FAQ’s

A Home inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If you are thinking of buying a home, condo/townhouse, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.

The purchase of a home, condo/townhouse, is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect — both indoors and out — in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.

A complete inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.

The best time to consult the home inspector is right after you’ve made an offer on your new home. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to inspect the property. Ask your professional agent to include this home inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.

No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a municipal code inspection. A home inspector, therefore will not pass or fail a house but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.

If the home inspector finds problems in a house, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of significant problems discovered by the home inspector. If your budget is tight, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you. The choice is yours

Definitely! Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its structure and systems. You may have learned a few things about your prospective property from the inspection report, and will want to keep that information for your future reference. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy and occupy your new home in peace and comfort

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she 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.

Home inspections take between three and four hours for the standard size home. However, for larger homes, older homes or homes with additions, the inspection may take longer.

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