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FAQ
What does a Home Inspection include?
Our professional
home inspections include unbiased evaluations of each major component
of the property. We typically spend 2 ½ to 3 hours performing
a thorough inspection of the Grounds, Foundation, Structural, Attics,
Roof, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating, Air Conditioning, Appliances,
Cabinets, Windows and Doors. At the conclusion of our inspection
we provide the client with a computer generated report (including
digital photos). Upon delivery of the report, we go through the
entire report with the client and carefully explain each item. Our
comprehensive inspection reports are delivered in an easy to read
format that indicates whether each item was functioning according
to the manufacturer's recommendations, or whether it was in need
of repair or replacement. Click here
to view a sample report. If any questions arise after our inspection
is completed, we welcome you to call us for additional consultation
at no charge.
Can a House "FAIL" the inspection?
No. Our professional
home inspection is a visual examination of the current condition
of the property. A home inspection is not an appraisal or a municipal
code inspection. The home inspector cannot pass or fail a house;
he can only describe the condition of the house and indicate which
items are in need of repair or replacement, or which items are operating
according to the manufacturers specifications.
When do I call to schedule the inspection?
Typically the
home inspector is contacted right after the contract is signed.
However, before you sign the purchase contract, be sure it includes
an inspection clause. The inspection clause should specify exactly
what the obligations are for each party regarding the findings of
our professional inspection. Click
here to schedule an inspection.
Can I do the inspection myself?
Sure, take
a day off work, go spend $600-$800 on the tools, plan on spending
up to an hour in the attic during the hot afternoon, then spend
another 11/2 hours outside going over the roof and exterior of the
home. If you're lucky, you won't fall through the roof when you
accidentally step on that rotted decking that hit you in the head
while you were in the attic. Take the air conditioner apart (hopefully
you can put it back together), go back inside to finish up the interior
of the house because it is too hot outside. When you get home that
night try to make sense out of your notes, but that is futile. Suddenly
the phone rings, the seller says when you were walking on the roof
you must have done something because it is leaking now and they
want you to pay for fixing it.
Even the most
experienced home owner does not have the knowledge, expertise and
training of our professional inspectors. Our inspectors have inspected
hundreds of homes and are familiar with construction techniques,
the proper installation and maintenance of each component and how
the individual components function, as well as what makes them fail.
In addition, our inspectors regularly attend continuing educational
seminars to get the latest information on the inspection industry.
Above all, most home buyers find it difficult to remain completely
objective and unemotional about the house they really want. To be
sure you are getting the most accurate information it is best to
obtain an impartial third party report by our experts in the field
of home inspections.
Do I need to attend the inspection?
No, but we do
recommend it. Our goal is to provide our clients with a complete
informative report about the property they are considering purchasing.
It is always better to see first hand the actual findings of our
inspections. If for some reason you cannot attend, we can provide
you with the report which includes digital photos via email or fax,
and as always will be available to answer any questions.
Chief
Inspection Services, Inc. welcomes your questions and/or comments
and encourages you to share your inspection experience with us.
If
you do not see your question listed, please fill out our form.
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