What exactly is a home inspection?

It’s a visual examination of the home’s structure and systems, ranging from the roof to the foundation. A home inspection will give valuable insight into the home’s condition, helping to know what to repair and what to upgrade. Home inspections are especially valuable in the real estate process for those getting ready to buy or sell a home.

What happens during a home inspection?

I will visually inspect all accessible areas including the home’s roof, exterior, interior, heating and cooling systems, attic, kitchens, bathrooms, structure, water heaters, fireplaces, basements, plumbing systems and electrical systems. My focus is to ensure proper installation, functionality, safety and if any repairs or replacements need to be made.

How long does an inspection usually take?

This depends on many different factors, for example, the size, age and condition of a home. Generally, a home inspection for an average sized, 3-bedroom, and 2-bath house will take between two and three hours. In addition, I spend an additional two to four hours preparing and finalizing the report in my office.

When can I expect the final report on my home?

At Citywide, I prepare a computerized report complete with pictures and detailed information to assist you in your buying decision. The report is not generated on-site as I feel this could detract from the inspection. The complete report is uploaded to a website for easy access or emailed to you the same day.

In finalizing the report in my office, I am able to devote my full attention on the inspection and to you in the field. In addition, I feel it is important to reflect upon the inspection prior to finalizing the report itself. I have a vast library of reference materials and access to various professional organizations to refer to as needed. This means you will never get a rushed report. I strongly feel that a rushed report is only asking for mistakes, inaccuracies and poor quality. If you do not have Internet access, I will print out and send the report to you via next day shipping.

Why do I need a home inspection?

Buying a home could be the largest single investment one will ever make. A professional, thorough home inspection can help homeowners and potential home buyers avoid costly surprises and unexpected difficulties.

When considering a home purchase, it’s important to know the condition of a house before you buy it. As your professional home inspector, I can identify the need for repairs or replacements, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Can I perform the home inspection myself?

As a trained, experienced and qualified professional home inspector, I am familiar with the elements of: home construction, building materials, proper installation, construction history, safety and maintenance. I am well-versed in how the home’s many systems are intended to function together, and what steps to take if there is a system failure.

In addition, it is very difficult for even the most experienced home buyer or owner to remain completely objective in regards to their home. I offer you impartiality and a valuable third-party opinion to help objectively identify problems, needed repairs and to evaluate the overall home condition.

Can a house fail a home inspection?

A home inspection is not a pass/fail exam. It is different even from a home appraisal, as a home inspection does not assess the dollar value of a home. A home inspection is designed to assess the home’s complete condition as well as the need for repairs or replacements. Therefore, I will not assess your home in terms of pass or fail, but rather describe its condition and suggest maintenance or, if necessary, repairs.

When should I call a home inspector?

In most real estate cases, a home inspector is called after the purchase agreement has been signed. It is important for potential home buyers to ensure that there is an inspection clause in the contract that makes the final purchase contingent upon the results of the professional home inspection.

Should I be there during the inspection?

It’s not required, but it is recommended. Throughout the inspection, you will be able to ask questions and you will learn about the condition of your home and the best ways to maintain it. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of a professional.

What if the inspection identifies problems with my home?

No house is without at least some flaws. When I identify problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house. It just allows you to know in advance what to expect. If you are on a tight budget, or you do not want to incur immediate repair work, this information will be important to you. Often the buyers and sellers will work together to negotiate repairs or to adjust the asking price.

The inspector determined that the home was in good condition. Did I really need an inspection?

Just as you regularly service your car, go to the doctor and have dental checkups, a house is in need of regular maintenance. If your home is revealed to be in good condition, this will give you peace of mind. If you are considering purchasing a home, you can now do so with confidence. If you are the current homeowner, you now know that your home is well-maintained and no costly problems are lurking around the corner.

Does the inspector participate in continuing education?

Yes. One can never know it all. I am committed to the art and science of home inspections and to continuing education in the field of home inspections. I maintain membership with the American Society of Home Inspectors and regularly exceed their required minimum of 20 hours of continued education per year.

What association does the inspector belong to?

I am a full member of the American Society of Home Inspectors and have achieved the status as a "Certified ASHI Inspector". ASHI is nationally recognized as the premier professional organization for home inspectors. I strictly adhere to the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. You can click on the ASHI logo at the bottom of the page to verify my membership with ASHI.

During the home inspection, several areas were found to need maintenance. Do you offer a repair service?

No. This is a conflict of interest that could compromise the impartial, unbiased inspection. In addition, the American Society of Home Inspectors’ code of ethics expressly prohibits its members from soliciting repair work on properties inspected.

Does a home inspector carry insurance?

Yes, at Citywide I carry general liability, errors and omissions and agent/broker referral indemnity insurance.