Frequently Asked Questions

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 What is a property inspection?

A property inspection is an objective visual examination of a home's physical structure and systems, 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 property's condition and the potential for any major or costly repairs before you make a purchase.  A property inspection can also highlight the positive aspects of a structure and the type of maintenance that best protects 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, septic systems, wells, irrigation, pool/hot tub, etc). The average inspection can range from $400 to $600. It is highly recommended that you base your decision on the inspector's qualifications, rather than 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 it feels its time and services are worth. Remember, you are 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 or most expensive price in town. The most affordable inspection is NOT necessarily the best service or deal. Many home buyers, either out of a desire to save a few dollars on inspection costs or due to simple ignorance, have spent considerable 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 a clear understanding of all the information that was delivered, regardless of 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 designed to inform and educate potential buyers or sellers about a specific property's current physical condition and advise on what may require 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 enable the inspector to present their findings, allowing you to see firsthand what the inspector has documented. This is also a great way to learn how the systems work and identify any necessary maintenance.

What if there are major deficiencies?

It is essential to recognize that there is NO perfect house. With that being said, most items can be corrected. This is where you and your agent can review the information from the inspection report, obtain estimates for repairs, and determine how to proceed with further negotiations on 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. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these inspections depends on the quality of the contractors they hire. It is almost normal these days to uncover multiple deficiencies, even significant deficiencies, with a newly built home. Do not be misled by the notion that a new build is acceptable simply because it is new.

Should I have another inspection before the builder's warranty expires?

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

What if I have problems after moving in?

No property inspection guarantees that problems won't arise after you move in. If you believe a problem was present during the inspection and may have been overlooked, 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 method for recovering losses.