Questions you should ask when choosing a home inspector...
Choosing an inspection company is an important decision for every home buyer. A thorough, pre-purchase inspection of a house can be your best defense against unwanted surprises after
you move into your new home.
On this page, I will try to give you some insight into what questions you should ask when selecting a home inspection service, including my answers to these very important questions.
Even if you do not choose Scout Inspections,
I would like to help you make an educated decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need a home inspection?
A: The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, "Will This Home Stand The Test of Time?" It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money. A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas. Frequently, the inspection will reveal conditions that may warrant further negotiations in the real estate transaction.
Q: Can a house fail the inspection?
A: No. A professional home inspector does not pass or fail a home.
A professional home inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of the current condition of the home. The home inspector will report on the condition of the home and indicate what may be in need of repair or replacement.
Q: When can I expect to receive the report?
A: The report of the inspection will be emailed to you in PDF format within 48 hours of the inspection. This report will include photos detailing areas needing to be addressed.
For an additional fee, this inspection report can also be sent to you in a personalized binder. This binder is a great addition to a
Pre-Listing Inspection to present to a potential buyer.
Q: When and how should I schedule the inspection?
A: You typically have up to ten days after you sign the contract to get a home inspection completed. I advise you to call as soon as you sign a contract on the prospective home, or email me with your contact information at scoutinspections@cableone.net . This will help
ensure that we can schedule the inspection for a time that's most convenient for you.
Q: How much does an inspection cost?
A: The fee for a home inspection is dependent on a number of factors. Larger homes take longer to inspect, therefore the fees are greater than those for smaller homes. However, don't let the price of the inspection determine whether or not you get a home inspection or 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. I know this from first hand experience. Please contact me and I will gladly quote a price for your inspection.
Q: What forms of payment are accepted?
A: Payment is due at or before the time of the inspection. Personal checks, money orders, cashier's check, cash, Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and Venmo are all accepted forms of payment.
Q: How long will the inspection take?
A: The actual inspection time will vary depending on the size, age and condition of the home. Generating the report also takes two to four hours.
Q: Why can't I have someone in my family who is very handy or a contractor, inspect my new home?
A: This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector's instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience to develop. Many contractors and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.
Q: Should I be present during the inspection?
A: You are more than welcome to be present at the time of inspection, however, it is not required. My preference is to concentrate on performing a thorough inspection. If you are able to be present, at the conclusion of the inspection, we will discuss any concerns and answer questions you may have.
Q: What if I have questions after the inspection?
A: Please call me to discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever it is most convenient for you. My service is a long-term investment.