Common questions about home inspections, answered by A-Pro®

Remember, investing in a home inspection now can save you substantial money and headaches. It’s a wise decision for any homebuyer.

Duration of a Home Inspection:

• The duration of a home inspection depends on the size of the home and the extent of problems found.
• Typically, a home inspection takes three to four hours.
• It’s advisable to schedule an appointment with an inspector soon after signing to receive the report before the termination option period expires.
• Attending the inspection allows you to observe, ask questions, and provide information to the inspector.
• Within a day or two, you’ll receive a written inspection report detailing the condition of the home’s structures and systems, often with accompanying photos.

What Does a Home Inspection Include?

• A thorough visual examination of critical structures and systems.
• Review major systems (heating, central air, plumbing) and structural components.
• Inspection of appliances included in the home sale and identification of general safety hazards.

Major Areas Inspected:

• Checking for Water Damage:
  • Signs of water inside the structure are a significant concern.
  • Inspectors assess whether there are signs of previous leaks.
• Roof Condition:
  • Inspectors evaluate the roof’s condition and check for leaks.
  • They report on the roof’s status without performing repairs.
• Electrical Systems:
  • Inspectors check accessible ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to ensure proper operation.
  • Addressing electrical issues promptly is crucial to prevent safety hazards.

Additional Areas Covered in a Complete Home Inspection Report:

• Heating and air conditioning systems
• Plumbing
• Attic
• Visible insulation
• Walls, ceilings, and floors
• Windows and doors
• Foundation
• Basement and structural components

Special Inspections:

• Specialists may be recommended if alarming findings require expertise beyond the home inspector’s scope.
• Special inspections (e.g., septic systems, radon, termite WDO, asbestos) come at an additional cost.
• Structural Engineers or specialists may assess foundation issues and provide repair recommendations.

New-Construction Homes:

• New-construction homes also require special Phase Inspections.
• There are three stages: pre-pour inspection, framing inspection, and final inspection. Each stage checks different aspects of the structure, such as foundation, framing, and systems.
• The process is 1 to 6 hours per phase.
• Inspectors review everything from the foundation to major systems.

According to Angi, The average home inspection cost is approximately $350.

Choosing the right home inspector is essential for a thorough assessment. 😊