What is a Home Inspection?
Why do I need a Home Inspection?
What does a Home Inspection include?
Should I be there for the Home Inspection?
How long will the Home Inspection take?
Do newly constructed homes need Home Inspections?
Can I just do the Home Inspection myself?
What if the Home Inspection uncovers problems?
Can the inspector fix the problems found during the Home Inspection?

What is a Home Inspection? Back to top

A home inspection is a professional, complete visual examination of the all the systems and physical structural elements of a home. Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that would affect a purchasers buying decision, or provide them with information that they can use to their advantage when negotiating with the sellers.

Why do I need a Home Inspection? Back to top

A home is by far, the largest purchase most people will ever make. Learning as much as possible about the house you are interested in before you make that final financial commitment, only makes sense. You can avoid costly surprise repairs and problems with your new home if you are informed about all these problems prior to making the huge financial commitment. Our thorough, accurate home inspection report will also advise you of what maintenance is required to keep your home in top condition for many years into the future. A home inspection by a certified, professional home inspector will give you a clear picture of the many systems, components, and structural elements that make up the property. If you are selling your home, a listing home inspection will point out any potential problems that might be uncovered later by the buyers home inspector. Discovering them early will give you the opportunity to address them before listing your home, in preparation for a quicker and smoother sale.

What does a Home Inspection include? Back to top

Our standard home inspection report covers all the major systems, components, and structural elements of the house. This includes the condition of the homes heating and air conditioning systems (HVAC), plumbing and electrical systems, structural, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures.

Should I be there for the Home Inspection? Back to top

No, you are not required to be there for the home inspection; however, we highly recommend that you be present. Its a valuable learning experience for most people and will help you get the most benefit from the home inspection. By following your home inspector you can ask questions directly and the home inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. We feel you will be able to better understand the finished home inspection report and get the most benefit from it by having attended the home inspection.

How long will the Home Inspection take?  Back to top

The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 3 to 4 hours is pretty typical. But for larger, older, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer. That is simply due to the attention to detail that our home inspections provide.

Do newly constructed homes need Home Inspections?   Back to top

Absolutely. A professional home inspection of a new home is very important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. Its especially valuable to arrange for a home inspection before the interior walls are finished, if possible. As code certified, residential home inspectors, we may find problem areas where the sub-contractors have taken shortcuts or not done good work.

Can I just do the Home Inspection myself?   Back to top

Chances are that even if you happen to be very familiar with home construction, you still do not have the knowledge, training and experience of a professional Home Inspector. We have inspected thousands of homes. We are not only familiar with all the systems and components of a home, and how they work and need to be maintained, but we also know what to look for to tell us that they are getting ready to fail. But beyond the technical expertise and experience a professional home inspector brings, it is important to remember that the home inspector remains an impartial third party. If you are involved in buying or selling a house, its impossible for you to remain completely unemotional about the house, and this may cloud your good judgment. The professional home inspector will provide an unbiased, objective reporting of the facts.

What if the Home Inspection uncovers problems?   Back to top

Our home inspection report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs and expenses. No house is going to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems discovered during the home inspection might affect your decision to purchase the home. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.

Can the inspector fix the problems found during the Home Inspection?   Back to top

No. The code of ethics of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the home inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party inspection report on the condition of the home.

It is recommended that you choose a home inspector who is a Certified Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), Registered Professional Inspector with the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI), and ICC code certified as a Residential Combination Inspector.