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What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend further evaluation.
Why is a home inspection important?
Home Buyers: Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out possible problems with the home before moving in.
Home Sellers: More and more sellers are choosing to have a thorough inspection before or when they first list their home. First and foremost, you should have a home inspection for full disclosure. You will have demonstrated that you did all you could do to reveal any defects within the home. Second, you will save money and hassle by knowing now what your defects are, not after you have already negotiated a price and are faced with costly repairs discovered on the buyers inspection. Defects found before the buyer comes along allow you to shop around for a contractor and not deal with inflated estimates that a buyer will present.
What Kind Of Report Can I Expect?
CLICK HERE TO SEE A SAMPLE OF OUR REPORT
At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector will print an on-site, computer-generated report which will be 25 to 50 pages in length. The Property Inspection Report will give easy to read details on:
- The general condition of the home from the roof to the crawlspace/basement.
- How things work.
- Major and minor deficiencies.
- Suggestions to remedy deficiencies.
- Any major expenditure coming up.
- What to watch out for.
Then the inspector will review the report with you to make sure that you understand everything. You will be presented with a professional inspection report in a binder. You will also receive 24/7 access to your report online. You may share your report with anyone you chose, including your Realtor.
What if the report reveals problems?
All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price. Having a home inspection allows the problem to be addressed before the sale closes.
What does a home inspection include?
A home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Many inspectors will also offer additional services not included in a typical home inspection, such as radon and water testing.
What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?
- A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air conditioners and Heat Systems can and will break down. A home inspection tells you the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. For protection from future failure you may want to consider a home warranty.
- A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home. A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance.
- A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks "Safety" not "Code" when performing a home inspection.
When And How Do I Schedule A Home Inspection?
You generally have between seven and ten days after you sign the contract to get a home inspection. We would advise you to call us as soon as you sign a contract on the prospective home. This will ensure that you can get the inspection done at a time that's most convenient for you.
When you're ready to schedule your inspection just, give us a call. We can schedule your inspection anytime and it's no problem if you call on the weekend. If we are not in the office, just leave a message on our office phone and we will get back with you, generally the same day you called. You are also welcome to call Ray directly on his cell phone at (804) 615-7731.
How Much Does An Inspection Cost?
The price of the inspection varies based on the square footage, age and location of the property. Larger and older homes take longer to inspect, hence the fees for these homes are greater than those for a smaller home. However, don't let the price of the inspection determine whether or not you get a home inspection or the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional affiliations should be the most important consideration.
How Do I Pay The Inspector?
At the conclusion of the inspection payment is due. We accept personal checks (made out to Capitol Home Inspections), cash, money order and all major credit cards. In order to pay by credit card, you can pay through our website by clicking on the "Pay For My Inspection Now" link on our home page. If you are unable to attend the inspection, feel free to pay in advance online.
How long will the Inspection take?
Most Inspections take about two to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.
Why use our Services?
The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, "Will This Home Stand The Test of Time?" It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money.
A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.
Why can't I have someone in my family who is very handy or a contractor, inspect my new home?
This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector's instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.
Call Us Today: 804-639-1171
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