Frequently Asked Questions
Why
should I choose Essential Inspections? How
long does the inspection last? Should
I attend the inspection? How
much does a home inspection cost? When
should I call to schedule the inspection? What
is included in the inspection? When
will the report be ready? What
if problems are found during the inspection? What
if I have questions after the inspection? What
if problems are found after the inspection?
Why
should I choose Essential Inspections?
Your home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever
make. You want to protect your investment. It is imperative that you have
a thorough understanding of the condition of the property so that you can
make an informed decision. Essential Inspections will provide you with a
comprehensive review of your property and help you understand its long term
needs. Digital photos are included with each report as a permanent record
of issues that are discovered.
We come with over 3 decades of construction knowledge and experience. Each decade of construction has unique concerns. Building materials and techniques have evolved. Maintenance has a significant impact on the current and future condition of any property. Repairs that are performed without correcting the problem will typically need to be done again.
How
long does the inspection last?
A typical inspection lasts from 1 – 1 ½ hours per 1000
square feet. Variables that would cause the inspection to last longer include:
crawl spaces, older properties, out buildings, detached garages and answering
any questions that you may have.
Should
I attend the inspection?
Buyers are always invited and encouraged to attend the
entire inspection. If you are unable to attend the entire inspection, the
final hour is your next best option. Evening and weekend inspections are
available on a limited basis. Reports can also be sent via mail, CD or email.
How
much does a home inspection cost?
Prices will vary due to size, type, age and condition of
the property. Starting prices are:
When
should I call to schedule the inspection?
You should call for your inspection as soon as your offer
is accepted. Typically, you have ten days after that offer acceptance to
conduct an inspection. Conducting an inspection early in the process allows
you time to digest the information and make an informed decision without
the added pressure of meeting a tight timeline.
What
is included in the inspection?
All inspections include a roof to foundation visual review
of components, including: the furnace, air conditioner (when present), electrical
panel, gas meter and visible gas piping, roof and gutter system, exterior
surfaces, attached garage, basement (when present), water and sewer systems
including the water heater and visible piping. Crawl spaces with adequate
clearance will be inspected for an additional fee.
Excluded from the inspection are personal items such as: clothes washer, clothes dryer, refrigerator, freezer, window air conditioners, window evaporative coolers and other personal items.
An exhaustive review means that each system of the property
is evaluated, in detail, by a licensed contractor. In this case the current
condition and future estimated life and expenses will be provided in writing.
For this type of inspection, a minimum of 8-10 hours per thousand square
feet is required. Destructive testing may be required and repairs would
be conducted as necessary. The cost is typically 1% to 1.5% of the listing
price. This is the most comprehensive inspection available, but the expense
and time required can be prohibitive.
When
will the report be ready?
A complete written report is typically available within
24 to 48 hours. The report can be delivered, mailed on paper or CD, or e-mailed.
What
if problems are found during the inspection?
Current conditions that warrant immediate repairs will
be noted in the report and brought to your attention. It is up to you to
decide if you want the seller to have the repairs completed, or if you wish
to undertake the repairs yourself.
What
if I have questions after the inspection?
We are available by phone to answer questions before
and after the inspection.
What
if problems are found after the inspection?
The inspection is a “snap shot” of the property; future
problems will undoubtedly occur. Every effort is made to find all current
and future problems based on the type of inspection you select.
