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Below
is a Library of Frequently asked Questions.
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Do I need an inspection?
In most cases, purchasing real estate is the largest investment that you
will ever make. Gaining insight into the general condition of the building,
major deficiencies in any of the components, the age of it's systems and
corresponding life expectancies, the need for repairs and the positive
attributes of the property (i.e.: new roof, low maintenance exteriors
and upgrades) gives you the necessary facts to make an informed buying
decision.
The simple axiom is that the more you know about the property - the less your
exposure to the risks inherent in purchasing the property.
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· What does the inspector inspect?
Starting
at the exterior of the property, the inspector will visually inspect the
roof, flashing, chimneys, gutters, and downspouts. The inspector will
then inspect the siding, trim, windows, doors, decks, walkways and driveways.
Drainage issues, retaining walls and patios will be inspected as to any
negative impact that they may pose on the building.
After the inspector has completed his survey of the exterior he will inspect the
visible framing members in the attic and basement for signs of structural
defects and prior repairs.
The inspector will also visually inspect the electrical system, the heating and cooling
systems, the plumbing, insulation, and appliances. While these areas are
being observed the inspector will note any deficiencies in the interior
components of the home.
In addition to noting any visible defects, throughout the inspection, the inspector
will explain how the various systems of the home operate and give you
information on how to maintain the home. It is a good idea to bring a
pad of paper and any questions that you may have to the inspection so
the inspector can address your concerns during the on-site walk-through.
After the inspection is complete, the inspector will produce a written report that
describes the systems and components of the home and reports the defects
and repairs that were noted during the inspection.
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What kind of home inspections report is prepared?
Unlike
many inspection companies that use checklists or "cookie cutter" reports,
a good home inspection company prepares a comprehensive narrative report that is custom tailored
to the home that is being inspected.
Each major system of the property has a separate section that explains the system,
it's positive attributes, maintenance advice and any defects that the
inspector noted at the time of his/her inspection. All sections of the
report are divided into three parts which itemize the Major Defects, Safety
Concerns and Other Comments.
The report also includes an Overview section that discusses the more significant
issues, the inspector's recommendations and a section of general maintenance
advice and service frequencies for the systems.
Simply stated, while nearly all inspection companies tout their reports as the
best, they are primarily designed to be easy for the inspection company
to produce and deliver. On the other hand, quality home inspectors specifically
design reports to be easy for the consumer to understand.
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How long does the inspection take?
The on-site
inspection averages to 2 to 3 hours, but can vary based on the
size, age and general condition of the home being inspected. Smaller properties
will take less time, while large and complex properties will take longer.
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What is the cost of an inspection?
Home
inspection fees are market competitive and are based on the size, age
and complexity of the property being inspected, not on the cost
of the property.
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House inspections insured for errors and omissions?
Yes. Proof of insurance is available upon request.
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Do I need an inspection if I am building or purchasing a new home?
Absolutely. Contrary to what many people think, brand new homes and homes
under construction should be inspected regardless of whether they will
be conveyed with a builder's warranty. Further, the inspections that are
completed by local code enforcement officials are focused primarily on
a narrow set of code compliance issues and are not nearly as broad
or inclusive.
Our inspectors routinely observe structural, heating, cooling, roofing, exterior, plumbing and interior defects in new homes that may go unnoticed by both the builder
and purchaser until they become a substantial problem. A home inspector offers several new construction inspections:
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Completed Home
Quality home inspectors will perform a comprehensive building inspection
prior to settlement and produce a full written report detailing
the inspector's findings.
Three Phase New Construction Progress Inspection
Part 1 - The inspector will visit the property when the foundation
has been poured, but prior to backfill and inspect the foundation,
footings, basement slab preparation work and foundation drainage system.
The inspector's findings will be detailed in writing and provided in duplicate to
the client so a copy can be forwarded to the builder.
Part 2 - The building will be inspected prior to the installation
of the insulation. The inspector will inspect the framing, sheathing,
roofing materials and the rough electrical, heating and plumbing
work. Again, the inspector's findings will be detailed in writing
and provided in duplicate to the client so a copy can be forwarded
to the builder.
Part 3 - When the building is completed, the inspector will inspect the exterior, roof, gutters, chimneys, flashings, siding, trim, doors and site. He will also inspect the finished heating, cooling,
electrical, plumbing, and interior systems. A
comprehensive written report is supplied after this stage of the
inspection process.
Weekly New Construction Progress Inspection
Home inspection companies also offer weekly construction monitoring where the
inspector visits the project once a week to monitor the work as
it progresses. The inspector's findings will be detailed in writing
and provided in duplicate to the client so a copy can be forwarded
to the builder. When the building is complete, but prior to settlement,
a final comprehensive inspection is performed and a written report
is supplied to the client.
Eleventh Month New Construction Inspection
A good home inspection company will perform a full inspection of the property for any
issues that should be brought to the builder's attention prior to
the lapse of the builder's warranty. A comprehensive
written report is supplied to the client.
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Should I attend the inspection?
If at all possible, yes. Information regarding the condition
of the home and it's systems can be gained from spending just a few hours
with one of our inspectors. Information on the proper operation and maintenance
of the building and it's systems is also given at the time of the physical
inspection.
If you cannot attend the inspection, your inspector will complete
the inspection, produce the written report and call you to discuss the
home and the items contained in the report.
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