How long does the home inspection take?

A typical inspection should take 2 to 3 hours to complete. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, I recommend they be informed of the timeframe in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.

What do you look at?

I inspect the major systems of the house. These include the roof, exterior, structure, electrical, heating, cooling, plumbing, insulation, and interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase a home.

How much does an inspection cost?

My typical fee for an inspection is $400. However, some factors will affect the fee. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charge should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best price.

What is included in the fee?

Complete home inspection conducted by an experienced professional.
Comprehensive digital or written home inspection report.
Technical support for as long as you own your home.

Can I follow along?

Yes we can meet at the end of the inspection to point out any intricate details of the house. I typically start an hour and a half earlier so I can focus on the major components and focus on the details of the house. I encourage you to attend. The inspection is a valuable learning experience for most homebuyers.

Do I have to take notes?

You don't have to take notes during the inspection. I will document everything in a written report. It's much better to follow the inspector through, listening to his comments to make sure you understand.

Can I ask questions?

Absolutely! Feel free to stop the inspector and ask questions as you go. If the inspector's comments are not clear, please ask for further explanation.

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably and be prepared to spend roughly 2 1/2 hours walking through the home with the inspector. You won't have to climb on the roof or go into the attic, so your clothes won't get dirty.

Can I bring my family?

I recommend that you not bring your family; this is a technical evaluation and your focus needs to be on the inspector's comments. This is a big purchase; the fewer distractions, the better. Due to Covid - 19 many sellers are frowning on allowing more than just the burer / buyer's of the house.

Do I get a written report? When?

You will receive a digital / written report. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is delivered within 24 hours after the inspection.

If it's really bad, will you tell us not to buy the house?

No. My goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house.

Do you offer a warranty on the house?

A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information.

Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house and not during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. As such, we cannot and do not offer a warranty on the house.

Home warranty programs are available from others. I would be happy to help you contact a warranty company.

What are your inspectors' qualifications?

I am a 2003 graduate of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). I have over 30 years experience in home construction, remodeling old and new homes (oldest was built in 1896), and also rental property maintenance. I have stripped interior walls down to the studs to modernize insulation, electrical and plumbing. I have renovated electrical wires, fixtures and plumbing from old to complete new systems. I have also re-roofed and re-sided homes. I have experience in masonry work, in floor hydronic heating systems and log home buildings.

How many days notice do I need to give you?

I am ready to serve you quickly. However, when the sale of a home is conditional on the results of a home inspection, we recommend you allow at least two days to arrange for a home inspection.