Frequently Asked Residential and Commercial Inspection Questions

A home inspection is an objective visual analysis of a home's structure and systems. An inspection will determine the areas of a home that are not performing properly and items that are beyond their useful life or are unsafe. Our inspections cover the roof to the foundation and the exterior drainage and retaining walls. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation. A home inspection is a visual inspection to determine problems or conditions that exist at the time of the inspection. A home inspection is not a warranty. A warranty can be obtained separately.

The purchase of a home is one of the largest investments you will make. It is important that you know as much as possible about the purchase. A home inspector is trained to be able to evaluate the home in detail and give you a report that will allow you to make a good decision about purchasing the home. An inspection report will describe the home in detail and will highlight the areas that are concerns. Home inspections are a good idea, even if you are already a homeowner. Many homeowners are living in homes that have serious problems that, if identified early, can save considerable repair costs.  Home sellers will want an inspection to find problems that a buyer's inspection would have found so the seller can then make the repairs prior to their home going on the market. Why not give your home a checkup today?

Our inspectors are affiliated with professional organizations like ASHI (American Society of Home Inspections), NACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspections), and CCPI (Certified Commercial Property Inspectors). This shows how serious we are about what we do. It also allows us to stay informed about new developments in our field and about changes in the city and state building codes and requirements.

The home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, plumbing, electrical system, and central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), as well as the roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement, landscaping, and visible structure.

No, home inspections must be done by a professional home inspector. The prospective home buyer is not able to look at the home with the unbiased, critical, sharp eye that our home inspector will.

When purchasing a home, you will want to have the home inspected soon after the purchase agreement is signed. An inspection usually needs to be completed before a 10-day time period is up. FYI: (You will want to make sure you have a clause in your purchase agreement that allows you to have an inspection so that you have the right to terminate the agreement if you find the home in unsatisfactory condition.)

We recommend that you be present at the time of the inspection. Most buyers come for a review and walk-through towards the end; however, it's to your advantage that you attend the whole inspection. Our inspectors will allow you to be there and ask questions during and after the inspection is completed and will point out the areas that are potential problems. This is important because you will be able to see for yourself the extent of problems that are sometimes hard for an inspector to convey in a report.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the decay of uranium. Radon can be found in well water, igneous rocks, and soil. This odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.  So make sure you're not putting your family's health at risk.

Home inspectors are third-party and can be hired by anyone at any stage in the process. Typically, they are hired by the buyers after an offer is made. The buyers benefit the most from the information provided in a home inspection report, so typically, they will be the ones to hire and pay for it.