FAQs
Frequently Asked Home Inspection Questions
1. 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.
2. Why should I have my house or my future house inspected?
Because buying your home is possibly the biggest investment you will ever make. A small investment now in purchasing a home inspection may save you thousands of dollars in the future.
No Home is perfect, and even new homes are not immune to issues. They can have problems with the roofing system, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, or the electrical system, just to name a few things. And much older homes can have additional issues. You want to make sure you are making a sound investment.
If you are selling a home, having a home inspection done and replacing/repairing the defects before the house goes on the market is a good selling point, shows concern, and will help the buyer trust the home’s condition — making it more marketable.
3. What if the report reveals problems?
All homes, even new homes, have issues. Problems can be fixed, and a home inspection simply allows that problems can be addressed before the house closes.
4. What does a home inspection include?
Home inspections should include the systems and structure of a home. Items that we normally inspect:
| Chimneys | Attic Insulation |
| Attic Ventilation | Roof Leak |
| Condensation | Main Electrical Panel |
| Corrosion on Wiring | Electrical Outlet Performance |
| Electrical Outlet Wiring | Heating Unit |
| Heat Distribution | Plumbing Fixtures |
| Plumbing Supply Pipe | Water Pressure Tank |
| Water Pump | Hot Water Heater |
| Main Sanitary Drain | Separate Drains |
| Windows | Doors |
| Overgrown Trees | Flashing |
| Exterior Siding | Exterior Trim |
| Storm Windows & Doors | Driveway |
| Foundation | Visible Wall Rot |
| Floor Sag | Visible Floor Rot |
| Basement/crawl space | Visible Sill Rot |
| Bathroom ventilation | Kitchen ventilation |
| Main Electrical System | TV Antenna Ground |
| Bedroom Egress Window Size | Porches, decks, and steps |
| Walls,ceilings,floors | Stairs |
| Smoke Detectors | Fireplaces |
| Small Animal Entry | Insect Infestation |
| Gutters and Downspouts | Exterior Drainage |
| Grade Clearance | Roof Eaves |
| Roof Surface | Roof Structure |
| Garage |
5. Should I be present at the home inspection?
We would like for you to be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found.
But be sure to give the home inspector time and space to concentrate and focus so he can do the best job possible for you.
You can also point out items/areas that are of special concern to you.
We have an inspection procedure that enables us to find, see, and record all of the information we need in just a few hours.
6. What if the home “fails” the home inspection?
There is no such thing as a failing grade for a home inspection. The inspection is simply to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe — and then they are noted in the report.
7. How do I get the actual home inspection report?
We use the HomeGauge computerized home inspection reporting system which allows us to include digital pictures. The home inspection reports are available to our Customers and their agents on the Internet as soon as the reports are completed.
Reports can be viewed as often as needed and printed as many times as necessary.
To view and print these reports on the internet all that is needed is your web browser. There is no plug-in required or any other kind of reader needed. You will be emailed a link to your report with a user name and password to view it.
This email only contains a link to the report and does not have any attachments. This means you do not need to download large email attachments and you do not need to worry about email viruses.
8. Do you provide cost estimates for repairs?
No, we do not. After you have looked over the report, you should contact at least two or three qualified licensed contractors and get estimates.
9. What if I have questions or concerns after reading the inspection report?
If you need to discuss the report please call us at 845-596-4212, and I’ll be happy to talk with you. We don’t charge for phone consultations after the report has been posted online. You can also contact us by email.
10. What do you charge for your home inspection services?
Please call 845-596-4212 for our full pricing information and scheduling.
