HOME INSPECTION QUESTIONS
At Homeward Bound Home Inspection we want you to be
completely satisfied with the home inspection you receive from us. To help
insure your satisfaction we encourage you to ask our professional home
inspectors any question you may have about your home inspection.
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we have
received about our home inspection services. Just click on the question to
find the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home
Inspections
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure
and systems of a home, from roof to foundation. At Homeward Bound Home Inspection
each home inspection is completed by a trained and experienced home inspection
professional.
Anyone considering the purchase of a home, whether it is a newly constructed
home or one that is 100 years old, can benefit from our objective and
professional inspections. Homeward Bound Home Inspection Inc. records all the
inspection findings in an easy to follow computerized report delivered to our
clients at the close of the inspection. Home inspections help to educate
the buyer/seller of a home's general condition and can improve the whole home
purchasing/selling experience.
Back to top
Why do I need a home inspection?
Whether it is your first home or your fourth, the purchase of a home
continues to be one of the most important decisions you will make in your life.
Having as much information available to you is important in making a successful
and rewarding decision.
The condition of all homes vary from one to the next. Even a newly
constructed home may have areas that a new owner should be made aware of.
A home inspection by a trained professional can help determine the condition of
the home. A home inspection will help identify those areas of a home that
may be in need of repair, or areas that are a safety concern. At
Homeward Bound Home Inspection, we ask that our clients accompany us while
conducting our inspections. This allows our inspectors the chance to point
out both the positive features of the home and well as areas of concern.
Back to top
What does a home inspection include?
A Homeward Bound Home Inspection covers visible components of the home from top
to bottom. We literally inspect everything from the roof to the
foundation of a home. We make a visual inspection of all major home
systems, (i.e. the heating and cooling system, the water system, the plumbing
system, and the electrical system). Our home inspections include visual
examination of the home's foundation, basement, floors, walls and ceilings.
We check windows, doors, attics and roofs. Everything we inspect is
written up in our computerized report which includes comments and photos of any
area of concern. However, we cannot make intrusive inspections on a home.
If an area is not visible due to a permanent structure, we may not be able to
inspect concealed areas. When these situations occur we do make note of
them in our inspection report.
Back to top
What will a home inspection cost?
Inspection fees for a typical single family home vary by geography, size and
features of the property, and age of the home. Additionally, services such as
septic inspections and radon testing may be warranted depending upon the
individual property. Prices vary. It is a good idea to check local prices in
your area as you consider a professional home inspection.
Do not let the cost deter you from having a home inspection or selecting an
inspector you are comfortable with – knowledge gained from an inspection is well
worth the time and expense. The lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a
bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, and
professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration in your
selection.
Back to top
If the house is new, do I need a home inspection?
At Homeward Bound Home Inspection we highly recommend a home inspection before any
home purchase. Even with new construction, the home inspection will
provide you with valuable information that can be beneficial in the care of your
new home. Since we encourage our clients to walk with their inspector
during the home inspection process, our inspectors can point out areas of interest
that otherwise may go un-noticed. And, the detailed inspection report produced
at the end of the inspection can be used for future reference on preventative
maintenance.
Back to top
Can I inspect a house myself?
There are currently no laws that require an unbiased home inspection to be made
at the time of a home's sell/purchase. So, in truth, yes you can inspect a
house yourself.
Is it wise to perform your own inspection? No.
Most persons when buying a home are moved as much by
emotion as they are logic. At Homeward Bound Home Inspection our inspectors
are trained to look at each house as objectively and professionally as possible.
All of our inspectors have years of experience as builders and home inspectors.
We are able to view a house as an impartial third-party, independent of the
normal emotions associated with a home purchase.
Back to top
Can a house fail an inspection?
Homeward Bound Home Inspection will not pass or fail a house it inspects.
During our home inspections we clearly describe the physical condition of a
property, indicating areas that may be a safety concern, major defect, or
those areas requiring special comments. Our comments are included in our
home inspection report which each client receives at the end of an inspection.
Our home inspections are intended to educate a potential home owner of the
current condition of an home so that an informed decision can be made.
Back to top
When do I schedule a home inspection?
If possible, before you sign any contract or purchase agreement. Or, make your
purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home
inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and
seller are obligated. You should contact a home inspector immediately after
a contract or
purchase agreement has been signed.
Homeward Bound Home Inspection make it easy to schedule a home inspection with
our expanded office hours. You may call any time between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven
days a week to schedule a home inspection. And, because Homeward Bound
Home Inspection has a number of experienced inspectors on staff, we can generally
offer you an inspection time that meets your schedule.
Back to top
Do I have to be present at the home inspection?
Homeward Bound Home Inspection encourages our clients to join the inspector while
they are conducting the home inspection. This allows you to learn about the condition of the home,
and to ask questions of the inspector during the inspection. After each of
our inspections, while still on site, we provide the client with a detailed home
inspection report. By accompanying the inspector you will better
understand the comments made throughout the detailed inspection report. We
do understand that there are situations that will prevent a client form being
able to attend the home inspection. In these situations we are able to
email our computerized custom reports directly to the client.
Back to top
What type of home inspection report will I
receive?
Homeward Bound Home Inspection Inc. will provide their clients with a complete comprehensive home inspection report, on site, at the end of the inspection.
Our inspection reports clearly detail areas of concern and are marked as general
comments, special repair comments, safety concerns, or major defects. You can
view a sample report here on our web site.
Back to top
What if the report reveals problems?
Most homes will have some problem areas identified after a home inspection.
You should be concerned if there were no problems found. The purpose of
the home inspection is to help you to identify those areas of concern so that
educated decision can be made towards the purchase of a home. At Homeward
Bound Home Inspection, we do not make a determination as to whether a home should be
purchased or not. We only try to educate our clients on the current condition of
a home, so that they can make an informed decision.
Back to top
|
