Frequently Asked Home Inspector Questions
​

​Why do I need a home inspection? 

​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 and costly surprises after moving in. 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 better understanding of the property you are about to purchase.
If you are a buyer, a home inspection will provide an added level of confidence in your pending purchase.  Your inspector may alert you to potential issues with the house you are purchasing to use in making your decision.   An inspection performed by a qualified inspector may identify defects that are not visible to the untrained eye that could result in significant expenses for repairs after your purchase is completed.  For most people, the purchase of a home is the largest single investment they will ever make. A home inspection will provide an added level of confidence in your pending purchase. 
For a seller, an inspection may identify defects before they become red flags to potential buyers.  The seller’s home inspection will help you to have your home in tip top condition prior to listing.  Even minor defects may turn off potential buyers, and a long list of seemingly minor defects may represent a serious concern to some.  A pre-sale inspection will help you to eliminate those issues and improve your prospects for a smooth sale.  

How can I schedule a home inspection?

​Call or text (612) 325-5131 to schedule an inspection.  We will walk you through some basic questions and get the process started.  

What does a home inspector do?

 A home inspector provides an overall visual examination to evaluate the condition of a home from top to bottom, inside and out.  I complete your inspection following the InterNACHI standard of practice.  I will inspect and evaluate the visible areas of the house, take a peek in the attic, test the mechanical systems and appliances, check out your roof, test a representative number of electrical outlets, and complete a checklist of inspection items.  I will provide a detailed, written, report complete with color photos, after the inspection, usually on the same day.  

What happens if there are problems found during the inspection? 

You have several options if deficiencies are identified during the inspection.  You may ask the seller to repair the issue prior to closing.  You may ask for money back to cover the cost of the repairs, or a discount on the price of the house to make up the difference.  You may decide to do nothing.  You could walk away from the transaction.  It all depends on the severity of the deficiency and your comfort level. 

Will you recheck the house after repairs are made?

I will reinspect a house to check on repairs made based on the original inspection if requested prior to closing.  There will be a small charge for a reinspection to cover my travel to and from the house.  

What about home maintenance inspections?

Regular home maintenance inspections can identify minor and relatively inexpensive problems before they become major, costly problems.  Homeowners can more accurately plan for home maintenance projects and budgets by having regular home maintenance inspections.  Regular inspections can help you to keep your house in tip top condition.  You bring your car to the mechanic, pets to the veterinarian, and yourself to the doctor for checkups – why not give your house a regular checkup from a trained inspector? 

How long does a home inspection take?

​The entire inspection should take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the complexity, age, size and overall condition of the house.  Inspections on some especially large, old, complex or poorly maintained houses may stretch out past that 4-hour mark.  I will walk you through the inspection and you can go through the results with your realtor and decide which items, if any, are a cause of concern or may warrant further evaluation by a professional in a specific field.  I am available to discuss items if any need further clarification.  

Do I need to be there for the inspection?

​You do not, but I strongly encourage the client to be present at the inspection.  It is especially helpful for the client to be there for the last half hour or so, so that I can give you a first-hand look at what I’ve found and answer any particular questions that you might have on the spot, let you look at any potential deficiencies that are identified, and help you to understand how something works and how to maintain it.  

Should new homes be inspected?  

Yes, new homes should always be inspected.  Sometimes builders may cut a few corners to save construction costs, or rush to finish something, or multiple subcontractors may get in the way of others and cause substandard work – these are some of the common defects identified during inspection of a newly constructed house.   It is also a good idea to have an 11th month inspection to have a professional inspect the condition of the house after it has gone through the full range of weather and seasons and in time to have the builder repair any defects before any warranty expiration.

Why can't I do it myself?

You can.  But, a third-party inspector can point out issues that may not be obvious even to an experienced homeowner.  There may be items that a home buyer doesn’t consider, but a trained home inspector follows a standard of practice and knows what to check and what to look for.  Most importantly, many if not most buyers can find it difficult to be completely objective about the house because this is an emotional decision.  This emotion can affect a home buyer’s judgement.  ​