What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and readily accessible systems of a home, from roof to foundation. A home inspection is not intrusive and no part of the home is disassembled or damaged during the inspection. When problems or symptoms of problems are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation or remedies.

What does a home inspection include?
A standard home inspection includes findings from a visual inspection of the condition of a home’s central air conditioning and heating system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; foundation and the visible structures of the home.

Why do I need a home inspection?
A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future. Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before executing a contract for sale or purchase.
Besides the deficiencies, a home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After an inspection, both parties (buyers and sellers) have a much clearer understanding of the value and needs of the property. For homeowners, an inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn about preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, an inspection prior to placing your home on the market provides a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and provides you an opportunity to make repairs that will make your home more desirable to potential buyers.

What will it cost?
Inspection fees for a typical single family home vary by size and features of the property, as well as age of the home. Additionally, services such as termite inspections, mold screenings, septic inspections and radon testing as well as others may be warranted depending upon the individual property. Prices vary. Do not let the cost deter you from having a home inspection or selecting an inspector you are comfortable with – knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the time and expense. The lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration in your selection.

How long will a home inspection take?
A typical home inspection takes on average two to three hours.

Do I have to be there?
While it is not necessary for you to be present, it is always recommended that you make time to join the inspector for their visit. This allows you to observe the inspector, ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain them. After you have seen the property with the inspector, you will find the written report easier to understand.

Can’t I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. A professional home inspector has the experience, depth of knowledge and training to make an unbiased and informed report of the condition of a property. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance. An inspector understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail and knows what to look for and is uniquely suited to interpret what their findings reveal about the condition of the property. Most buyers find it difficult to remain objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information about the condition of a home, always obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies compliance to local codes and standards. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes the physical condition of a property and indicates what may need repair or replacement.

How do I find a home inspector?
First, make sure that the home inspector is a member of a professional home inspectors association. An excellent example of a professional association is the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI). ASHI members have the highest professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics in the industry. A list of ASHI members in your area is available upon request from the Association's headquarters. There are other state and national associations that will help you make an educated decision.

What is the American Society of Home Inspectors®?
The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI) is the oldest and most widely recognized non-profit professional association for independent home inspectors. ASHI's "Standards of Practice" serve as the home inspector's performance guideline, and are universally recognized and accepted by professional and government authorities. Copies of the Standards are available free from ASHI. ASHI's professional Code of Ethics prohibits members from engaging in conflict of interest activities, which may compromise their objectivity. This is the assurance to the consumer that the inspector will not, for example, use the inspection to solicit or refer repair work.

What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. When the inspector identifies problems, it does not indicate you should not buy the house. The findings serve to educate you in advance of the purchase about the condition of the property. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are discovered during an inspection. If your budget is tight, or if you do not want to be involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely valuable.

Do you provide a written report for your home inspections?
Computerized written reports customized to the home inspected are provided, if not provided on site, it will be completed and emailed, faxed or mailed to the customer within 24 hours of home inspection. Our 20 to 25 page reports are detailed, included digital photos and exceed the national standards set by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

How long have you been in business?
We have been providing continuous service for 12 years, since 1988.

What is your turnaround time?
All inspections are completed and returned within 10 days, or sooner.

Are “RUSH” services available?
Yes. 72, 48 and 24 hour requests are available.

Can you receive inspection requests through the internet?
Yes. Requests can be e-mailed to us.

Do you have digital photo and scanning capabilities?
Yes, we offer both.