WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
An inspection is an excellent way to discover the overall condition of a real estate property. It is vital to conduct a home inspection to avoid any potential costly mistake of investing in a property that may be in need of major repairs. A good inspector will help you understand the condition of the real estate property that you are inquiring about.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A HOME INSPECTION?
You can expect a well-executed home inspection followed by a thorough educational experience and a very detailed inspection report full of quality images and videos. Our inspection will leave you educated in your decision-making process.
Keep in mind that an inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a property, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components of the home. Inspections are based on the observations made on the date of the inspection and not a prediction of future conditions.
Keep in mind that an inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a property, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components of the home. Inspections are based on the observations made on the date of the inspection and not a prediction of future conditions.
WHAT SHOULD I HAVE INSPECTED?
The more of the property inspected the greater knowledge you will have of the property. Our recommendation is that every buyer should have our whole house inspection completed at minimum. There are additional aspects of the property that need to be inspected as well, like sewer inspections, termite inspections, and radon testing. These inspections are in your best interest when buying a property. Be sure to talk to your real estate agent to get these additional services schedule.
WHAT IS THE PAYMENT POLICY?
Payment is due before, or at the time of service. Upon scheduling, you will receive a confirmation email and or text containing a link to your personalized inspection portal. The portal houses the inspection agreements for you to sign digitally, the completed inspection report (once published), and an option to pay with a valid debit/credit card or by ACH withdrawal. You may pay with check or cash, if you plan to attend the inspection, simply give payment to the inspector on site prior to your detailed walkthrough.
Please note, a technology fee (or credit card fee) is applied when paying online with a credit card.
Please note, a technology fee (or credit card fee) is applied when paying online with a credit card.
WHY DO I NEED TO SIGN A SEPARATE AGREEMENT FOR EACH INSPECTION SERVICE?
Each inspection agreement details the scope of practice for each service and lays out how the inspector will inspect the property. Upon signing the inspection agreement(s) you are agreeing to the limitations of the inspection, scope of practice of the service, fees, and any policies we have surrounding our services. It’s for your protection and ours!
HOW LONG WILL THE INSPECTION TAKE?
We estimate up to 3.5 hours when a single inspector is on-site performing a full home inspection, however, the time may exceed this estimate if additional services are added. This estimate really depends on factors such as occupancy, age of the home, condition of the home, as well additional out buildings.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY INSPECTION REPORT?
Home inspection reports are guaranteed by 12 pm the following business day, but we usually publish well before the deadline, often times before we even leave the property.
We are extremely efficient with reporting and have an excellent report writing software that allows all data collected to be transmitted and published in a timely manner.
We are extremely efficient with reporting and have an excellent report writing software that allows all data collected to be transmitted and published in a timely manner.
WHY ARE YOU REFERRING ME TO OTHER PROFESSIONALS IN THE REPORT FINDINGS?
We are certified, and highly trained professionals; however, we may not always have all the answers for determining more in-depth analyses of systems. We always refer items outside of our scope of practice or expertise to be further evaluated by a licensed professional within that field. Much like your family doctor may refer you to a cardiologist if those symptoms persist. This will be documented in your inspection report, and we aim to inform you of these findings on-site at the end of the inspection process. We can also provide recommendations for those professionals as we highly recommend following up with these professionals prior to moving on to closing.
WHAT LIMITATIONS ARE THERE IN A HOME INSPECTION?
A home inspection is not technically exhaustive or quantitative.
A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual inspection of a home’s systems and properties. Because the inspection is limited to what is visual and accessible at the time of the inspection, there may be occasions when an element of the home is not visual or accessible. This is called a “limitation” to the inspection.
Limitations to an inspection can include homeowner’s belongings, pets, weather, utilities turned off, safety issues, and more.
A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual inspection of a home’s systems and properties. Because the inspection is limited to what is visual and accessible at the time of the inspection, there may be occasions when an element of the home is not visual or accessible. This is called a “limitation” to the inspection.
Limitations to an inspection can include homeowner’s belongings, pets, weather, utilities turned off, safety issues, and more.
WHAT IS A SEWER SCOPE INSPECTION?
A sewer scope inspection is a camera-led inspection of the lateral sewer line only. The scope will begin at the house and navigate via a long cable line to the end of the lateral sewer line.
A sewer scope inspection does NOT include scoping of all of the plumbing throughout the home.
A sewer scope inspection does NOT include scoping of all of the plumbing throughout the home.
WHAT IS A LATERAL SEWER LINE?
The lateral sewer line is the pipe that carries all the wastewater from the home to the main sewer line or septic tank.
The lateral sewer line will end where the main sewer line begins or end at a septic tank.
The lateral sewer line will end where the main sewer line begins or end at a septic tank.
WHAT IS A MAIN SEWER LINE?
The main sewer line is the pipe that carries all the wastewater from the lateral sewer line to the municipality.
WHO OWNS THE LATERAL AND MAIN SEWER LINE?
The lateral sewer line is owned by the homeowner and it’s the homeowner who is responsible for the upkeep of this line.
The main sewer line is owned by the city and it’s the municipality who is responsible for the maintenance of this line.
The main sewer line is owned by the city and it’s the municipality who is responsible for the maintenance of this line.
WHAT IS RADON?
Radon, like carbon monoxide, is colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It cannot be observed, so it must be detected through a specialized test. Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. According to the EPA, “Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up.”
This map from EPA.gov indicates the highest risk areas for radon.
This map from EPA.gov indicates the highest risk areas for radon.