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FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
The Answers
What is a home inspection?
Go to About
Home Inspections for
a full description and answer to this question.
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Question List
Why can't I just have someone in my
family, or a friend, take a look at the house for me?
Your family member, or friend, may be very handy. They may even
be a contractor. However, they are not trained and experienced
in looking for unsuspected items and problems involving the entire
interior/exterior of a home. In fact, many contractors hire a
Home Inspector when they are about to purchase a home.
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Do I need an engineer to do my home
inspection?
In most cases you do not need an engineer. In fact, most engineers
are specialists and they do not have the overall knowledge and
training to do a complete home inspection. In rare instances,
an engineer may be called upon to inspect an area in your home
if the inspector has cause for concern.
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Why should I get an
inspection when the bank is requiring an appraisal?
An inspection is different than an appraisal. An inspection,
which is performed on your behalf, describes the physical
condition of the home so you can make an
informed decision. An appraiser estimates the value of the
home. Even though you pay for an appraisal, the appraisal
is generally for the benefit/use of your lending
institution.
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How much will the inspection
cost?
Your inspection will likely cost $250 - $300 depending on
the home.
You can call my office for a quote based on the home you want
inspected as well as to arrange for any 3rd party inspections
needs.
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How soon can I schedule
an inspection?
An inspection can usually be scheduled within 1 to 2 days.
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Which components of the home will be
inspected?
A full inspection includes the grounds, exterior, structural
components, foundation, roof, attic, insulation, plumbing, electrical,
heating/AC, garage, kitchen, bathrooms, and other interior rooms.
Please refer to What I Inspect and NACHI
Standards of Practice for
a detailed list.
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What if the house is vacant?
If the house is not occupied, then the utilities may be off.
You can check with your real estate agent to find out if that's
the case. In order for the inspector to provide a comprehensive
inspection, all utilities need to be on and all appliances with
pilot lights need to be lit. In many cases the seller or seller's
agent can arrange for utilities to be available for inspection.
Be sure to read Home Owner Inspection
Preparation.
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What if the plumbing has been winterized?
If a house is vacant during the winter, the seller or bank, if
it's a repossessed home, will often have the plumbing system
winterized. This means the plumbing system is drained and prepared
for cold temperatures. During the winterizing process, plumbing
supply lines are often loosened, cut and/or removed. Because
of the potential for water damage, no one should turn the water
on until the system has been de-winterized. To ensure a complete
inspection by the inspector, make sure the plumbing system has
been de-winterized prior to the home inspection.
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How long will the
inspection take?
An average inspection takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size
of the property and many other variables.
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Are clients welcome
to attend the inspection?
Yes. Most inspectors encourage clients to be in attendance
during the inspection or at the vary least, arrive near the end
of the inspection. This gives the client an opportunity
to review both the strengths and identified problem areas,
discuss maintenance and safety issues, and allows the inspector
an opportunity to answer all client questions at the time of
the inspection.
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Are you a Certified
Inspector?
Yes, I am certified by the National Association of Certified
Home Inspectors. This certification is acquired by completing
a rigorous examination in all facets of home inspection and
on-going continuing education. Click
here to verify my NACHI certification.
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Are you licensed by the State of Michigan?
Currently, the State of Michigan does not license or regulate
Home Inspectors. I am certified by the National Association
of Certified Home Inspectors.
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Are you part of a national chain or
franchise for home inspectors?
No, I am a locally-owned one-person small business. This allows
me to give my clients individualized attention when I perform
their home inspection. When you hire me, I will be the one performing
the inspection.
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Do you work for a real estate office?
No, I am an independent home inspector. I work for you, the client,
and my report is not influenced by others who may have an interest
in your real estate transaction. Real estate agents often make
referrals to home inspectors as a courtesy to you, the client.
But I do not work for the real estate agent or company, I work
for you!
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How long have you been inspecting homes?
I have been inspecting homes since 2003. I have extensive experience
in all facets of home maintenance, remodeling, and repair and
I am a licensed Michigan residential builder.
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What home inspection-related
training have you attended?
I have completed formal inspection training through Inspection
Training Associates (ITA), the American Inspector Society (AIS),
the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), the American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and the National Association
of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). My training also includes
specialized training in heating & cooling,
electrical systems, Radon testing, as well as 30 years of experience
in construction, remodeling and home maintenance.
I attend two week-long home inspection
conferences annually to stay abreast of the latest construction
and inspection techniques. I also
complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of specialized home
inspection training annually.
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When will I receive
my inspection report?
You will receive an On-Site Summary Report that contains the
information necessary to address your short-term needs (inspection
contingency/negotiations). Your Full Report will be Emailed
(or delivered) the same day (typically), but no later than
24 hours after the inspection.
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Who will get a copy
of the inspection report?
My reports are state of the art, computer-generated electronic
reports. I will send you an Email that contains a link to your
report. In the Email will be an access code that allows only
you to review the report. However, if you want other parties
to receive a copy of the report, all you have to do is provide
them with the web address and access code. So the only people
other than you who can receive a copy of your report are those
who receive both permission and the access information from
you.
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What if I
lose my inspection report?
Your inspection report is available on-line for three years.
Since your report is available on-line, there’s no need
to print the report. No printed report = no lost report. As long
as you have your access information you can view your report
online at any time.
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List
Does
the Report conform to National Standards?
Yes, the Report conforms to the NACHI Standards
of Practice.
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When do I pay for
my inspection?
Payment for inspection services is due at the time of the on-site
Inspection.
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What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, check, and VISA or MasterCard. Payment is due
at the time of the inspection.
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Does my home comply with all of the
current building codes and laws?
Code inspections are performed by the governing body (Building
Department) of the city, county or township in which the home
is located at the time of construction or when permits are pulled
for major renovations or system replacement. A home inspection
is not a code inspection.
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What if the home fails
the inspection?
A home inspector or home inspection will not "pass" or "fail" a
home. The home inspection is intended to provide the client with detailed facts about
the home. The home inspector presents the facts about the home to the
client in a way that allows for complete comprehension through on-site discussion
and answering the client's questions. Based on the facts, explanations
and answers to client questions, the client will have the information and knowledge
needed to make their own decisions about the inspected home.
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How much will my repairs cost?
Since prices for labor and for materials are constantly changing
and quotes from contractors often vary by hundreds and sometimes
thousands of dollars for the same job, I have no way
of knowing how much repairs will cost. I will try to give you
some price ranges based on my experiences. Here are two ways
you can obtain information related to repairs on the inspected
home:
First,
you can call three licensed specialists and request an estimate.
Most reputable contractors provide free estimates. Don't necessarily
choose the least expensive estimate because you will want to
consider the quality of materials being specified and check
contractor referrals (quality of work, honesty, punctuality)
just as much as price. Also make sure the specifications for
the bids match – compare
apples to apples.
Second, you can go to Home
Inspector Locator - Cost to Repair for a list of estimates
to repair just about anything in a home. If time does not permit
soliciting bids from contractors, this guide is one way to
access ball-park costs you can use to address your inspection
contingency/negotiations. Remember, it is only an estimate
until a specialist actually visits the property and provides
you with a firm/written/detailed list of work to be performed,
prices and a detailed description of the actual materials that
will be used.
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What if I have questions after the
Inspection?
When I leave the inspection, the inspection is done, but I am
still your home inspector! I am available for free phone consultations
concerning your home. There is typically a fee for on-site visits
to the property.
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