1. Large defects include large, differential cracks in the foundation, structure that is not level, or plumb, and decks that aren’t properly installed. This is a costly item that will require more than 2 percent of your purchase price.

2. These could result in major defects: a roof flashing leaking that can get larger, damaged downspouts which could cause backups and water intrusion, or a support beam not properly tied to the structure.

3. Exposed electrical wiring and lack of GFCI (Ground fault) can pose safety hazards in circuit interrupters, in bathrooms and kitchens, lack of safety railing for decks higher than 30 inches above the ground, etc.

These problems will be addressed by your inspector. Your inspector may suggest an evaluation by certified or licensed professionals, who can specialize in specific areas of the problem. If they notice any areas of your home not aligned, the inspector may recommend that you contact a licensed engineer. This could be a sign of a structural problem.

No. No! A home inspection is a great benefit for sellers.

These are only a few benefits for sellers:

Seller knows everything about the house! A home inspector can answer any questions they have about the past and history of problems.

The seller will be more objective in setting a fair price for the house if they have a home inspection.

The report can be used by the seller to market the property.

Before the seller opens their home for tours, they will notify them of any safety concerns.

Sellers can take their time and make repairs after signing the contract.

There are many systems in your new house, with over 10,000 components. These range from cooling and heating to ventilation and appliances. These systems and appliances are designed to work in harmony, resulting in comfort, durability, and energy savings. However, weak links can cause a decrease in value or shorter component life. What if you bought a car from someone who is not qualified to inspect it? You have much more to consider when it comes to your home. A thorough inspection documented in a report will give you a lot of information to help make informed decisions.

Homebuyers are often not equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to properly inspect their home. A professional home inspector can help them gain an understanding of the property’s condition. This includes whether items are not functioning as they should, adversely impact the living conditions of the dwelling, or warrant further inspection by a specialist. The home inspector can be a generalist and has extensive training in all aspects of home inspection.

Your aunt or nephew may have a lot of skills, but they are not qualified or skilled in home inspections. They also don’t usually possess the necessary test equipment or knowledge to conduct an inspection. The home inspection profession is a separate, licensed field that follows strict standards. Home inspectors are hired by most contractors, as well as other trade professionals, to check their homes before they buy them.

Although this is the most common question, it tells us the least about how the inspection was. The fees are determined by the size and age of your home, as well as other factors. A certified professional home inspector will usually charge less than $300 for an inspection. The national average cost of a home measuring 2,000 sq. feet is $350-$375. You should not pay too much attention to the inspection fee. Is the inspector nationally certified? Have they passed the NHIE (National Home Inspection Exam) exam? If required, are they certified by the state?

It depends on the condition and size of your home. For every 1000 square feet, it takes about 1.2 hours. A 2,500-square foot home would require approximately 3 hours. Additional 30-50 minutes will be required if the company produces the report in your own home.

Both yes and no. We believe that buyers who do not have a home inspection are doing themselves a disservice. Although it is not required in all states, this does not mean they should not. Buyers may be faced with unpleasant and costly surprises when they move into a home. They could also end up paying more than what was necessary.

It is a good idea to attend the inspection, whether you’re a seller or buyer. The inspector will show you the defects, explain the importance of them, and point out any maintenance items that could be useful in the future. It doesn’t matter if you are not there. The report will detail everything. You should ask the inspector for clarification if you’re not there. You should also carefully read through the inspection agreement to ensure you fully understand the scope of the inspection. Furthermore, you should immediately notify the inspector if there are any problems with either the report or inspection. Usually, this is within 24 hours.

You can request that the inspector return to your home to inspect the items. However, the cost of the walkthrough will not be included in the initial service.

Although the seller is welcome to attend the inspection, it is their house, and they must understand that the inspector works for the buyer. If the inspector is not aware of any items, the conversation with the seller could be discouraging. Or the seller might be too emotional about the flaws. The seller may want to have their inspection done before they list the house.

No. No. A home inspection examines the condition of your potential home. This isn’t an inspection that determines the market value or verifies compliance with local codes. The home inspector cannot pass or fail to inspect a house. A home inspector will evaluate the condition of your house and identify any items that need to be repaired or replaced.

This list does not include all of the items. These may not all be included in your inspection, but inspectors will follow a standard checklist to inspect the house.

* Drainage and grading

* Driving Direction

* Entry Steps, handrails

* Decks

* Masonry

* Landscape as it pertains to your home

* Maintaining walls

* Roof, flashings, and chimneys.

* Fascias, soffits and eaves

* Windows, walls, doors, patios, and walkways

* Foundation, crawlspace, and basement

* Door operation, floor and garage walls

* kitchen appliances (dishwasher, range/oven/cooktop/hoods, microwave, disposal, trash compactor)

* Washer/dryer combination

* Ceilings and walls.

* Kitchen counters, floors, and cabinets

* Window gaskets and windows

* Hardware and interior doors

* Fixtures and plumbing systems

* Electric system, panels, and entrance conductors

* Electric grounding, GFCI outlets

* Fire (or smoke) detectors

* Insulation and Ventilation Systems

* Controls and heating equipment

* Distribution systems and ducts

* Fireplaces

* Controls and air conditioning

* Controls and heat pumps

* Safety devices such as railings and TPRV valves (egress)

Additional items, which aren’t included in the standard inspection, can be purchased for an extra fee

* Radon Gas Test

* Water Quality Test

* Termite inspection (usually done by an independent company).

* Gas Line Leak Test (normally performed by the gas company).

* Sprinkler System Test

Inspection of the Swimming Pool and Spa

* Mold screening (sometimes done by an independent company).

* Septic System Inspection (usually done by an independent company).

* An alarm system (usually carried out by an independent company).

If your potential home is located in an area with Radon seepage, we recommend that you get a Radon Test. Radon gas can cause cancer as well as other diseases.

A water test is recommended to ensure that there are no bacteria present in your water. Radon can be also tested in water.

Many people believe that all items are inspected thoroughly on inspection day. Many homebuyers have been upset by this misunderstanding.

We do not conduct exhaustive inspections. This is because there are good reasons. You could hire someone licensed in heating, cooling, plumbing, engineering, and electrical. It would take approximately 14 hours to complete the inspection of your home and will cost about $2000. A professional inspector with a general knowledge of the home system, who knows what to check for and can suggest further inspections by specialists if necessary, is more cost-effective. As he/she examines your house, the inspector will also be following specific guidelines. They can be either state or national guidelines. To protect your home as well as the inspector, these guidelines have been carefully crafted. These are just a few examples of guidelines: It is forbidden to switch on systems that were not turned on at the time we inspect (safety reasons); it is not permitted to lift furniture or move anything (might damage something); water cannot be turned on if it’s off (possible flooding), and attic hatches must not be broken (possible damages). This practice has the downside that we may not be able to see under furniture or get into crawlspaces and attics, which could lead us to miss the problem. This is not a great way to miss something. However, it does make sense that the chance of finding something dangerous and serious is very low. The guideline in regards to safety and not causing harm inside the house is good. Other items 95% of inspectors will inspect are electronics, low-voltage lighting, space heaters, and portable air conditioners. Specialized systems like water purifiers, alarms systems, etc., are also included.

Sometimes, the weather can interfere with an inspection of your home! We can’t do much about it either. We will inform you if there’s snow on your roof that we couldn’t inspect. We will inspect the attic and eves, as well as any other places that can give us an indication of the condition. However, the report will state that the roof could not be inspected. We have busy schedules and we can’t go back another day after the snow has melted. You can pay an inspector for a fee so they will be able to inspect any items that they missed the first time. It’s just how things work. The inspector will often inspect your items at no additional cost if you request a reinspection.

If the inspector can access and safely walk on the roof, he/she will. Slate and tile roofs should not be walked upon. The inspector may not be able to walk on roofs due to poor weather, very steep roofs, or extremely high roofs. However, the inspector will attempt to reach the edge and may use binoculars if it is difficult to do so. If possible, they will inspect the roof through the windows at the top. An inspector will assess the roof from both the ground and a ladder. They can also see inside the attic to determine the condition.

The answer to this question is yes in many parts of the country. Ask your agent or search the Internet for the radon map.


Radon, which is colorless and odorless, can be tasted in water or soil. It’s formed from the natural decay of uranium. Radon gas can escape the ground through foundation cracks or holes and seep into homes. Well, water can be contaminated by Radon gas.


Officials have found that radon gas can be a dangerous carcinogen and cause lung cancer. Your home inspector will be able to conduct a radon test to determine if you have radon in your house. You should ensure that the test technician has passed The National Environmental Health Association’s (NEHA), or NRSB standards.

Yes! Yes! It isn’t because your builder is negligent – they did a great job with planning and subcontractors. But, it’s simply that it is nearly impossible to check everything and make corrections before the Certificates of Occupancy are issued. Subcontractors may decide not to continue working on the house, which can lead to missed details and jobs. To find out what needs to be fixed, we recommend several home inspections close to the end of the construction phase. A home inspection is even more necessary if the house has been vacant for some time. There have been many problems, including water and plumbing not being connected, pipes not connecting, sewer lines not connected, vents not attached, as well as other issues that can be easily fixed.

My home is being built. I am assured that the builder will inspect all aspects. You should

Yes! Yes, no matter how skilled your builder may be. Because they are so focused on the house and the work of the subcontractors, important details can be overlooked. At least 6-8 interim inspections should be done by a professional inspector. These inspectors will prove to be an asset that is worth every penny.

Home inspections are no exception to the rule. The agreement should be clear and concise. There’s enough uncertainty about the results of a home inspection. Many homeowners expect that everything will be in perfect condition after a home inspection. It isn’t true! Imagine a homeowner calling you a year later to complain about the toilet not being flushing. The inspection is only a snapshot in time. The inspection agreement outlines what is included and what is not. It also explains what to do if the results are disappointing. This will help you to understand the process better and make your experience more pleasant. Home inspections are not a guarantee of future problems.

Many different versions of “reports” exist as inspection companies.

The inspector must provide a written report. This is according to guidelines. It can include a printed checklist with multiple copies and 4 pages of text, or a professionally-produced computer-generated report that includes digital photos and is 35 pages in length. These reports can then be saved as Adobe PDF and emailed. Make sure you check with the inspector regarding which report they use. We recommend the computer-generated report since the checklist is more detailed and easier for the homeowner/buyer/seller to detail out the issues with photographs. We believe that reports should be accessible online and available via email to keep up with the technology we use.


The report can be used for many great purposes, in addition to providing you with a wealth of information about your new house.


* The report can be used as a guide and checklist for contractors to repair and improve their properties or obtain estimates from multiple contractors.


* The report can be used to budget the property by using the recommendations of the inspector and the expected remaining life of the components.


*If you’re a seller, the report can be used to repair and improve the property, increasing the sale price and impressing potential buyers. Next, have another inspection and then use the second report to market your home to potential buyers.


* The report can be used as a checklist for a re-inspection or as a reference point to continue maintenance.

Yes. Yes. As we discussed, your inspector will likely use the most recent reporting technology.

Inspections can be human and they sometimes miss things. They use sophisticated tools and techniques every day to minimize the chance of missing something. These include detailed checklists and reference manuals as well as computer-based lists. They also have a systematic way to physically move around the house. This is why an inspector may miss something if they are interrupted. If this occurs, the inspector will know how to resume inspection. If something is missed in the inspection, contact the inspector to discuss the matter. You may have to ask the inspector again to inspect what you’ve found.


Keep in mind that the inspector did their best and did the most thorough job possible. They probably didn’t miss it because of lax technique or lack of care.

Although you may feel disappointed by the results of further inspection, we believe your inspector is doing what is best. Inspections are designed to find defects in your home that could affect the safety or the operation of the house. The inspector is not a specialist, but a generalist. These systems and related areas are only allowed to be worked on by contractors who have been licensed under the code of ethics. If they say that a specialist is required, it could be an even more serious issue. You could end up paying a lot of money and having some unpleasant surprises if you don’t get these areas checked out before you even move into the house. You don’t want the inspector to add more worry or expense. If they recommend additional evaluation, they will be serious about protecting your investment.

The majority of inspectors will not offer a homeowner any warranty for items inspected. The home inspection can only be viewed on one day. The inspector can’t predict the future.


Some inspectors now include a guarantee from American Home Warranty Corporation (the largest American home warranty corporation) on the items they inspect for 60 to 90 days. It is an excellent deal, and you can extend the agreement for a small fee.

Many inspection firms do not provide a guarantee of satisfaction and do not mention this in their advertisements. A satisfaction guarantee from an inspection company is a sign of excellent customer service. It’s always good to get additional services at no extra cost. Your inspection company will usually require you to contact them immediately after viewing the report and inspecting the property. You should first speak to the inspector if you’re not satisfied with their services. The inspector wants to earn a living and will not fail you.

You don’t have to ask for the money back. You can now complete your home buying with confidence about the state of the property, its equipment, and its system. The inspector’s report will provide valuable details about the property, and you will be able to refer back to it in the future. You can be confident that your purchase decision is well-informed.

You can be proud of yourself for scheduling an inspection if the inspection uncovers serious defects (we refer to a serious defect as anything more expensive than 2% of your purchase price) This is a great way to save money. It is heartbreaking, and disappointing to discover that the house you carefully researched is not in good condition. However, now you have the information necessary to negotiate with the seller, or just move on. You may be so passionate about the house, it may be worthwhile to negotiate the purchase price and make the necessary repairs. But imagine what you might have experienced if the inspection was not done.

It is possible, however, your inspector must be ethical and refuse to do so. This is because it creates a conflict for those who inspect your house to repair it. This is a prohibited practice for inspectors by licensing authorities. However, it’s good practice. An inspector should remain impartial while inspecting your house. You should hire a professional to inspect your house. Contractors will likely want you to repair the damage. This means that you won’t get an objective home inspection even though the person is technically proficient.

Inspection report findings do not obligate the seller to fix any items mentioned. The buyer and seller need to discuss the contents of the inspection report once they have established the condition of the property. It will clearly state what constitutes a repair and which is discretionary. These areas should be discussed between all parties. This area is beyond the scope of the inspection and must be discussed between all parties.

It’s possible, and it is a great idea. The inspector can return for a fee to check if repairs have been made and whether they were done correctly.

However, a home inspection does not guarantee there won’t be problems after you move in. If you feel that there was an issue at the time the inspection took place, call the inspector. The inspector will accept this, but you should still call them if there are any issues. They will visit your house to inspect the concern if it isn’t resolved by phone calls. They want to make sure you are satisfied, and they will try their best to help. You can protect yourself during the inspection process and before the move-in by conducting a final walkthrough. This will include using both the Inspection Report and a Walkthrough Checklist.