FAQ

1.How can I be sure that a home inspector is qualified?

It is important to choose a home inspector who is qualified and holds a license or certification in the field. Many jurisdictions do not regulate home inspections, meaning that anyone could call themselves a home inspector. However, just because someone performs home inspections doesn’t mean that they’re actually qualified to do so. Contact your state by phone or online to find out whether they license home inspectors, and what qualifications they’re required to have.  The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors – InterNACHI®– is the largest and most trusted home inspector association in the world.  Its members undergo rigorous training to become Certified Professional Inspectors (CPIs)®.  They also follow a Standards of Practice and adhere to a Code of Ethics.  Also, the Master Inspector Certification Board grants qualified inspectors the title of Certified Master Inspector® (CMI®), which is the highest professional designation in the inspection industry.  Find out if your inspector is licensed and/or a CPI or CMI® before you hire him or her. This will ensure that you are hiring only an individual who has received the best training to become a home inspector. To find you inspector look on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

2.Why should I get a home inspection?

Buying a home is typically the biggest investment you will ever make, so it’s important to get a home inspection because the inspector should be able to discover and document defects that may or may not be obvious to you as a prospective buyer.  Such defects can range from simple replacements or repairs, to severe damage or safety and health concerns. Additionally, most mortgage companies require a home inspection on a property before approving the home loan.

3.What is the difference between a home inspector and an appraiser?

A property’s value cannot be known without performing an in-depth evaluation by a trained real estate appraiser. In this way, houses are like art and antiques, as their value, too, is unknowable without an appraisal of their flaws and finer points. The monetary amount arrived at by a real estate appraisal can be used for the following purposes:

• to determine real estate tax. Local governments impose taxes on homeowners based on the valuations offered by appraisers;
• to determine whether a home is sufficient collateral for a loan to be issued; and
• to give a seller or real estate agent a better idea of what sale price to list the house.

An appraisal is not performed to assess the safety of a home, however, as this duty is left to inspectors. Assessors might make notations about obvious safety issues that affect the home’s value, such as a crumbling foundation or an unstable deck, but homeowners should rely on InterNACHI inspectors, not appraisers, to help them determine the condition of their homes. Like inspectors, appraisers may be state-licensed, if they have taken certain coursework or received certain certifications, although some states require no certification or licensure — which is one more reason to hire InterNACHI inspectors, who are among the most educated and trained inspectors in the world.

4.How much does a home inspection cost?

There is no set cost for a home inspection. The cost will vary based on the inspector, the local market, the geographic region, the scope of the inspection to be performed, and more. Before the inspection, you should find out what will be included in the inspection and what won’t, and these details should also be outlined in the inspection agreement that you will need to sign prior to the inspection.

5.How long does a home inspection take?

Depending on the home’s age, size, and location, as well as the home inspector’s own work protocols and ethic, your home inspection may take up to three hours. Adding square footage, outbuildings, and/or ancillary services (such as mold or thermal scanning) will increase that time. It may be necessary for your inspector to bring in a helper for a very large property. If your general home inspection takes significantly less than two to three hours, it may indicate that the inspector was not thorough enough.

6.When should I schedule a home inspection during the real estate transaction?

In most cases, the inspection period is anywhere from one to two weeks from the date your sales contract is signed, though it depends on your specific agreement. The contingency period is supposed to give you enough time to: Find a good inspector. Set up your appointment (and, ideally, attend it).

7.Who should be present for the inspection?

A. The home inspector, The buyer and or the buyer’s agent. It’s a good idea for the buyer to attend the home inspection because it’ll be the perfect chance to ask the inspector how the home’s various systems work and hear about maintenance. “I always encourage the buyer at the beginning of the inspection to share anything that they have questions about.

8.What happens if the inspection reveals problems?

If a home inspection reveals such problems, odds are you’re responsible for fixing them. We will give you an estimate on each issue we find. This will give you some tools to renegotiate and educate yourself on your investment.