Frequently Asked Questions

 What is a property inspection?

A property inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation.

Why do I need a property inspection?

The purchase of any property is typically the largest single investment a person or family will ever make. A property inspection will educate you on the condition of the property and the potential for any major or costly repairs before you buy.  A property inspection can also reflect the positive aspects of a structure and the type of maintenance to best protect this investment. All in all the inspection will educate and provide the confidence you need to make a clear and educated buying decision. 

What does an inspection cost?

The average home inspection fees are based on several factors. The square footage of the dwelling, certain features of the dwelling (slab, pier/beam, or crawlspace), and optional systems (WDI(termite) inspection, septics, wells, irrigation, pool/hot tub, etc...). The average inspection can range from $300 to $500. It is highly recommended that you base your inspector on their qualifications and not their fee. You owe it to yourself to be confident in your inspector and not cheat yourself by saving a few dollars.

Why is one inspector more expensive than another?

Every inspection firm will base its pricing upon what they feel its time and services are worth. Remember your utilizing a professional service and should expect to compensate at a professional rate. Most inspectors or firms will want to maintain a competitive fee base and not reflect the cheapest nor most expensive price in town. The cheapest inspection is NOT necessarily the best service or deal. Many home buyers, either in the desire to save a few dollars on inspection costs or due to simple ignorance, have spent incredible amounts of money repairing items that any decent inspector should have pointed out. The old saying goes, "You get what you pay for". At the same time, the most expensive inspector is not necessarily the best in town either. At the end of the day, you should feel confident in your inspector and have understood in detail all the information that was delivered, no matter the cost.

Can a property fail an inspection?

No. A property inspection is not a Pass or Fail inspection. It is not an appraisal or a code compliance inspection. This is an inspection process intended to inform and educate a potential buyer or seller on a specific property's current physical condition and advise on what may need repair or replacement.

Do I need to be present during the inspection?

You are not required to be present during the inspection process. It is recommended that you be present or at least attend the last half hour. This will allow the inspector to reveal their findings and will allow you to see first-hand what the inspector has documented. This is also a great way to learn how the systems work and any maintenance that may be required.

What if there are major deficiencies?

It is important to understand that there is NO perfect house. With that being said, most items can be corrected. This is where you and your agent can take the information from the inspection report, get estimates for repairs and decide how to further negotiate your transaction. 

Is it necessary to have a new construction home inspected?

Absolutely! Most builders will suggest that the property has been code inspected or that they use their third-party inspectors as well. At the end of the day, these inspections are only as good as the contractors they hire. It is almost normal these days to uncover multiple deficiencies even major deficiencies with a newly built home. Do not be fooled by the thought that a new build is OK because it is new.

Should I have another inspection before the builder 1-year warranty expires?

Again, absolutely! Often some deficiencies pop up within that first year of living in your newly built home. Sometimes the homeowner is oblivious to these deficiencies as they are not visible through day-to-day routines. Gas leaks, plumbing leaks, damaged roof covering materials, cracking mortar, and settlement/movement of the structure are a few deficiencies we have uncovered during that first-year inspection of a newly built structure.

What if I have problems after moving in?

No property inspection is a guarantee that problems won't arise after you move in. If you believe a problem was present during the inspection and perhaps was overlooked, then your first course of action should be to contact your inspector immediately. Most of the time your inspector should want to resolve your situation and provide you with the highest quality of customer service possible. Today most inspectors carry multiple insurance policies to protect both themselves and the consumer. Litigation should be viewed as a last resort. This process is often lengthy, costly, and by no means a guaranteed way to recover losses.