Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some of the most frequently asked home inspection questions that real estate industry professionals, home buyers, and sellers have about the home inspection process.
Q: What is a Home Inspection?
A: A home inspection is a professional, comprehensive visual examination of all the systems and physical structural elements of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that would affect a purchasers buying decision.
Q: What does a Home Inspection include?
A: Innovative Inspections examines all the major systems and structural elements of the property. This includes the condition, at the time of the inspection, of the property's heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structure.
Optional inspection services include lawn and garden sprinkler systems, swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and equipment, outbuildings, outdoor cooking equipment, gas supply systems, private water wells, private sewage disposal (septic systems), and wood destroying pest inspections.
Q: Why do I need a Home Inspection?
A: Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. A thorough home inspection can help you avoid costly surprise repairs and problems with your new home. Our Inspection report will also advise you of what maintenance is required to keep your home in top condition.
If you are selling your home, a listing inspection will point out any potential problems that might be uncovered later by the buyer’s inspector. Finding them early will allow you to address them before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale.
Q: Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?
A: A professional inspection of a new home is very important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. As building professionals, we may find problem areas where the builder has taken shortcuts or not done proper work.
Q: What if I'm Purchasing an Older Home, Rates?
A: We inspect all homes. Homes built prior to 1969 will have a $25 surcharge. Please visit our rates page for more information.
Q: Do I need a WDP Inspection?
A: Termites and other wood destroying pests can do extensive damage to a home and greatly impact its value. Therefore, we recommend that you get a termite inspection in addition to your general home inspection.
Q: Can I do a Home Inspection myself?
A: Even experienced homeowners or home buyers lack the knowledge, training, and expertise of a professional home inspector. 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, it's difficult to remain completely unemotional about the house, and this may cloud your judgment. Our professional inspector will provide an objective outside reporting of the facts.
Q: How much does a Home Inspection cost?
A: Inspection fees for a home inspection are primarily based on size, age, foundation type, location, and any supplementary services requested. Please see our fees page, and remember, do not let the cost of an inspection be a deciding factor.
Q: When and how do I pay for the Inspection?
A: We have an online payment service that accepts all major credit cards. Additionally, you may pay the inspector upon completion of the inspection. The inspector will accept Checks, Cash, and Money Orders.
Q: When do I call a Home Inspector?
A: A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign a purchase agreement, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the sales contract making your final purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
Q: How long will the Inspection take?
A: Our inspections usually take between 2 to 3 hours to complete. These times may vary depending on the size, age and condition of the home being inspected.
Q: Do I need to be there during the Inspection?
A: Clients are not required to be there for the inspection. However, we recommend that you be present, because it's a valuable learning experience for most people. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the home first-hand through the inspector's eyes.
Q: Can a house fail a Home Inspection?
A: A house cannot fail an inspection, as a professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need repair or replacement.
Q: What if the Inspection uncovers problems?
A: If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't mean you shouldn't buy the home, no house is perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems the home inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, the seller may adjust the purchase price, contract terms or have them repaired before the close of escrow. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.
Q: Will you fix the issues you find during the Inspection?
A: Because it would be a conflict of interest, we do not perform repairs on homes we inspect. We exclusively perform inspections and point out things that need immediate repairs and potentially need to be repaired.
Q: Should my Realtor receive a copy of the Inspection?
A: We think it's very important that the Realtor you are working with receive a copy of the report, so they can provide assistance in determining if any items are significant enough to warrant re-negotiation with the seller. We do not provide a copy of your report to anyone without your consent to do so.
Q: After I move in my home, can you answer questions?
A: Your inspector is available by phone or email to aid in your overall understanding of our findings. If you should ever have a question after the inspection, you should not hesitate for as long as you own the home to call and talk to the inspector.
Q: If the home proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
A: Definitely! Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You will have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will have that information for future reference.