Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I choose a Home Inspector?
A: 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 or credentials should a home inspector offer?
A: The very best qualifications and credentials consist of a combination of a State Building Commission Exam, a State License, and association with groups such as HIF (Housing Inspection Foundation), NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors) or NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors) . Others to look for are NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) for electrical education and ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors).
Education is an ongoing process and association with groups such as NACHI and The Home Inspection Institute ensures that the inspector continues to take classes and is always on the cutting edge of his business. A good inspector will take 20 credits of continuing education each year to ensure that he is always up to date.
Q: What will the inspection cover?
A: A thorough inspection covers everything from the roof to the foundation. Please see our Standards of Practice page for complete details.
Q: How long will the Inspection take?
A: Times vary on home inspections depending on several conditions. The size, age & accessibility to all components of the home determine the time it takes to do a complete inspection. Another factor is whether the home is vacant during the inspection.
Q: Should I be present during the Inspection?
A: We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.
Q: Why use our Services?
A: The purchase of a 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 additional costs 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.
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 doing inspections to develop. Many contractors and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.
Q: What if I have questions after the inspection?
A: You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.
Q: What is the big deal with aluminum wiring?
A: Due to implications in numerous house fires, the once common practice of using aluminum wiring during the late 1960's and early 1970's is no longer permitted in new installations in most jurisdictions. If your house has aluminum wiring you do not necessarily need to panic. Aluminum wiring can be safe as long as it has been installed correctly and is maintained properly. The concern with aluminum wiring is that it is very unforgiving if it has been installed incorrectly. Aluminum wiring expands when it warms up, and contracts when it cools down. Aluminum reacts differently than copper wire after several warm/cooling cycles. After each cycle aluminum tends to lose more of its tightness. This process is often referred to as "cold creep". Combined with aluminum's tendency to oxidize when in contact with certain metals, these factors can lead to dangerous problems. When aluminum oxidizes it heats up more to conduct the same amount of electricity, which then causes more oxidation. Due to this cycle, eventually the wires may start to get very hot, melt the fixture that it attached to, and even possibly cause a fire.
If you are considering purchasing a home with aluminum wiring, or have discovered it later, it is suggested that you hire a licensed electrician to check over the wiring for any potential problems.Q: What items are included in the inspection?
Attic
Insulation
Ventilation
Roof & Flashings
Gutters
Basement
Crawlspace
Foundation
Grading
Retaining Walls
Siding & Trim
Driveways & Walks
Ceilings
Floors
Walls
Doors & Windows
Chimney
Fireplace
Major Appliances
Electrical System
Water Heater
Plumbing System
Air Conditioning (if temp is above 60 degrees for previous 24 hours)
Heating