Why should I get a home inspection?
Can I do the home inspection myself?
The house is brand new, why do I need a home inspector?
Should I be at the home inspection?
How long will the home inspection take?
What if the report reveals problems?
Will I be able to walk through the property again, before the closing?
How do I schedule my home inspection?
What should I do to prepare for my home inspection?
When is payment expected?
What if I have questions after my home inspection is complete?

Why should I get a home inspection?
Your home is the most important and most expensive purchase you will ever make. Unfortunately there is not a money back guarantee or return policy. Before you make a commitment to buy a home, it’s best to know any potential problems before you purchase your new dream home. A visual inspection of your new home before purchase will help determine if any parts are unsafe or not performing properly. It will also recognize any repairs needed now or in the future.
If you are a homeowner planning to put your home on the market a home inspection will help you as the seller determine any problems and or weak points. It gives you the opportunity to put your homes best foot forward prior to potential buyers seeing your home.

Can I do the home inspection myself?
If you would like to conduct the home inspection yourself that’s ok, but remember you must be able to inspect and understand the heating and cooling system, all the plumbing, the electrical, the roofing system and a lot of other systems of the house. You must be familiar with building codes, defective conditions, and safety matters. You must be able to crawl through your attic or climb on your roof if necessary. Hopefully you can recognize asbestos, lead paint, mold, and other indoor air quality concerns.
It takes a lot of training and experience to perform an accurate home inspection. Remember it is the most important purchase you will likely make, so it might be best to hire a qualified and experience home inspector like myself.

The house is brand new, why do I need a home inspector?
Common sense tells us that just because something is new doesn’t mean that it is free from defects. I have found that a county building inspector’s inspection is not enough to give the new home buyer piece of mind. These inspectors are not looking at specific construction practices. They are not looking at a new home through the buyers eyes to determine if a home is going to be trouble free or will require modification and repair in the future. Municipal or county inspectors see 10 or 15 homes a day and are primarily code inspectors. Anyone who has worked in the construction industry can tell stories of short cuts or human errors caused by late nights out with the boys. Even on the best built homes details can be overlooked. Building inspectors do not have the time to look in every nook and cranny. So it is up to you. The choice is yours. Is it worth jeopardizing the biggest investment you will make to save a little bit of money?

Should I be at the home inspection?
Yes, it is very important for all buyers to be on site during the home inspection. It is an advantage for all concerned parties to be there from beginning to end. It is easier to explain to the buyer or buyers all about the home when on site. Appointments are very flexible, we can find a time when all parties can be on site together.

How long will the home inspection take?
Most single family homes depending on size or condition average 2 to 3 hours. Larger homes or multi-family homes can take longer. Condominiums may take 1 to 2 hours. We are going to take as long as it takes to do it properly.

What if the report reveals problems?
The number one reason for a home inspection is to provide detailed information about the home. Remember all homes have defects. There is no such thing as a perfect home. My inspection report is not a mandatory repair list. Sellers are not required to produce a flawless house. Most repairs are subject to give and take between you and the seller. There is no obligation by law or contract. Sellers can refuse any repair demands, except where requirements are set forth by state law, local ordinance, or real estate purchase. Contracts usually stipulate safety issues be resolved, that fixtures are working, windows not broken, and that there be no leaks in the roof or the plumbing. Most sellers will address problems effecting expensive systems such as HVAC, plumbing, or roofing. An inspection report does not reflect a homes value. It is a subjective report of its condition at the time of inspection.

Will I be able to walk through the property again, before the closing?
In most cases, you will be given the opportunity to inspect the home immediately prior to closing. At this time it’s a good idea to check on everything the seller agreed to have done. Check the conditions of wall and ceilings after removal of window treatments, pictures, and other furnishings.

How do I schedule my home inspection?
You can contact me directly via e-mail or telephone. Don’t put it off, sometimes time is short when it comes to real estate transactions.

What should I do to prepare for my home inspection?
As the home inspector I need permission to enter the property. So it is your responsibility, the buyer, or your real estate agent to arrange through the seller or their real estate agent to gain me access to the home. It is also very helpful to notify the seller to have all the utilities turned on. I must have access to all areas, including the attic, garage, and all the mechanical equipment.

When is payment expected?
Payment is due immediately upon completion of the physical inspection. I accept cash, checks, money orders, and travelers checks. I also accept Visa and Mastercard.

What if I have questions after my home inspection is complete?
If you have questions before or after your inspections, my phone is available from 8:00am until 9:00pm. Telephone consultations are always free. I will be available to you as long as you are in your home.