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FAQ
Why do I need a home inspection?
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If you are purchasing a home, you want to protect
the largest single investment you may
ever make. A home inspection will help you learn about
the condition of the property and the need for any major
repairs before you buy. |
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If you are planning to sell your home, a home
inspection will give you a full understanding of the
condition of the home. This will also alert you to any
repairs you may wish to make to get the house in better
selling condition. |
What is a Home Inspector?
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Home Inspectors come from a very wide
variety of backgrounds and experience levels. They have
a very broad understanding of the systems comprising the
home and are trained to recognize and evaluate the
severity of problems with any of those systems. |
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When selecting your inspector, look carefully at
their background, formal training, continuing education,
membership in professional associations such as the
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
(NACHI). |
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The home inspection should be viewed as an
opportunity for the prospective homeowner to walk
through the home with a professional who will educate
while inspecting. |
What repairs will the inspector make?
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None! Home Inspectors do not represent
themselves as experts in any specific field though their
background may include licensure or certification as a
contractor. The Home Inspector is a neutral party whose
task it is to identify items in need of repair or
replacement and safety concerns. These items will come
with a recommendation to seek the assistance of a
qualified professional in the area of concern. |
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The
Code of Ethics
of the major Home Inspector associations do not allow
inspectors to offer their services to repair any of the
defects they may find. |
Who should attend the inspection?
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The prospective homebuyer(s) and their Real
Estate Professional may be present for the inspection.
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The seller and their Realtor are also welcome to
participate in the inspection. The inspection should be
viewed as an opportunity to learn about the home in
detail from the Home Inspector. |
Is
there a contract documenting what will be inspected?
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Yes - Before the inspection begins, you will be
asked to sign an Inspection Agreement which will clearly
document what will and will not be inspected as well as
the legal obligations and limitations of both parties to
the inspection. We will make every effort to ensure you
have the Agreement prior to meeting for the inspection
(e-mail or fax) and encourage you to review it with your
Realtor. Your Inspector will be happy to answer any
questions you might have about the contract and its
provisions. |
How much will the Home Inspection cost?
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The cost of the Home Inspection will depend on
the property itself. When we quote a price for the
inspection, we will take into account the size and age
of the home (older homes require additional inspection
time), the type of foundation (accessible
crawlspaces will be entered and take additional time),
any outbuildings you desire to be inspected. |
How long will the inspection take?
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A home inspection will take from 1 to 3 ½ hours,
sometimes longer depending on several variables such as
house size. |
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©2005
Above and Beyond Home Inspections.
