1. What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend further evaluation.

2. Why do I need a Home Inspection?
A home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. It only makes sense to find out as much as you can about the house you are interested in before you buy. That way you can avoid costly surprise repairs and problems with your new home. Our report will also advise you of what maintenance is required to keep your home in top condition. A professional inspection will give you a clear picture of the many systems and structural elements that make up the property. Home Inspections Reportedly Save Home Buyers Money and Reduces Worry. Click Here to view details.(See sample of report, page 16, showing Electrical details)

3. Do I need an Engineer or a Home Inspector?
You need a home inspector. When you hire a home inspector, you are hiring an experienced professional who has training and experience in the building industry. It is the job of the home inspector to not only evaluate the condition of the house's major systems and structural integrity, but also to evaluate how these systems are working together and identify areas that need to be watched, repaired or replaced.

Your home inspector gives you the Big Picture analysis of the house you are purchasing. If the home inspector identifies the need for a costly, detailed analysis of any of the house's systems or structures, the inspector will recommend the appropriate professional, which may be an experienced engineer with expertise analyzing that particular system or structure. The need for this kind of expensive, detailed analysis is rare.

Hiring a Professional Engineer on your own can be a disappointing experience. The term Professional Engineer does not mean that the individual has training or experience conducting home inspections. Additionally, a home inspection does not involve engineering analysis. Therefore, hiring a Professional Engineer to complete a home inspection undoubtedly costs more, but it may not give you the results you desire and deserve.

4. What does a home inspection include?
A home inspector's 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 structure. Additional services not included in a typical home inspection, such as, mold, radon and water analysis, may be obtained as optional (EPA and other) testing services.

5. Why "can't" I do the Inspection myself?
Chances are that even if you are very familiar with home construction, you still don't have the knowledge, training and experience of a professional Home Inspector. We are not only familiar with all the systems of a home, and how they work and need to be maintained, but we also know what to look for to tell us that they are getting ready to fail. But beyond the technical expertise and experience a professional inspector brings, it is important to remember that the inspector remains an impartial third party. If you are involved in buying or selling a house, its impossible for you to remain completely unemotional about the house, and this may cloud your judgment. The professional inspector will provide an objective outside reporting of the facts.

6. How long will the Inspection take?
We only do one inspection per day. By doing this, we prevent rushing through a house and possibly missing something. We do NOT double and triple book inspections in one day. We make sure that you, our customer, is well served. The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 3 to 4 hours is pretty typical. But for larger homes, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer.

7. What if the report reveals problems?
All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price but having a home inspection allows the problem to be addressed before the sale closes.

8. Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?
No. The code of ethics of The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home.

9. What should I not expect from a home inspection?

• A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like Air Conditioners and Heat Systems can and will break down. A home inspection tells you the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. For protection from future failure you may want to consider a home warranty.

• A home inspection is NOT an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.

• A home inspection is NOT a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks "Safety" NOT "Code" when performing a home inspection.

10. Does a newly constructed home need an inspection?
Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new home is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It's especially valuable to arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. As building professionals, we may find problem areas where the builder has taken shortcuts.

11. Do I need to be there during the inspection?
No, you are not required to be there. The inspector will take digital pictures to include with your detailed report. The inspector can write up the report and mail or hand deliver the detailed report for those who do not wish to, or cannot physically attend the inspection. Of course, attending the inspection is an excellent time to see the home again and the inspector can answer all your questions regarding the inspection.