Here are some typical questions we have heard:
How much does the inspection cost?
The cost is based on a few factors; size of the house, age of the house and if there are any outbuildings to be inspected or other services requested. To give you a rough idea, a 1,500 SF house that is 20 years old will cost about $400.
How long will the inspection take?
A typical inspection takes about three hours, but it could take longer. We don't want to miss anything!
Can I be present during the inspection?
Absolutely! Clients are encouraged to be present during the inspection. That is the best way to get questions answered or to discuss the details of an item that is discovered during the inspection.
When will the written report be available?
The report will be written after the inspection. Additional notes and photos will be added and references included. Generally, the report will be sent out later the same day or the following day.
Will you climb onto the roof for a close inspection?
Yes! We will always try to get onto the roof to get a close look at the flashings, chimneys and vents, but depending on the pitch or the type of roofing, that might not be possible. Also, if the roof is covered with snow or ice, it is too risky to climb on it. In those cases, we will inspect from the top of a ladder at each wall, or using a drone.
Will you be able to tell me how much longer a particular component of the house will last?
No one can predict exactly how long a particular item will last, but there are general rules of thumb that we can use to give you an idea. For instance, a typical hot air furnace will usually last 15 to 25 years. A water heater will usually last only 8 to 15 years.
Can you guarantee that we will not find any problems beyond what is listed in your report?
A Home Inspection, by its very nature, is a “limited visual inspection” at a given point in time. It is also a “non-destructive” inspection. In other words, we cannot see inside walls or detect any lurking problem that may be covered up by finishes in the house. We don’t cut holes in walls to see what is behind them, and we don’t move furniture or stored items that may be in the way. That said, many problems can be detected by looking for likely clues, and that is what we are trained to do. Nevertheless, there may be things that are discovered later on when the house is emptied out.
Do you take credit cards for payment?
Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards online through our scheduling system. We also accept personal checks.
