Home Inspection Frequently Asked Questions

What is involved in a Home Inspection?
Who needs to be at the inspection?
How long does an inspection take?               
How much does an inspection cost?
How and when do we pay?
When and how will I receive my report?
Who gets a copy of the inspection report?
What is a "Pre-Listing/Pre-Sale" inspection?

What is involved in a Home Inspection?

We usually begin in the kitchen, where we operate the built-in appliances, then check  the plumbing, gas connections, lights and electrical. From there, we make our way throughout the house, checking doors and windows, walls and ceilings for cracks and stains or evidence of recent repair as well as light fixtures and electrical outlets for proper wiring. We move into the attic, checking ventilation, insulation, structure and any appliances placed there, such as the heating unit and the water heater. Finally we check the outside, including the roof, chimney, breaker box and the siding or brick veneer, looking for evidence of water penetration or of step cracks in the brick. When the inspection is finished, the inspector will explain his findings to the client in a walk through tour, pointing out the problems as well as the good points that are so often overlooked in an inspectors report. A comprehensive and detailed report, including digital pictures, will be completed within 24 hours and emailed to the client and anyone else they wish. If you have questions or need clarification on some point in your report, please don't hesitate to call. Our service to you doesn't end when we finish the inspection .

Who needs to be at the inspection?

All are welcome, but none are required to be present during the inspection. ("All" meaning the seller, their agent, the buyer and their agent.) Inspections are performed with no one but the inspector present all the time, and since we subscribe to Supra Key, we don't even need an agent to unlock the door. We would, however, recommend that you be present for at least the final portion of the inspection, which is the customer walk-through, where the inspector will go over his findings and answer your questions.  

How long does an inspection take?

A typical inspection can run from 2.5 hours to 4 hours or more, depending upon the size and age of the home. The older the house is, the more problems will be evident and the longer the inspection will take. We never rush an inspection, we take our time and we do it right the first time. We know that waiting for the inspector to finish his job may be quite boring, so we are willing to call you when we get near the end of the inspection, if you would rather wait at a nearby coffee and doughnut shop. 

How much does an inspection cost?

The price of an inspection depends entirely on the size, age and type of foundation of the house. The minimum price is $250.00 for up to 1500 Square Feet. There are additional fees for sprinkler system inspections, Radon inspections, pool, spa, septic and well inspections. For the complete list, please review the "Fee Schedule" page, and don't forget to check out the discounts that are available.

How and when do we pay?

When: Home Inspection fees are due prior to the client "walk-through" at the end of the inspection, and are usually paid BEFORE the inspection begins. Due to certain dishonest people taking the information an inspector gives them, either verbally or in the form of a report, and then refusing to pay for that information, most inspectors now require payment before their findings are presented to the client. However, "Pre-Listing/Pre-Sale" inspections are paid at closing. See below for more details.

How: We accept cash, checks and money orders at the time of  the inspection, or you can pay by credit card or e-check through PayPal online at least one day prior to the inspection. Please review your "Payment Options" here.

When and how will I receive my report?

Who gets a copy of the inspection report?

Your inspection report is a private document. We will share this information with no one else, unless asked to do so by you, the client. If you request emailed PDF's or hard copies of your report, we will send them to you and anyone else you so request. 

For the sellers, a "Pre-Listing/Pre-Sale" inspection is an indispensable tool that can save them money and prevent the loss of the sale altogether. This "Sellers Inspection" is a thorough inspection including a written report that covers all the same areas that the buyers inspection will cover.  Armed with this information, the sellers can make the repairs and improvements called for, thereby improving dramatically the buyers report and assuring a smooth home sale. Additionally, the fee for this inspection is not paid upfront, as is the Buyer's Inspection. This fee is  payable with the proceeds of the sale of the house, at CLOSING.

14 Quick, Easy & Inexpensive Ways to Improve Your Inspection Report: 
Tip #6