Q & A
We Have Answers!
Question: How much do you charge for a residential inspection?
Answer: Prices depend on several variables: Is it A single-family home? Where is it located? How many square feet? Does it have a crawl space? What else would you like inspected: Pool, outbuildings, detached garage? Prices for a traditional Home Inspection will vary from the low of $275 to the high of $1,000 or more.
Question: Someone else quoted me a price of less than $200. Shouldn’t you be more competitive
Answer: Lower prices may mean less attention to detail. The inspector may not be certified, licensed or insured. You may not get a detailed report or a complete summary. The inspector may not spend an adequate amount of time at the subject to compensate for the lower fee.
Questions: How Long Does it take for you to do an inspection?
Answer: The inspection of the premises, the roof, attic, and all of the mechanical and electrical components of the house takes between two to four hours depending on the size, condition, and complexity of the house.
The report writing part of the inspection creates a permanent record that is turned over to the client. This report usually takes at least three to four hours to complete and is usually delivered in 24 to 48 hours after the inspection.
Question: How much detail can I expect in the report?
Answer: The report will be something on the order of 40 to 75 pages with generous amounts of photographs depicting various conditions of the structure. All areas of concern are reported to show any problems or concerns. The report is written in a manner that a non-technical or layperson can understand.
The report will cover more than the areas of concern. It will also describe the location of certain features, like the main water shut-off valve and the location of the main electric panel.
Please make sure that whoever you choose, will provide you with a thorough written report.
Question: Why should I get an inspection at all? – The house looks pretty good to me.
Answer: Most people are preoccupied and stressed when purchasing real estate. Throughout the process, lenders and insurance companies will constantly ask for information. Just when you think you’ve provided it all, there calling you again, sometimes looking for documentation you have not preserved. You begin to feel like the work required to see the process through will never end.
In addition, your perspective may be clouded by the spark of love at first sight: curb appeal, a great floor-plan, a nice kitchen, a pretty sun porch. etc. None of these features matter when it comes to determining if the home’s systems are solid and where surprise expenditures may lie in wait down the road. The home inspector’s point of view is not emotional. It is technical and clinical, confirming the overall condition of the property. A good home inspector, more than any of the professionals involved will be your advocate with a genuine concern for your best interests.
Most of the time, the home Inspection can save you more than the cost of the inspection
Question: Should I plan on being present during the inspection?
Answer. It is highly recommended if you are able, particularly for the latter portion once the inspector has a good feel for the property.
Question: What if there’s something in the report that I don’t understand?
Answer: Inspectors are usually available by phone following the inspection to discuss anything in the report that is not clear to the client.
It is also a good idea to have a brief on-site meeting immediately following the inspection. The inspector can visually show you his findings with an explanation and can answer any questions you may have.
