Certified Home Inspections by a Home Builder

A FAQ about Home Inspections

What is a Home Inspection?
What items are inspected during a home inspection?
Why do people need home inspections?
Why can't I do my own Home Inspection?
Can a house fail an Inspection?
How do I find a Home Inspector?
Do I have to attend the Inspection?
If the house is in good condition, did I really need an inspection?

An objective visual examination of a home's physical structure and major systems by a trained professional. A written report is produced that details existing and or potential problems so that a homebuyer understands the physical conditions of a home before purchase.

What items are inspected during a home inspection?

A brief overview would be the foundation, grading, siding, soffits, fascia, windows, roofing, flashings and chimneys, the attic cavity, the basement and bearing conditions, the heating, and cooling systems, the water heater, the electrical components, plumbing systems, ventilation, visible insulation, visible structural framing, interior components such as kitchens, laundries, baths, garages, etc.

Why do people need home inspections?

Most people do not have the knowledge or understanding of a home's many structural components to know accurately what conditions their potential new home may contain. The home inspection alerts the buyer to existing and potential problems, explains areas where maintenance may prevent future problems, and also alerts the buyer to possible safety upgrades.

Why can't I do my own Home Inspection?

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and experience of a trained Home Inspection professional. Rather than a checklist of cosmetic blemishes the true professional is familiar with the many elements of home construction, and their proper maintenance and installation. The inspector understands how the homes systems and components work in conjunction with one another and is uniquely qualified to interpret their findings in such a way as to reveal the true conditions of a property.

Many buyers become too emotional about a home they really want which may affect their objectivity.

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Can a house fail an Inspection?

No, unlike a municipal code inspection, which determines whether new construction meets local code requirements, a home inspection deals with homes of all ages, which were all subject to different codes. A home inspection does not require older homes to upgrade to today's current codes, however the home inspection does identify problems and or items that in the opinion of the inspector should be considered for upgrade due to safety concerns, or age of equipment, obsolescence, efficiency, etc. Whether or not the upgrades are completed is determined by agreement between buyer and seller.

How do I find a Home Inspector?

To be completely honest, common sense would suggest using a Home Inspector that has a background in construction and Home Building. You really don't want someone who was a "Frito Lay Salesman" one week doing your home inspection the next. Secondly make sure that you choose an "ASHI"member as your inspector. ASHI or the American Society of Home Inspectors is the largest and oldest non-profit home inspection organization in the United States. ASHI's standards of practice are used by professional governing bodies as the standard in the licensing and regulating of the Home Inspection Industry. Members are required to have completed 250 fee paid inspections in compliance with ASHI standards and have passed very rigorous testing to insure quality and professionalism in every member who has earned their endorsement. Regardless of what other Inspection organizations may claim ASHI is the industry standard for excellence and professionalism.

Do I have to attend the Inspection?

No, you don't. However it is highly encouraged due to the fact that you can be present to learn first hand about the conditions in your potential new home, and also gain an understanding of the home's strong suits as well as any potential problems. Being present also helps in the understanding of your Inspection report.

If the house is in good condition, did I really need an inspection?

Yes, now you can complete the home inspection purchase with knowledge and confidence. You will have also learned many things about your new home that will help with future maintenance and safety.

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