Frequently Asked Questions

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   A home inspection is a comprehensive examination of a residential property's condition, typically conducted before a sale. It aims to identify issues, defects, and safety concerns within the structure, systems, and components of the home. 

 Yes, it's still a good idea to have a home inspection for a new construction home. Even new homes can have construction defects, and an inspection can catch these issues before they become more significant problems.

  No, a home inspection and an appraisal serve different purposes. An appraisal assesses the value of the property, while a home inspection assesses its condition.

Buying a home is a significant investment and might be the largest one a homebuyer ever makes. It’s recommended that homebuyers gain as much knowledge as possible about the property before purchasing it. A thorough home inspection can reveal any significant repairs needed, potential oversights by the builder, or general maintenance required to keep the property in good condition. By going through the inspection process, homebuyers can better understand the property they are considering and confidently make informed decisions. 

 Home inspections typically cover the condition of the structural elements, roof, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, appliances, and more. The extent of the inspection can vary, so it's essential to clarify what will be included in the inspection. It is important to note that there may be some exceptions. If certain areas are inaccessible (locked door, tenant’s belongings in the way) or unsafe conditions (severely steep roofs, poor structural integrity), the inspector will explain the situation and note that they could not assess that specific area or system.

A home inspector requires access to the home either by realtor or owner. All utilities should be turned on so the inspector can objectively examine a house’s physical structure and systems. Gas, power & water are utilities needed for an average inspection. 

 On average, a home inspection may take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. The duration can vary based on the size and complexity of the property. 

  It's highly recommended that the homebuyer attend the inspection although they don't have to. Being on site allows you to ask questions, get a better understanding of the property's condition, and receive immediate feedback from the inspector. Many homebuyers find it to be a valuable and worthwhile experience. Being present during the inspection allows the homebuyer to observe the inspector’s findings and ask questions as they arise. Interacting with the inspector, during the inspection, can provide homebuyers with invaluable information to help them make informed decisions about their investment.

   Yes, you should receive a detailed report that outlines the inspector's findings. This report is crucial for negotiations and future maintenance planning.

 A home inspector will not pass or fail a house but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement. A home inspection is not an appraisal and will not determine the home's market value. It is also not a municipal inspection and does not verify local code compliance.

   If the inspection reveals significant issues or defects that you are uncomfortable with, you can choose to walk away from the purchase, ask the seller to address the problems, or renegotiate the terms of the sale. The course of action will depend on the terms of your purchase agreement. The inspector’s role is not to tell the clients if they should buy the house but to help them understand the full cost of ownership. The home inspector’s goal is to leave their clients with a deeper understanding of their prospective home, so they can make a sound decision as they continue their homebuying process.

 In some cases, the homebuyer may be displeased with the service the home inspector provided. Often in these situations, the homebuyer is left feeling that crucial defects or details were missed during the inspection process or left out of the inspection report. The homebuyer should contact their home inspector and explain the concerns they have with the home inspection report.

Sometimes, it may turn out to be a simple misunderstanding, with the inspector providing further explanation clarifying the issue. In many states, home inspectors are licensed and follow the regulations put forth by their state. If the homebuyer is not able to resolve their dissatisfaction with the home inspector directly, they are encouraged to contact their state governing body for information on how to proceed. It is important to note that any enforcement or sanctioning is specifically reserved for state governing bodies.

   The cost of a home inspection varies based on location, the size of the property, and the scope of the inspection. On average, it may range from $400 to $600 or more.