When Should I get a Home Inspection?
A Home Inspection is recommended just before you buy a home or if you own a home and it has been more than ten years since it was last inspected. A Home Inspection is also recommended if you are selling a home that you have lived in for more than ten years or if you are selling a home that you did not get inspected when you purchased it.
Why Should I Get a Home Inspection?
Buyers need a Home Inspection to get a better understanding of the condition of the home they are about to purchase. Sellers that are unsure about the condition of the property being sold benefit from a Home Inspection so they know whether to ask top dollar for a well maintained home or sell it at a bargain knowing the buyer will have to do many repairs or upgrades.
When Should I Choose a Home Inspector?
If you are considering buying a home you should determine your first and second choice for a home inspector at that time. Do not wait to research which inspector is best for your needs. Be sure to check to see if they are Certified and Licensed to home inspections.
When Should I Schedule My Home Inspection?
Schedule your Home Inspection the same day your contract is accepted. Wait to schedule your Home Inspection and you may get stuck with an inexperienced inspector. Allow yourself 3-5 calendar days to schedule your inspection and review the prepared written report. Tri-State Home Inspections LLC recommends that you interview prospective Home Inspectors before you make your offer to purchase a home. This way you already know your first and second choice for a Home Inspector when your purchase contract gets accepted.
Why Choose an InterNACHI Home Inspector?
In addition to being State Licensed, LeRoy Holm is also Certified by the InterNACHI. InterNACHI is North America’s largest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. An InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector has a duty to check, describe and report on specific aspects and areas of the home. Performing this specific function on a daily basis for thousands of homes makes an InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector the most effective tool you have to educate you about the home you are about to purchase.
Who Will Perform the Home Inspection?
LeRoy Holm, Certified Master Inspector will be the home inspector that will personally perform your Home Inspection.
What if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule?
Tri-State Home Inspections LLC understands there are occasions when an appointment time must be moved or canceled. Because your Home Inspector has committed one half business day to perform and complete your Home Inspection we ask the courtesy of reasonable notice by contacting your inspector at least 24 hours in advance should you need to reschedule or cancel your inspection appointment time.
How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
The inspector will be at the home approximately 2-4 hours gathering information about the home you are purchasing. The completed inspection report will be emailed to you late that evening. When confirming your inspection appointment with your Realtor, please be sure they are aware of the time needed to properly complete the Home Inspection.
Should I Attend the Home Inspection?
You are welcome and incouraged to attend the inspection appointment if you are interested in doing so but it is not mandatory. You may be present for the entire inspection appointment time or any part of the appointment that works for you and your schedule. If you wish to discuss the inspection findings during the appointment time then I am happy to have you walk the readily accessible areas with me during the inspection. If you decide not to arrive at the beginning of the inspection and stay with me during the appointment time, or if you want to come towards the middle or end of the appointment, then I can often use the last 20 minutes of the inspection time to recap a couple of the highlights that will be included in your inspection report. Regardless of your attendance, you will need to read the entire inspection report to better understand the inspected property.
Who Pays for a Home Inspection?
The Client pays for the Home Inspection. This will be the person whose name is on the report.
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
Fees for Home Inspections are based on the size of the home above grade. See the Pricing Page at this website for the fee schedule for most homes.
When do I Pay for My Inspection?
Fees are due on the day the inspection is performed.
What Forms of Payment are Accepted?
Tri-State Home Inspections accepts Cash, Check, Paypal, Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express.
How is My Inspection Report Delivered?
Inspection Reports are delivered by email, a hard copy is available upon request.
When Will I get My Home Inspection Report?
You will receive an email with the Home Inspection Report within 24 hours of the inspection usually the same evening.
Is it Possible to Get a Printed Inspection Report?
Yes
Will the Home Inspector turn on the Utilities for me or help my Realtor do it?
No. Restoring utilities or shut down equipment is not part of a Home Inspection. Property damage often occurs when someone unfamiliar with the home turns on the utilities. The Home Inspector is capable of inspecting the home in whatever condition it is in at the start of the inspection. Additionally, the Home Inspector does not turn on electrical breakers, open water valves that are not part of a faucet or operate gas valves. The Home Inspector operates equipment using the normal controls only and records any equipment that is inoperative during the inspection. While Tri-State Home Inspections LLC prefers the utilities to be on for the Home Inspection, the inspection can certainly be completed if they are off during the inspection. It is important to understand the home inspection is to report the condition found not to repair or correct inoperative systems during the inspection.
Can the Home Inspection be Performed With the Utilities Off?
Absolutely. While Tri-State Home Inspections LLC prefers the utilities to be on for the Home Inspection, it is not necessary to have the utilities on to complete a Home Inspection. LeRoy Holm of Tri-State Home Inspections LLC can complete a Home Inspection regardless of the condition of the home.You will get more information if the utilities are on but it is not absolutely necessary. It is important to understand that the Home Inspector is there to report inoperative conditions, not to correct inoperative conditions.
Do I really need to hire a Professional Home Inspector if my buddy knows about houses?
Any person who engages in the business of performing home inspections and writing home inspection reports is required to be appropriately certified and licensed to do so. Having a friend or relative perform this invaluable service for you may prove disastrous. Misunderstandings often arise due to the lack of a proven written reporting process and methodology. Your bank requires a qualified Appraiser to judge the value of your home. It makes good financial sense that you should also require a qualified Home Inspector to evaluate the condition of the home you are about to purchase. The InterNACHI certified Home Inspector is that qualified individual you need for your inspection needs.
What Happens if an Item is Misreported or Omitted?
As an added assurance, Tri-State Home Inspections LLC also carries Errors and Omissions (E&O) and liability Insurance. This insurance protects our client against any damages from a misreported or omitted item in the inspection report that is addressed in the Standards of Practice. Please understand that the Home Inspection Report is designed to be a General Overview and will not discover every defect in the home. The Home Inspection process does not include inspecting every item in the home. For many areas only a representative sampling of items are checked such as windows, doors, electrical receptacles and lighting to list a few.
Where do I find the Standards of Practice for Home Inspection?
Tri-State Home Inspections Standards of Practice
Do I Need a Mold Inspection?
Do you have a moisture problem and need mold testing or a mold inspection? For most homes mold inspection may not be necessary. If the home is dry then normal mold growth should be well controlled already. For homes that are damp, wet or have had recent moisture issues such as any type of flooding either from heavy rains or broken plumbing pipes then mold inspection or mold testing should be considered.
Do I Need Radon Testing?
Yes, all homes should be tested for elevated Radon levels to determine if correction is needed for the home. Tri-State Home Inspections LLC can also perform radon testing for you using a continuous radon monitor. Inexpensive disposable test kits can be purchased from a variety of outlets such as big box retailers or hardware stores. Closely read and follow the instruction pamphlet so that your results will be accurate. you using a continuous radon monitor. Inexpensive disposable test kits can be purchased from a variety of outlets such as big box retailers or hardware stores. Closely read and follow the instruction pamphlet so that your results will be accurate.
