one more "piece of the puzzle". Each individual client
knows what they are willing to take on regarding repairs,
renovation, upgrade, etc.
Q: Why
should I have the house inspected?
A: Many homebuyers
lack the specific knowledge, skill, experience, and emotional
detachment that is required to conduct a thorough home inspection.
At the time of most inspections, the majority of homebuyers
have previously spent an average of 20 minutes or less at
the property. By hiring a home inspector, clients can gain
valuable understanding of, and insight into, the physical
condition of the house and especially whether or not there
are any items not functioning as intended, that are in need
of immediate repair, that might adversely affect the habitability
of the house, or that might warrant further investigation
by a specialized professional.
Q: Can
I follow along with the inspector?
A: Absolutely.
In fact, every client is highly encouraged to attend. The
inspection is a valuable learning experience for most home
buyers and we consider it a very important aspect of the
inspection. The inspector will provide valuable insight
and perspective concerning the home, its systems, and will
comment on important maintenance issues regarding the house.
Q: What
kind of report will I receive and when will I get it?
A: Basically.
A complete and thorough report. We use a computerized format.
The client receives the report within 24 to 48 hrs. of the
inspection.
Q: How
do I choose a Home Inspector?
A: Call and ask
about their credentials and experience. You must feel that
the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive of
your needs.
Q: What
will the inspection cover?
A: A thorough
Inspection covers everything from roof to the foundation.
|
Items that are included in the Inspection are as
follows: |
- Attic
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Roof & Flashings
- Gutters
- Basement
- Crawlspace
- Foundation
- Grading
- Retaining Walls
- Siding & Trim
- Driveways &
Walks
|
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Walls
- Doors & Windows
- Chimney
- Fireplace
- Electrical System
- Water Heater
- Plumbing System
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
|
Q: How
long will the Inspection take?
A: Most Inspections
take about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. These times may vary depending
on the size, age & condition of the home.
Q: Should
I be present during the Inspection?
A: We recommend
that you be present at the inspection, from start to finish.
Q: Why
use our Services?
A: The purchase
of a new home is one of the single most costly investments
that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this
will add, there is also the fear factor of, "Will This Home
Stand The Test of Time?" It is also important to know what
YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money.
A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home
buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home,
but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional
cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection.
Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance,
but can pinpoint existing problem areas.
Q: Why
can't I have someone in my family who is very handy or a
contractor, inspect my new home?
A: This is the
biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when
purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering
may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced
at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection
is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors
get what we call an inspector's instinct for problems. That
instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience
doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other
trades professionals hire a professional home inspector
to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.
Q: What
if I have questions after the inspection?
A: You can call
us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever
you like. Our service is a long-term investment.