Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the home’s physical structure and mechanical systems.
What does the home inspection include?
A home inspection includes all of the below areas of the home that are present, visible, and accessible at the time of the inspection.
Structural Systems including Foundations, Grading and Drainage, Roof Covering Materials, Roof Structures and Attics, Walls (Interior and Exterior), Ceilings and Floors, Doors (Interior and Exterior), Windows, Stairways (Interior and Exterior), Fireplaces and Chimneys, Porches, Balconies, Decks and Carports.
Electrical Systems including Service Entrance and Panels, Branch Circuits, Connected Devices, and Fixtures.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems including Heating Equipment, Cooling Equipment, Duct Systems, Chases, and Vents.
Plumbing Systems including Plumbing Supply, Distribution Systems and Fixtures, Drains, Wastes and Vents, Water Heating Equipment, and Hydro-Massage Therapy Equipment.
Appliances including Dishwasher, Food Waste Disposer, Range Hood and Exhaust Systems, Ranges, Cooktops, and Ovens, Microwave Ovens, Mechanical Exhaust Vents and Bathroom Heaters, Garage Door Operators, and Dryer Exhaust Systems.
Optional Systems including Landscape Irrigation Systems, Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Equipment, Outbuildings, Private Water Wells, and Private Sewage Disposal Systems.
What is the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal?
The appraisal is an estimate of the market value of the home based on current market conditions. It takes into consideration items such as location of the home, size of the lot, size and condition of the home itself, and recent sales prices of comparable homes in the immediate area, among other factors. While the appraisal benefits the homebuyer, it’s primary purpose is to protect the mortgage lender from loaning a homebuyer more than the home is worth. In most cases, the mortgage lender will select the appraiser to perform the assessment.
The home inspection evaluates the physical condition of the home and its major components. The home inspection will make the homebuyer aware of any structural defects or other problems that may be invisible to the untrained eye. The home inspection is protection for the buyer and in most cases is not a requirement by the mortgage lender. The home inspection company is selected and scheduled by the homebuyer.
Do I need to attend the home inspection?
Although it is not required that you attend, I encourage you to turn the inspection into an education. Please join me so I can review my findings in person and answer all of your questions. If you are unable to attend, I will be available to answer your questions by phone and email.
Do I need a home inspection for new construction?
Absolutely. Phased inspections during new construction take place at pivotal points during the construction process to ensure the construction meets engineering drawings, code standards, and follows manufacturer’s and materials recommended installation standards. Phased inspections typically follow the below process.
Foundation Pre-Pour: Verify foundation, forms, cables, and steel reinforcement are installed per engineering drawings.
Frame: Inspect all accessible framed areas of the home including structural building components, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in in accordance with the minimum standards of the 2012 International Residential Code (“IRC”) and according to documents and plans provided onsite at the time of inspection.
Insulation Pre-cover: Inspect insulation and building envelope prior to installation of sheetrock. Inspect brick ties, if applicable and completed.
Final: Full inspection of the home according to residential building code standards. An opinion as to the quality and workmanship will be provided if any system or component is observed to be less than acceptable.
A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the home’s physical structure and mechanical systems.
What does the home inspection include?
A home inspection includes all of the below areas of the home that are present, visible, and accessible at the time of the inspection.
Structural Systems including Foundations, Grading and Drainage, Roof Covering Materials, Roof Structures and Attics, Walls (Interior and Exterior), Ceilings and Floors, Doors (Interior and Exterior), Windows, Stairways (Interior and Exterior), Fireplaces and Chimneys, Porches, Balconies, Decks and Carports.
Electrical Systems including Service Entrance and Panels, Branch Circuits, Connected Devices, and Fixtures.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems including Heating Equipment, Cooling Equipment, Duct Systems, Chases, and Vents.
Plumbing Systems including Plumbing Supply, Distribution Systems and Fixtures, Drains, Wastes and Vents, Water Heating Equipment, and Hydro-Massage Therapy Equipment.
Appliances including Dishwasher, Food Waste Disposer, Range Hood and Exhaust Systems, Ranges, Cooktops, and Ovens, Microwave Ovens, Mechanical Exhaust Vents and Bathroom Heaters, Garage Door Operators, and Dryer Exhaust Systems.
Optional Systems including Landscape Irrigation Systems, Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Equipment, Outbuildings, Private Water Wells, and Private Sewage Disposal Systems.
What is the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal?
The appraisal is an estimate of the market value of the home based on current market conditions. It takes into consideration items such as location of the home, size of the lot, size and condition of the home itself, and recent sales prices of comparable homes in the immediate area, among other factors. While the appraisal benefits the homebuyer, it’s primary purpose is to protect the mortgage lender from loaning a homebuyer more than the home is worth. In most cases, the mortgage lender will select the appraiser to perform the assessment.
The home inspection evaluates the physical condition of the home and its major components. The home inspection will make the homebuyer aware of any structural defects or other problems that may be invisible to the untrained eye. The home inspection is protection for the buyer and in most cases is not a requirement by the mortgage lender. The home inspection company is selected and scheduled by the homebuyer.
Do I need to attend the home inspection?
Although it is not required that you attend, I encourage you to turn the inspection into an education. Please join me so I can review my findings in person and answer all of your questions. If you are unable to attend, I will be available to answer your questions by phone and email.
Do I need a home inspection for new construction?
Absolutely. Phased inspections during new construction take place at pivotal points during the construction process to ensure the construction meets engineering drawings, code standards, and follows manufacturer’s and materials recommended installation standards. Phased inspections typically follow the below process.
Foundation Pre-Pour: Verify foundation, forms, cables, and steel reinforcement are installed per engineering drawings.
Frame: Inspect all accessible framed areas of the home including structural building components, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in in accordance with the minimum standards of the 2012 International Residential Code (“IRC”) and according to documents and plans provided onsite at the time of inspection.
Insulation Pre-cover: Inspect insulation and building envelope prior to installation of sheetrock. Inspect brick ties, if applicable and completed.
Final: Full inspection of the home according to residential building code standards. An opinion as to the quality and workmanship will be provided if any system or component is observed to be less than acceptable.
