FAQ

Will we get an electronic report?

Yes. A comprehensive inspection report will be available immediately after the completion of the inspection.

In the event I have concerns prior to closing, can I contact the inspector?

Yes. Eagle Property Inspections can be reached by phone between 8am and 8pm, 6 days a week (M-Sat)

The city/county inspector is there to insure the house meets code, your inspector works for you. If their provided inspectors caught everything then you wouldn't need to hire a private inspector. Mistakes, poor decisions, and lack of judgement are some reasons why we discover so many pre-drywall flaws.

The city/county inspectors already inspected my new house before the drywall was installed, why should I hire a private inspector?

What is a property inspection?

A property inspection is an unbiased / objective visual analysis of a property's structure and systems. An inspection will determine the areas of a home that are not performing properly, as well as items that are beyond their useful life or are unsafe. Inspections include areas of the home's interior and exterior, from the roof to the foundation and the exterior drainage and retaining walls. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation. A home inspection is a visual inspection to determine problems or conditions that exist at the time of the inspection. A home inspection is not a warranty.

Why do I need a home inspection?

The purchase of a home is one of the largest purchases you will make. It is important that you know as much as possible about this purchase. A home inspector is trained to be able to evaluate the home in detail and give you a report that will allow you to make a good decision about purchasing the home. An inspection report will describe the home in detail and will highlight the areas that are a concern. A home inspection is a good idea even if you are already a homeowner. We all get physical checkups - why not give your home a checkup? Many homeowners are living in homes that have serious problems that if identified early can save considerable repair costs. Water leaks can cause serious and costly problems, but if they are caught early can be repaired at little cost. A home inspection will also give you an outline of the routine maintenance that needs to be done to the home. Home sellers will want an inspection to find problems that a buyer's inspection would have found. The seller can then make the repairs prior to the home going on the market.

What to look for in a home inspector?

Experience:
Find out how much experience a potential inspector has. If an inspector has not been performing inspections very long that does not mean that he or she is not qualified, it just means that you will need to ask more questions.

Home Inspection Training:
Has this inspector gone through any extensive training in home inspections? There are several training companies that provide hands-on training. Also, you may ask what other related experience the inspector has.

Association Membership:
Is the inspector a member of a professional Home Inspection organization? Companies that are affiliated with professional organizations are serious about what they do and they know about all the new developments in their fields. They are continually informed about changes in the building codes and city requirements.

National Home Inspection organizations include:
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)
National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE)
National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI)

There are several other local organizations that provide support for the Home Inspectors in a certain state or region. It is important that the inspectors belong to an association and abide by a set of guidelines that require professionalism in the industry.

Liability Insurance:
Does the inspector carry Professional Liability insurance (Errors and Omissions insurance)? Our insurance includes Agent Indemnity insurance. Make sure to ask for a copy of their liability insurance policy.

What does a typical home inspection include?

The home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, plumbing, electrical system, and central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), as well as the roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement, landscaping, and visible structure.

What will a typical home inspection cost?

Each property inspection company has their own pricing structure. The inspection is based on size and square footage. This does not include any out buildings or structures. Most inspectors will charge extra for services such as radon testing, mold inspections, lead base paint, water, etc. The cost of the inspection should not be the only consideration for hiring an inspector. A good inspection that informs you of all the potential problems of the property is worth the money. A bargain inspector may give you an inferior report. Once you have purchased the property, it may be very costly to repair problems that were omitted from the inspection report.

Additional Services:

Many inspectors will offer you services such as:
*Radon testing: Make sure they are NRPP certified.

*Water Testing: Ask where they take your samples

*Mold Inspection: Air quality or swab

Can I perform the home inspection myself?

Most home buyers will look at a property but don't look or see the possible underlying problems that can exist. The prospective property buyer is not able to look at the home/property with the unbiased critical eye of a professional property inspector. Even a propery buyer with construction experience does not have the knowledge and tools of a professional property inspector. A professional inspector is trained and experienced in finding the clues in a property that indicate problems. These clues are sometimes very subtle and hard to find. Most inspectors use tools that help them determine problems. Most inspectors have performed hundreds of inspections, and they are familiar with problems with certain building materials or building styles.

When purchasing a home, when should I call for a home inspection?

When purchasing a home you will want to have the home inspected within a few days after the purchase agreement is signed. You want to make sure you have a clause in your purchase agreement that allows you to have an inspection and that you have the right to terminate the agreement if you find the home in unsatisfactory condition. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

Should I be there during the home inspection?

We recommend that you are present at the inspection. Most inspectors will allow you to be there and ask questions after the inspection is completed. Most inspectors will point out the areas that are potential problems. This is important because you will be able to see for yourself the extent of problems that are sometimes hard for an inspector to convey in a report. Most inspectors will also show you how the heating system works and show you what things will need to be maintained in order to keep the home in good condition.

What if the inspection report reveals problems?

Almost all homes will show problems. Even newly constructed homes will have problems noted on an inspection report. This is why we recommend an inspection even for new construction. Your inspector will be able to identify major problems that will be costly. Minor problems are to be expected and can be repaired after closing. Major problems may require a negotiation between you and the seller as to how to fix the problems. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If the problems are costly, you will be able to make your decision about purchasing the home with the proper knowledge about the future cost of that home.

*These tips are provided by the Bits and Bytes. We provide this information in an attempt to inform consumers about home inspections. These statements comprise our opinions about home inspections and not the opinions of the partners who host the site.