Home Inspection FAQ’s

Q: What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective examination of the structure and systems of a home, from roof to foundation. When problems or symptoms of problems are found the inspector may recommend further evaluation or remedies making the home inspection cost well worth it.

Q: How do I choose a Home Inspector?

Call up and ask about their credentials and experience. If for some reason you don’t feel comfortable asking this of the inspector when speaking with them on the phone then how will you feel asking questions at the inspection. You must feel that the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive of your needs.

Q: What qualifications and credentials should a home inspector offer?

When choosing a home inspector, begin with a list of associations members in your state. Then check to see who among these is most experienced and has the most outstanding reputation for thoroughness as an inspector.

Q: How long will the inspection take?

Most home inspections take about two to three hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age, and condition of the home. My home inspections have no time limit. I take whatever time is necessary to give you a thorough, honest inspection report.

Q: May I attend the inspection?

Yes. I encourage you to attend your home inspection so you will get the most benefit. Be suspicious of any inspector who doesn’t want you around during the home inspection.

Q: How soon should I schedule my home inspection appointment?

We require at least 24 hours notice. It is always best to schedule your appointment in advance and not wait until your contingency period is ready to expire. This way you will have more time to review your report and make important decisions.

Q: Who is responsible for preparing the property for the home inspection?

It’s the Seller’s responsibility to prepare the property for the home inspection.

  1. Have all utilities turned on (water, electric and gas).
  2. Have all gas appliances ready to run with pilot lights turned on.
  3. Clear access to areas like attics, crawl spaces, electric panels and furnaces.
  4. Unlock storage closets, fence gates, electric panels and crawl and attic hatches.
  5. Remove pets from property, or secure them so they are not free to roam.
Q: Do you provide onsite reports?

No. The time it takes to compile my findings into your home inspection report, including any digital photo editing often takes 2 hours or more. I fully understand that you need the report in a timely manner. Your report will be delivered within 48 hrs (max) or sooner of the inspection.

Q: Is the home inspection report a guarantee or warranty that nothing will go wrong?

No. Your home inspection report is not a guarantee that things won’t break down or otherwise become problematic during escrow or any other time after the inspection took place. In fact your home inspection report is not insurance of any kind whatsoever because I am not licensed in the State of Illinois as an insurance provider. Only an insurance company licensed under the laws of the State of Illinois can provide you with insurance. Providing insurance without the appropriate license could result in severe civil or criminal penalties.

Your report is simply a documentation of the conditions of the property “at the time of the inspection”. It is a snapshot in time, and any implication that the report is or might be insurance on your property and its systems and components is expressly denied by me. Therefore, I shall not pay for repairs or replacement of items or components just because they broke down or are causing problems after the inspection.

Q: What if the home inspection revels problems?

I may find things that weren’t expected. That’s what you want, right? No house is perfect, not even new construction. The home inspection report is not a seller’s “Must-Fix list”; it’s just an impartial reporting of the condition giving you clear direction for what should be done about each problem. Every situation is different – it’s up to you and your real estate agent to decide how to proceed after the inspection.

Q: Will you perform or manage any repair work?

No. That would be a direct conflict of interest.

Q: Do new homes need to be inspected?

Yes! Just because they are newly built or newly remodeled doesn’t mean they are free of mistakes. Most areas have local or state building officials that inspect new construction for building code violations, however they rarely have enough time to inspect everything. Besides, there can be problems or defects that aren’t necessarily code violations.

Some builders select contractors to complete various aspects of the construction. With all the activities going on at once, it’s nearly impossible for a contractor or supervisor to oversee everyone and their work.

If your new home is under a builder’s warranty, I can inspect your home before the warranty expires. I usually perform warranty inspections approximately one month before the expiration date.

Q: Why can’t I have someone in my family who is handy or a contractor, inspect my new home?

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 doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trade professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.

Q: What if I have questions after the inspection?

You may call me and discuss the aspects of your home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.