What is an Inspection?

Is an inspection really necessary?

When should I have an inspection?

Who should attend?

How long will the Inspection take?

Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?

Who is qualified to do my inspection?

How does it work, and is it a guarantee?

What if there are problems? Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?

What is an Inspection? Back to top

An inspection is a professional, complete visual examination of the all the systems and physical structural elements of a property.It is a service available to buyers, owners or sellers, who recognize the importance of having a specialist give them a third party opinion on the condition of a property.The intent of the inspection is to make you aware of major structural or mechanical defects apparent at the time of the inspection.

It is a great opportunity for you to lean about the property; how systems operate, where emergency cut-offs are located, and what maintenance to expect. The inspection will identify necessary repairs and put that information in perspective; you will see which problems are critical and which are minor. Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems.

Is an inspection really necessary?Back to top

A home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. It only makes sense to find out as much as you can about the house you are interested in � before you buy. That way you can avoid costly surprise repairs and problems with your new home. Our report will also advise you of what maintenance is required to keep your home in top condition. A professional inspection will give you a clear picture of the many systems and structural elements that make up the property. If you are selling your home, a listing inspection will point out any potential problems that might be uncovered later by the buyers inspector. Finding them early will allow you to address them before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale.

When should I have an inspection?Back to top

With today's buyers looking deeper at their financial investment, most inspections take place prior to the purchase of a property and within the specified time limit stated in the contract (most often 7-15 days). For new construction the inspection should be done prior to backfill of the foundation, prior to dry-wall installation and just before the final walk-through with the builder.Inspections can be scheduled with a few days notice, but if you desire a specific inspector or a specific time, additional notice is best.

An inspection before putting your property on the market is alway beneficial. Pro-active sellers who take the necessary steps to put the property in the most marketable condition, are more likely to get top dollar. It can help you make decisions regarding repairs and price, which could hold up or halt the sale of your property later.

Preventive maintenance inspection are advisable for every property owner, to keep minor problems, failures, or hazards from becoming major repairs.

Who should attend?Back to top

Besides the inspector, it is strongly recommended that the client(s) attend. No, you aren�t required to be there, but we highly recommend that you be present. It�s a valuable learning experience for most people and will help you get the most benefit from the inspection. By following the inspector you can ask questions directly and the inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. We feel you�ll be able to best understand the finished report and get the most benefit from it by having been there during the inspection.

Realtors involved in the transaction generally attend and it is not unusual for the seller/owner to be present as well.

How long will the Inspection take?Back to top

The time will vary depending on both the size, complexity and condition of the property. For most homes, 3 hours is pretty typical. But for larger homes, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer. For commercial properties the scope, size and complexity of the inspection are variables that affect the length of the inspection; they can take from 4 hours to several days.

Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?Back to top

Absolutely. A professional inspection of new construction is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It�s especially valuable to arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. As building professionals, we may find problem areas where the builder/subcontractor has taken shortcuts, not done quality work, or accidentally overlooked a potential problem.

A professional inspection can be helpful even after you have moved in. Often builders have a 6 month or 1 year walk-through to identify any problems that have developed after you have had an opportunity to get used to the house, and the house has had a chance to "settle."An inspection can help you present your concerns and the inspector's additional comments with authority.

Who is qualified to do my inspection?Back to top

When choosing an inspector ist is improtant that the opinion rendered is objective

and that there is no conflict of interest for possible work solicitation after or

as a result of the inspection.An inspector who is affiliated with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) demonstrates a commitment to excellence and ethics.ASHI is a national non-profit professional assocation with a strict Code of Ethics and

Standards of Practice; they set rigourous performance and educational requirements

for membership.

Ask about the education and experience of the inspector you are hiring. A few are graduate or licensed architects and engineers with both practical and theoretical knowlegde of buildings/construction. Many come from the building trades and bring some practical experience to their work.

How does it work, and is it a guarantee?Back to top

The inspector will meet you at the property and invite you to accompany him/her as he/she checks the property inside and out.The inspector will point out any defects or problems he/she sees, and offer opinions abouth why the problem exists and possible corrective measures. At the end, the inspector recaps the observations made during the inspection and provides you with a written report.

No, the inspection is intended to provide you with information about the property that is accessible and visible at the time of the inspection. Home inspectors do not do any destructive testin, nor can they see through wall; inspectors are primarily concerned with pointing out large expenses and/or safety related concerns. You should not expect the inspector's report to be a guarantee or warranty that the property's components will never fail or need repair in the future.

What if there are problems? Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?Back to top

No property is going to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.

No. The code of ethics of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home.