Educating Home Buyers, One Inspection at a Time

Book your inspection on-line with this form

 
Why do I need a home inspection?

    Would you buy a used car that has not passed state inspection?  If you were a mechanic you might.  If not, probably not.  Most of the homes I inspect are previously owned.  They are in various states of repair, from excellent to marginal.  A comprehensive home inspection will give you an unbiased third party report, that will allow you to make an informed decision.

When do I call a home inspector?
    A home inspector is typically contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, make sure 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 parties are obligated.

Can a home fail an inspection?
    No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the home.  It is not an appraisal or a municipal inspection to verify code compliance.  I do not pass or fail a home.  My job is to inform and educate my clients about the condition of the inspected items, describe the home's physical condition and indicate what may need major repair or replacement. I leave it to you and your agent to decide how to proceed after receiving this important information. 

What if the report reveals problems?
    No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems or defects, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should not buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may make repairs if major problems are found. If your budget is tight or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you.    

The home we are buying is brand new, do we need an inspection?
    Absolutely. No one can build something as large and complex as a house without committing a few errors at various stages of the process. After years of inspecting, I have learned that all new homes will have their defects of one kind or another, regardless of the quality of construction or the integrity of the builder. This is because human imperfection prevents anything as large and as complex as a home from being constructed flawlessly.
    I have discovered many building or safety infractions that municipal building officials had totally ignored. I have never inspected a newly constructed home  that was totally flawless. Your home inspection report will always contain a list of items that need to be corrected.
    There is no perfect home. A professional home inspection on a brand new home is always beneficial.

How much does an inspection cost?
   
The cost of an inspection depends on several factors.  Square footage, age, number of heating and cooling zones, basement or crawl space, etc. When shopping for a home inspector, the last question you should ask is "how much is the fee?" The primary and essential questions are:
  • How long have you been a home inspector?
  • How many homes have you inspected?
  • What are your professional credentials?
    The purchase price of your home is probably in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. An investment of this amount warrants a degree of scrutiny that far outweighs the cost of an inspection.  The defects that await discovery by a qualified home inspector might involve repair costs of several hundred or several thousand dollars. The ability of a home inspector to discover the many possible defects in a home increases with years of professional experience. Home inspectors who acquire high levels of such experience set their prices accordingly and fairly.

How long does an inspection take?
    A typical home inspection takes between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours depending on the age, size and number of systems in the home.  I recommend that you attend and accompany me during the inspection.  I will answer your questions and concerns then and there.

What if I have questions about the inspection report?
    I am available to answer any questions or be of any help after the inspection.  Just call or send an email.  All calls are returned in a timely fashion.

What is the life of home components?
    There are many variables to consider when judging the life expectancy of a roof, HVAC system or appliances.  Here is a document from the National Association of Home Builders that has a comprehensive list.




My only interest in the home buying process, is the best interest of my clients. Whether your home is older or new, 500 or 10,000 square feet, buyers should not forgo the benefits of a comprehensive home inspection performed by an unbiasedthird party.

Give us a call now to book your inspection
410.746.6274

We have years of experience and a reputation for thoroughness.
Only home inspections performed by licensed inspectors are valid under a real estate contract.