When should a Real Estate Inspector be contacted?
A home inspector is normally contacted right after the purchase offer has been accepted. A rapid response is important to be sure there is sufficient time to perform a thorough inspection, to receive and review all inspection reports, and to negotiate any requests for repairs or credits. Most purchase contracts have a short inspection contingency period. Be sure to ask your real estate agent or attorney to verify that such time is allowed for an inspection.
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Home much does a home inspection cost?
Inspection fees vary according to the size of the house, the style of report generated, and unusual circumstances, such as additional heating systems and outbuildings. Inspections from All Buildings Inspection LLC start at $295.00 for small houses. Payment is required prior to release of the report. The style of inspection report that your home inspector provides is an important consideration when choosing an inspector. A detailed, software generated narrative report with photographs is more comprehensive and easier to understand than a carbon copy checklist.
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Can I do the inspection myself?
It is very difficult to look at a dream house purchase objectively and without emotion. Such a large investment will benefit from clear observation. A non-biased evaluation from a certified and qualified home inspector will provide accurate information. Building science and technology, and the mechanical systems in homes are becoming more complex each year. Licensed inspectors receive continuing education from expert trades people and regulatory personnel throughout their careers. They know how and why systems are supposed to work together, and how and why the can fail.
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What if the house fails the inspection?
A house can not fail an inspection. An inspection does not generate a report card. It is an examination of your home at the time and day of the inspection. The house will be thoroughly poked and prodded, equipment will be looked at and tested, and photographs will be taken. A report will then describe, in words and photos, the condition of all parts of the home, with recommendations regarding repair, replacement, maintenance, monitoring, and perhaps further evaluations by specialists.
| Should I be there during the inspection?
It is a good idea to be present for at least part of the inspection. A thorough inspection of a typical house can take 3 to 4 hours. Being present for part, or all of the inspection, will enable you to observe the inspector and ask questions. Questions can cover many things - the condition of different components of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain systems. The report will be easier to understand if you've seen the home through the eyes of your inspector.
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There is no such thing as maintenance free.
Over time, most component of every home will need maintenance, repairs, or replacement. All houses need regular maintenance. Maintenance schedules should be made, followed, and updated regularly. Each home also has its own unique characteristics that may or may not lead to different approaches to identical concerns.
It is the role of the home inspector to identify the various systems which are readily accessible or observable and to describe them. Concerns and deficiencies are described, and suggestions for addressing the concerns are offered.
An inspection by Chuck Staab, inspector for All Buildings Inspection LLC, is thorough. The inspection report is clear and easy to understand. It can be used as your first maintenance schedule for your dream home. Photographs are used to show important features and to help explain problematic situations. Concerns are addressed with a common sense approach that will make you, the home buyer (or seller), confident and well informed.
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