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What is a home inspection?
Why is a home inspection important?

What does a home inspection include?

How much will it cost?
Why can't I do the inspection myself?
Can a house fail an inspection?

Should I attend the home inspection?
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
How do I schedule an inspection?

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from roof to foundation. A home inspection report or home inspection service is the equivalent of a physical examination from your doctor. When problems or symptoms of problems are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation or remedies, providing you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.

Why is a home inspection important?

Home Buyers: Most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For accurate information about the condition of a home, it is best to get an impartial third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

Home Sellers:  Why wait for a buyer's home inspection to uncover hidden problems after you have already accepted an offer? This could cost you thousands in a lower negotiated selling price.  More often sellers are choosing to have a thorough home inspection when listing their home to help identify critical areas of concern up front.  This will help you to decide whether to perform repairs or disclose the concerns during negotiations. 

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What does a home inspection include?

An inspection report will review 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 visible structural components.

How much will it cost?

Inspection fees for a typical single-family home vary by size and age of the home. Additional services, such as environmental testing, are separate from the inspection, and so will their fee(s). Do not let the cost deter you from having a home inspection knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the time and nominal expense.

 

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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 many elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance. An inspector understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.  He or she knows what to look for and is uniquely suited to interpret what his findings reveal about the condition of the property. An inspector has the experience, depth of knowledge and training to make an unbiased and informed report of the condition of a property.

Can a house fail an inspection?

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it does not indicate you should or should not buy the house. His findings serve to educate you in advance of the purchase about the condition of the property. If your budget is tight or if you do not want to be involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs, to adjust the purchase price or contract terms.

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Should I attend the home inspection?

While it is not necessary for you to be present, it is recommended that you make time to join the inspector on his visit. This allows you to observe the inspector, ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain them. After you have seen the property with the inspector, you will find the written report easier to understand.

If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?

Yes. Now you can complete your home purchase or sale with confidence about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. From the inspection you will have learned many things about the home. You will want to keep that information for future reference or to share with a buyer, when selling.

How do I schedule an inspection?

Click on Request an Inspection and fill out the following form to request an inspection. Your information will be emailed to me and I'll contact you shortly.