FAQ

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1. What is a home inspection?

2. Why do I need an inspection?

3. What does an inspection include?

4. Can't I or my uncle Bob do the inspection?

5. What will it cost and do I need to attend?

6. When do I call in the home inspector?

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. If you are thinking of buying a house, co-op or condominium, you should have it properly inspected before the final purchase, by an experienced, impartial professional, qualified, certified, home inspector.

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Why do I need an inspection?

The purchase of a home may well be the largest single investment you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect--indoors and out--in terms of repair and maintenance and their potential. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Watermarks in the basement may indicate a chronic seepage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The home inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents his professional opinion as to the condition of the property before you buy it, so you can avoid unpleasant and possibly costly surprises afterwards.

If you have owned your home for a period of time, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and recommend preventive measures, which might avoid future repairs.

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What does a home inspection include?

A complete home inspection includes a visual examination of the house from top to bottom. The inspector examines the heating system, the central air conditioning system (when ambient temperature permits), the interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement or crawlspace and visible structure.

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Can't I or my uncle Bob do the inspection?

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who is fully educated and who has inspected hundreds, (in our case, thousands) of homes in his career. An inspector is equally familiar with all the elements of home construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and interrelationships of those elements. It should also be considered that, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may lead to a poor and costly assessment.

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What will it cost and do I need to attend?

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, age, special structures, etc. Our staff can give you a quote after you have answered some questions regarding the property. We strongly encourage you to attend the inspection. this will help you understand the scope of any problem found.

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When do I call in the home inspector?

The best time to call in the home inspector is after you're offer on the house has been accepted and before you sign the contract. Or you can ask your lawyer or agent to include an "inspection clause" in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.

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GFI outlets (the ones in kitchens, baths, garages, and the exterior) need to be "tripped" or tested every month. This will keep the mechanical components inside the outlet free to operate went they are needed. If you don't understand what type of outlet this is, think of the outlets you have seen that have red and black buttons on them. Since these outlets are intended to be in high moisture areas they are subject to freeze up and not operate properly. This could have a catastrophic impact on the safety of the occupants of the home.

Duct tape is good for pretty much everything except for ductwork sealing. Using specially designed peal and stick aluminum tape to seal ducts and the HVAC system can save typically 15-25% of your room air from escaping every time it passes through the HVAC system for conditioning.  

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