“JUST THE FAQ’s, MA’AM”
Sgt. Joe Friday
May I attend the inspection?
When should I call to schedule the inspection?
How do I prepare for the inspection?
When will the report be ready?
Do you offer a warranty?
How much does an inspection cost?
Why can't I have someone in my family who is very handy or a contractor inspect my new home?
Are you licensed or certified?
Does a new home need an inspection?
What about a Seller's inspection?
What about......?
Can the house fail your inspection? Back To Top
No, the house can not fail my inspection. We are only concerned with evaluating the ‘parts’ of the house. A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the major systems in the house including structure, roof, exterior, interior, HVAC, plumbing, electrical. I say “visual” because I can’t go digging into the walls and moving things (they break). And, as long as it's safe and accessible I'll walk on roofs, and enter attics. I'll look in every room in the house.
May I attend the inspection? Back To Top
Yes, you should attend the inspection to get the most benefit. Yes, it takes more time that way but idea here is to educate you, not rush through an inspection. Be suspicious of any inspector who doesn't want you along during the inspection.
When should I call to schedule the inspection? Back To Top
Most contracts give you 10-14 days to inspect the house. We suggest that you call us as soon as you sign the contract. That way you can get the inspection done at a time that’s most convenient for you.
How do I prepare for the inspection? Back To Top
Ask the seller to have all utilities (water, electric, gas) turned on. Also, have all pilot lights turned on (heating and cooling systems). Clean out the fireplace if necessary. Remove obstacles(personal storage) to areas like attics, crawl spaces, electric panels and furnaces. Unlock areas such as garages, storage closets, fence gates, electric panels and crawl space hatches. Remove pets from the property, or secure them so they are not free to roam.
When will the report be ready? Back To Top
Normally I will e-mail or fax the report to you that evening. On late-day inspections the report will be sent out within 1 business day. When ordering, please let me know of any deadlines. We try to accommodate your schedule.
Do you offer a warranty? Back To Top
New! Our buyer's limited home warranty begins the day of the home inspection and runs for a minimum of 90 days. Should there be an extended closing period that results in the closing date falling beyond the 90-day period, the limited warranty is then extended to the closing date plus 21 days. See the warranty for more information.
How much does an inspection cost? Back To Top
The price of the inspection varies based on the size and age of the home. Larger homes take longer to inspect, hence the fees for these homes are greater than those for a smaller home. However, don’t let the price of the inspection determine your selection of a home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lower priced inspector is never a bargain. The inspector’s experience is primary. Licensing, training, and professional affiliations should also be considered.
Why can’t I have someone in my family who is very handy or a contractor, inspect my new home? Back To Top
This is the biggest mistake many homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled in their trade, 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 experience and training to develop. Many trade professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.
Are you licensed or certified? Back To Top
I have passed the ‘national exam’ used by some state licensing bureaus and ASHI and am state licensed and ASHI certified. There was no licensing for home inspectors in Connecticut until recently. Many contractors were grandfathered at that time and didn’t have to take the exam.
I’m also a member of Connecticut Association Home Inspectors (CAHI), which is a great local group and very good for training and support.
Does a new home need an inspection? Back To Top
Absolutely! Either while it is being built, or just before the end of the warrantee period. Whether you are building and need a Punchlist Inspection (one that follows new construction), or if you have a newer home that is near the end of its 1 year warrantee, you need to check on the quality of workmanship (and materials) used to build your home. You need to have it inspected. And here is 2 good reasons:
Most builders try to provide a high quality house, but they have to balance quality with staying competitive. For builders, it often comes down to 'survival of the cheapest'. With much of the work being done by sub-contractors.
Municipal inspectors try to do a good job but they're usually over-worked, commonly looking at many houses each day. A thorough home inspection takes hours, not minutes. Municipal inspectors simply don't have the time to find all the construction defects.
What about a Seller's Inspection? Back To Top
In today's economy, buyers have more homes to choose from than ever before. Why should they stop and look at yours? Why should agents take their clients to see your home? What is different about your home? To catch the buyers attention, you need to offer enticements such as an inspection report. Eliminate some natural fears of the buyer right away by letting them know the condition of your home (and recent improvements) and that you are concerned enough to keep it in good condition.
Many buyers surf the web looking for a home to buy. Some of these sites can report that your house has been inspected. This will separate your house from hundreds of others that you may be competing with.
What About.......? Back To Top
If you have a burning question, please call me - (860) 873-9226. I’ll answer all your phone questions like you were my sister. Our goal is to have not just clients, but long-term, satisfied clients.