What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a professional, visual examination of all the systems and physical parts of a house. A home inspection is the equivalent of a physical examination from your doctor. When problems are found (or symptoms of potential problems), we may recommend further evaluation or remedies.
Our goal is to educate you about the condition of a house relative to its age and to other houses of similar age. You can then make a better buying decision.
Why do I need a home inspection?
A home is the purchase of a lifetime. It makes sense to find out as much as you can about a house before you buy it. Your report will help you avoid costly surprises and problems down the road. We'll also advise you about maintenance so you can keep your home in top condition.
We inspect all major systems in the house. This includes the structure, the electrical system, the plumbing system, and the heating and cooling systems. We walk the roof and enter the attic whenever possible. We'll help you understand what you're buying, and we'll continue to answer questions for you after the purchase.
Why can't I do the inspection myself?
Even if you're very familiar with home construction, you won't have the knowledge, training, and experience of a full-time home inspector. Further, an inspector is an unbiased third party. If you're buying (or selling) a house, you'll be emotionally involved in the outcome. A home inspection provides an unbiased, objective report of the facts.
Do I need to be there?
We strongly recommend that you attend a walkthrough inspection after we've been on site for a few hours. The walkthrough will take from one to two hours. It's a valuable learning experience and will help you get the most out of your inspection. We believe you will best understand your report if you review it with us while at the house. Our job is not just to inspect the property but also to educate you.
How long does it take?
A typical property (under 2000 square feet) takes roughly three hours to inspect. You'll be asked to arrive after we've been on site a couple of hours. Be aware that sometimes an inspection may take longer. Larger homes, or homes in poor condition, may take more time. We take as much time as necessary to do a thorough inspection for you.
What if I'm SELLING my home?
If you're selling your home, a pre-listing inspection will alert you to any problems that might be uncovered later by the buyer's inspector. Finding problems early lets you take care of them before you list, making for a faster and smoother sale. You may also be required to get a Truth in Housing or Time of Sale inspection.
