Frequently Asked Questions CAN A HOME FAIL INSPECTION? No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate in their opinion what may need major repair or replacement. Back to Top CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF? Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He understands how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection. Back to Top COST? IS IT WORTH IT? The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible additional services, such as septic, well or radon testing. It is a good idea to check local prices on your own. However, DO NOT LET COST be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, OR IN THE SELECTION OF YOUR HOME INSPECTOR. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and 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. Back to Top WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE? The standard 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.
Back to Top WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION? The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards. Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the house you are about to purchase.
If you are already a homeowner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer’s inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
Back to Top Back to Top WHEN DO I CALL THE HOME INSPECTOR? A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. Bishop Home Inspections, LLC. is aware of time constraints due to contracts and work schedules. With that in mind we offer evening and weekend inspections. For a pre-listing inspection you should call before you contract with a realtor to sell your house. Back to Top DO I TO ATTEND THE INSPECTION? It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you’ve seen the property first-hand through the inspector’s eyes. Back to Top WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS? No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price or make repairs if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you. Back to Top IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION? Definately. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home. Back to Top HOW LONG DO INSPECTIONS TAKE? A typical 2000 square foot single-family home inspection will usually last about two to two and a half hours. I promise to take the time to do a thorough inspection. Back to Top DO NEW HOMES NEED AN INSPECTION? New homes are not without their problems. A home inspection will inform you of issues that need to be corrected before you purchase your dream home. Back to Top WHAT IS THE COST? The cost of the inspection will vary with the size and structure of the home. An average home inspection fee varies from $250 to $500. Call for a firm quotation prior to the inspection. Payment is due at the time of the inspection.
The inspection fee includes an itemized report and a verbal summary. Digital pictures of pertinent areas will also be provided. If you wish, a copy of the inspection report will be e-mailed to your realtor. Back to Top I CALLED A HOME INSPECTION COMPANY AND GOT AN ANSWERING MACHINE. SHOULD I LEAVE A MESSAGE? Yes! Most inspection companies are owner operated. Some inspection companies advertise that you will talk to a real person. When you call Bishop Home Inspections, LLC. you may get an answering machine. Your call is very important to me. Please leave a message, I return all calls by mid afternoon to early evening. I will show each client the same respect by focusing on the inspection at hand. Please be sure to leave your full name and phone number with area code. Thanks for your patronage. Back to Top WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE REPORT? This depends on the type of report the inspection company is using. Bishop Home Inspections, LLC. provides a computer generated report complete with pictures of defects and/or concerns. This report will be e-mailed to you within 24 hours. A copy will only be sent to your realtor with your approval. In the event e-mail is not available, arrangements for a hard copy of the report will made. Back to Top |
