Home Inspections

What is a home inspection? Why do I need a home inspection? Can a home fail an inspection? What if you find a serious problem during the inspection? The bank / insurance company is doing an inspection, do I really need a separate one from you? Does the seller (or anyone else) have access to my report? Do I need to be present for the inspection? What is a home inspection? A Home Inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a building at the time of the review. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, mobile home, or a multi-family unit, it is imperative that you have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial home inspector. We do not make repairs on any defects, nor do we have any financial interest in the house we inspect. Back to Top Why do I need a home inspection? A house is a huge investment and a home inspection is the best way to protect your interests. There are dozens of places that a house can have costly damage or defects. An inspection by a qualified and impartial third party can uncover these defects, before they become your problems. A detailed home inspection report can also be a valuable negotiating tool that could save you substantial money. Back to Top Can a home fail an inspection? No. A professional inspection is simply an examination regarding the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement. Back to Top What if you find a serious problem during the inspection? The issue is thoroughly documented and photographed. Then we recommend that a specialist look at the problem. (an electrician for electrical issues, a structural engineer for structural issues, etc.) Once an cost estimate is made for the repair, the inspection report and estimate can be used to negotiate a settlement with the seller. Back to Top The bank / insurance company is doing an inspection, do I really need a separate one from you? Yes. Most banks and insurance companies order inspections as a means to ensure that the home's basic major components are in functional order and not intended for you as a buyer to use to make purchase decisions. A professional home inspection is much more in-depth than either of the two other inspections and it protects your interests. It examines all of the home’s systems and checks for damage or defects. These are issues that can cost you heavily after your home purchase. Back to Top Does the seller (or anyone else) have access to my report? No. The report is your property, and the seller has no right to see the report. However, If you're selling your home,you can choose to make your inspection report available to anyone who wishes to see it. A pre-inspected home can speed up the whole negotiating process. Back to Top Do I need to be present for the inspection? We recommend you be present for the inspection. By following the inspector through the inspection, observing and asking questions, you will learn about the home and get some tips on general maintenance information that will be of great help to you long after you've moved into your home. Back to Top