What to expect for your home inspection

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of all readily accessible systems and components of the property. As a member of both ASHI and InterNACHI with over 25,000 completed inspections, Sean is trained to thoroughly assess every major aspect of the home. A typical inspection covers:

  • Exterior walls, roofs, driveways, patios, porches, decks, and fences
  • Foundation, sub-flooring, attics, and crawl spaces
  • Interior walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows
  • Kitchens, baths, and appliances
  • Plumbing and electrical fixtures, lines, switches, and receptacles
  • Heating and air conditioning systems, insulation, vents, and ductwork
  • Water heaters, fireplaces, and chimneys
  • Gutters and drainage


Every inspection includes a written, photo-documented report delivered the same day. The report will not tell you whether to buy the home or evaluate its purchase price, but if significant issues are found it will give you a clear sense of repair and replacement costs. A reputable home inspector will never offer to perform repairs or refer you to a contractor for work uncovered during the inspection.


Your inspection report can serve several important purposes:

  • Identifying problems before purchase to avoid unpleasant surprises later
  • Providing grounds to exit a contract and recover your deposit if serious issues are found
  • Supporting price negotiations if you choose to proceed despite uncovered problems
  • Requesting that the seller cover needed repairs before or after closing using escrowed funds
  • Giving you confidence to move forward with your purchase
  • Inspections typically take two to three hours, and you are encouraged to be present so you can ask questions and see findings firsthand.

FAQs

Still have questions? Contact A+ Home Inspections today and we will get you the answers you need.

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  • Why do I need an inspection?

    The purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect --- both indoors and out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. I interpret these and other clues, then present a professional opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home or building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase and be able to make your decision confidently.

    As a seller, if you have owned your home or building for some time, an inspection can identify potential problems in the sale of your home or building and can recommend preventive measures which might avoid future expensive repairs.

  • When to request an inspector?

    The best time to consult me is right after you have made an offer on your new home or building. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to allow the inspection to occur. This can be a period of 3 - 10 days. Ask your realtor or agent to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of my professional inspection.

  • What does an inspection include?

    A complete inspection includes a visual inspection of the home or building of readily accessible items from top to bottom. I evaluate and report the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, electrical, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.

  • When will I receive the report?

    Reports are typically shared same day or within 24 hours at the latest.

  • What does the report include?

    Your report will provide a thorough, photo documented evaluation of the home, clearly outlining the condition of every major system and component and flagging any defects, safety concerns, or items in need of attention.

  • What if the report reveals problems?

    If I find a problem in a home or building, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of significant problems I may have discovered. If your budget is tight, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you. The choice is yours.

  • If the report is favorable, did I really need an inspection?

    Definitely! Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You may have learned a few things about your property from the inspection report and will want to keep that information for your future reference. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy your new home or building the way you want.

  • Can a home or building “FAIL” the inspection?

    No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. I, therefore, will not pass or fail a home or building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will need minor or major repairs or replacement.

  • Can I inspect the home or building myself?

    Even the most experienced building or homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector who has inspected hundreds, and perhaps thousands of homes and buildings in their career. An inspector is equally familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the proper installation, maintenance, and inter-relationships of these elements. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the home or building they really want, and this may lead to a poor assessment.

  • What will the inspection cost?

    The inspection fee for a typical single-family house or commercial building varies geographically, as does the cost of housing, similarly, within a geographic area the inspection fees charged by different inspection services may vary depending upon the size of the home or building, particular features of the home or building, age, type of structure, etc. However, the cost should not be a factor in the decision whether to have a physical inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to have the seller perform repairs based on significant problems revealed by A+ Inspection Services. Consult your professional agent for guidance.

  • Should I attend the inspection?

    It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea. By following me through the inspection, observing and asking questions, you will learn about the new home or building and get some tips on general maintenance. Information that will be of great help to you after you’ve moved in.

  • Is there anything I can do better to maintain my home or building?

    Inspection reports often identify the same neglected maintenance items. Performing some basic maintenance can help keep your home or building in better condition, thus reduce the chance of those conditions showing up on the inspection report. To present a better maintained home or building to perspective buyers follow these tips from the American Society of Home Inspectors. Most of these items can be accomplished with little or no cost, while the benefits of selling a well maintained home or building can be worth the effort.

    • Clean both rain gutters and any roof debris and trim back excessive foliage from the exterior siding.
    • Divert all water away from the house (for example, rain-gutter downspouts, sump pump discharge locations, and clean out garage and basement interiors.
    • Clean or replace all furnace filters.
    • Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding (preferable 6-8 inches of clearance).
    • Paint all weathered exterior wood and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows, doors, and all exterior wall penetrations.
    • Make sure all windows and doors are in proper operating condition; replace cracked windowpanes.
    • Replace burned out light bulbs.
    • Make sure all the plumbing fixtures are in spotless condition (toilets, tubs, showers, sinks) and in proper working order (repair leaks).
    • Provide clear access to both attic and foundation crawl spaces, heating/cooling systems, water heater/s, electrical main and distribution panels and remove the car/s from the garage.
    • Finally, if the house is vacant make sure that all utilities are turned on. Should the water, gas or electric be off at the time of inspection, I will not turn them on. Therefore, the inspection process will be incomplete, which may possibly affect the time frame in removing sales contract contingencies.