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Common Questions |
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Commonly Asked Questions Below are some commonly asked questions about home inspections. Just click on the question to see a detailed answer. If your question isn't on our list, or you want a more detailed answer to question that is there, help is just a phone call away at 904 269-2929. A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical
structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having
a home inspection is like giving it a physical. If problems or symptoms
are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation. All of
our home inspections conform with the American Society of Home
Inspectors'
Standards of Practice.
2. WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE? The standard home inspector's report will review the condition of the
home's heating system, central air conditioning system, interior
plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation;
walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows; the foundation, basement and
visible structure.
3. WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION? The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you
will ever make. As such, you should learn as much as you can about the
home before you buy, so that you aren't hit with any unexpected repairs
or difficulty after the home is yours. In addition, the home inspection
will note positive aspects of the home, as well as maintenance required
to keep your home in good shape. The inspection also helps you to get a
much better understanding of the property than you could get on your
own. 4. DO I NEED TO BE THERE FOR THE INSPECTION? While it is not necessary for you to be at the inspection, we highly
recommend that you attend the inspection to get its full benefits. The
inspection gives you the chance to ask questions of the inspector
directly and to see your home through the inspector's eyes. This will
give you a better understanding of the inspection report as well as the
property itself.
5. HOW LONG WILL THE INSPECTION TAKE? The time required generally depends on the size of the home. For
example, an average 2,500 square foot home will take between 2-3 hours
to inspect. Another factor that may affect inspection time is the
condition of the home. If the home has a lot of problems, additional
time may be required for the inspector to describe those problems and
discuss what options the buyer may have to repair those problems.
6. MY HOUSE IS BEING BUILT NEW. WHY SHOULD IT BE INSPECTED? An inspection of a new property is important to help you spot any
shortcuts the contractor or builder may have taken. A trained home
inspector will be able to spot certain telltale signs that might
otherwise go unnoticed to an untrained eye. Especially valuable is an
inspection before the drywall is put up. This gives you the chance to
identify and fix problems when they are much easier to spot and repair.
7. HOW MUCH WILL A HOME INSPECTION COST? The cost of a home inspection varies based upon a number of factors,
including size, age, special services requested, etc. Typically, the
cost is in the range of $250 - $400, although the fees can go higher.
However, cost should not be a factor in deciding whether or not you get
your home inspected or in determining which home inspector you choose.
Rather, you should consider the home inspection as an investment that
will pay for itself many times over.
8. CAN'T I DO THE INSPECTION MYSELF? Even the most savvy do-it-yourselfer will not have the level of
training, knowledge and expertise as a professional home inspector who has
looked at hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career.
An inspector is familiar with the complex elements of home construction,
understands how the home's systems are intended to function, as well as
how and why they fail. Most importantly, the inspector is a
disinterested third party that can be totally objective about the
condition of the home.
9. WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEAL SOME PROBLEMS? No house is perfect. If there are problems, it doesn't mean that you
shouldn't buy the house. However, if there are major problems, you may
want to go back to the seller to either get the problems corrected or to
negotiate the contract price to reflect the inspector's findings.
10. CAN A HOUSE FAIL ITS INSPECTION? No. A home inspection is not the same as a code inspection. While the
inspector will be familiar with the local building codes, his or her
objectives are to describe the physical condition of the house and
indicate what may need repair or replacement.
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