FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Understanding the inspection process will help you make smarter decisions about your investments.
WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.
WHY ARE HOME INSPECTIONS IMPORTANT?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
DO I HAVE TO BE THERE WHILE THE HOME IS INSPECTED?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.
HOW LONG WILL THE HOME INSPECTION TAKE?
On average, the inspection takes 2 - 3 hours depending on the size of the property.
CAN A HOME FAIL AN INSPECTION?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
WHY CAN'T I DO THE INSPECTION MYSELF?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.
DOES A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED HOME NEED AN INSPECTION?
Yes. Many homebuyers are led to believe that the county or municipality inspection and the final walk-through with the builder's representative is an adequate way to inspect a home. Most county or municipality inspectors spend no more than 30 minutes at a home site. The builder's final walk-through inspection is very unlikely to disclose any problems with the home they built as some repairs can prove to be expensive.
SHOULD A SELLER GET A HOME INSPECTION?
If you plan to put your house on the market, consider getting a professional prelisting home inspection done or including a recent inspection report in your home’s disclosure documents. This can help you get ahead of any buyer demands during escrow—the 30-day period before closing when buyers can ask the seller to make small fixes or provide a credit to fix it later.
DOES THE SELLER HAVE TO FIX ALL THE PROBLEMS FOUND IN A HOME INSPECTION?
There are some repairs that will be required by lenders before they will release funds to finance a buyer's home purchase. Typically these address structural defects, building code violations or safety issues.