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Your home inspection is a thorough, in depth visual examination the structure and components of the home performed by a trained and licensed professional. A typical inspection will last 2 to 3 hours, and you're encouraged to follow the inspector for a step-by-step analysis of your home. When the inspection is completed, you will receive a comprehensive written report that will be explained in detail.

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 all the problems possible 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 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 may present.

Do I need to use my Realtor's Inspector?

You can choose any licensed Home Inspector that you feel confident will complete a thorough Inspection for you. Many home buyers mistakenly think that because their real estate agent organizes the termite inspection, the appraiser or the surveyor, that they automatically organize the Home Inspection as well. The Home Inspector works for you and because of this your input and decision on what Home Inspector to use is ultimately up to you. Most real estate agents will be happy that you have organized the Home Inspector without them having to get heavily involved.

What if the report reveals problems?

No home is perfect, even when dealing with new construction. However, every problem has a solution. Solutions can 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. Your home inspection will not only potentially discover things that might need to be addressed, but often educates the client about the positive characteristics of the home as well.

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. For more information please visit our "What is Included?" page.

What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?



Should I attend the home inspection?

It is often helpful 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.

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty does protect you against components that fail in the future. You may have to pay a deductible (service call fee) when you have a problem. If you choose to have a warranty, be sure and qualify coverage of your problem over the phone with the warranty company before they send a repairman. If you do not you may find out that your problem is not covered and you still must pay the deductible or trip service fee. If you have a home inspection and you know your furnace is old or another major component, you may be better off to buy a warranty before you purchase. We recommend you look closely at what is NOT covered in warranty company policies as you compare price.