FAQ

About Home Inspection

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection objectively examines a house’s physical structure and systems, from the roof to the foundation. On average, a single-family home inspection usually takes 2-4 hours to complete, though this is heavily dependent on the home’s size and condition. After the inspection process, the inspector will send the client an inspection report (often within 24-48 hours) that covers their findings, complete with pictures, analysis, and recommendations.

  • Residential

    • What do you check?
      A lot of people don’t know exactly what a home inspector is going to do,” says Frank Lesh, executive director of the American Society of Home Inspectors. 

      Wondering what does a home inspector look for? A whole lot—1,600 features on a home, to be exact.

      “We inspect everything from the roof to the foundation and everything in between,” Lesh says.

      Going into the inspection with a clear understanding of what the inspector can and can’t do will ensure that you walk away from the inspection happy.

    • What don’t you check?

      There are limits. For instance, “we’re restricted to a visual inspection,” says Lesh. “We can’t cut a hole in somebody’s wall.”

      As a result, an inspector will often flag potential problems in the report and you will have to get another expert—a roofer, HVAC person, builder, electrician, or plumber—to come back and do a more detailed examination.

      “Understand that we’re looking at what exists in the house today,” says home inspector Randy Sipe, of Spring Hill, KS. “I can’t see into the future any more than anybody else.”

    • Can I come along during the inspection?
      The answer to this should be a resounding yes! Any good inspector will want prospective owners to be present at the inspection. Seeing somebody explain your house’s systems and how they work will always be more valuable than reading a report, and it gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get clarifications in the moment. If an inspector requests that you not join him, definitely walk away. Run!

  • General

    • What is the inspector's background?

      Ensuring that the inspector has the right experience helps prospective buyers get what they need from the process. The best inspectors should have experience with construction and homebuilding. For example, a homebuyer might ask if the inspector has a background in trades such as plumbing or electrical work. This is the sort of experience that can give inspectors the knowledge to speak directly about potential issues in this area.

      Buyers should also ensure that their inspector is licensed, insured, and bonded. Making sure that they have the proper qualifications can help buyers be sure that the inspector will go over every detail and detect any potential issues.

    • Are there any red flags?
      After finding the right inspector, the next step is to tackle any deal-breaking issues in the house. Also called red flags, deal-breaking issues are defects that will cost a lot to repair without a strong return on investment. Identifying major issues right away is important. Buyers should ask the inspector what issues they would take care of right away if it were their home. Identifying red flags as soon as possible can save time, money, and stress.
    • What are the most expensive issues?

      High-cost issues such as roof, foundation, wiring, unpermitted construction, and HVAC system problems need to be known before agreeing to buy a home. In some cases, resolving the issues may be more expensive than the job is worth. In others, they put the buyer in a strong position to negotiate for a lower price. A buyer who discovers that the HVAC system needs to be replaced can potentially lower their offer on the home.

      Homebuyers should also ask their inspector for referrals if there is work that needs to be immediately done. Many home inspectors know which professionals in their area do good work and which potential buyers might wish to avoid.

    • How long will the current features last?
      Different features of every home, including the roof, the HVAC, the kitchen appliances, and the floor, need to be periodically replaced. Find out how much life each of these has in them before committing to buy. While learning that the roof will need to be replaced within five years might not necessarily be a dealbreaker, it is vital to know going in. Understanding future costs can help home buyers plan for them going in. By making a timeline of the life expectancy for each of the features in the home, owners can establish a budget instead of being caught by surprise.

  • Commercial

    • What is the property's age and condition?

      When you are looking at a commercial property, it is important to ask about the age and condition of the property. This will give you an idea of how much work will need to be done to bring the property up to your standards. It is also important to ask about the condition of the roof and the HVAC system. These are two of the most expensive systems to replace, so you want to make sure that they are in good condition before you purchase the property.

      Another important question to ask is whether or not the property has been well-maintained. This can be difficult to judge from the outside, but you can often tell by looking at the condition of the paint and the landscaping. If the property looks like it has been neglected, it is likely that there are other problems that you can't see from the outside.

      Finally, you should ask about the zoning of the property. This is important because it will determine what you can and can't do with the property. If you are planning on using the property for commercial purposes, you will need to make sure that it is zoned for that. Otherwise, you could run into problems down the road.

      Asking these important questions will help you to determine if a commercial property is right for you. By taking the time to ask about the age and condition of the property, you can be sure that you are getting a good deal.

    • How well is the property maintained?

      As a commercial property owner or manager, it is important to regularly inspect your property to ensure that it is being properly maintained. Here are some important questions to ask when inspecting commercial property:

      1. How well is the property maintained?
      2. Are there any safety hazards?
      3. Are there any repair or renovation projects needed?
      4. Are there any pest or rodent problems?
      5. Are there any leaks or flooding problems?

      By regularly inspecting commercial property, you can ensure that it is being properly maintained and that any potential problems are addressed quickly. By taking the time to inspect the property regularly, you can avoid more serious issues down the road and keep your property in good condition.

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