FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(239) 271-8499
FAQ
Time: A thorough Home Inspection takes time. Our inspections usually take 3-4 hours (...or more) depending on the size, construction and age. High end homes of 4000 square feet and more may take the better part of a day.
Thoroughness: Since we're spending the most time on your inspection, we're going to look at things and go places that other inspectors may not. Assuming that it's safe, we go up onto roofs, go into the attic and into crawl spaces.
Detail: We give you a comprehensive report with detailed descriptions and photos the same day as the inspection. We also include recommendations on what steps are required to resolve a specific issue.
What's Included In The Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the major systems in the house including structure, roof, exterior, heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical and the interior. As long as it's safe and accessible we'll walk on roofs, enter attics and crawl spaces, remove access panels and operate equipment. We'll look at every room in the house using the Standards of Practice of the InterNational Association of Certified Home Inspectors(InterNACHI). We also perform Chinese Drywall Screening which is a detailed non-intrusive visual inspection protocol to identify the presense of copper and metal corrosion in the home which is associated with tainted drywall and conforms to the "Threshold Inspection" of the CPSC "Interim Guidance - Identification of Homes with Corrosion from Problem Drywall as of March 18, 2011".
Also, as a Client of Accurate Home Inspections of America, LLC, you may contact us at any time if you have questions about anything related to the condition of your home, or home of a friend, relative, or business associate.
Does A Brand New House Need An Inspection?
Having inspected numerous new homes, we have found that all new homes have defects of one kind or another, regardless of the quality of construction or the integrity of the builder. This is because human imperfection prevents anything as large and as complex as a home from being constructed flawlessly.
A commonly held fallacy is that all construction defects will be discovered by municipal building inspectors. This is incorrect, not because of professional shortcomings on the part of those inspectors, but the purpose, scope, time allotment and procedures for municipal inspections are not the same as for home inspections.
Municipal inspectors inspect primarily for code compliance, not for quality of workmanship. They can cite a builder for improper structural framing or for noncompliant drain connections, but a poorly fitted door, an uneven tile countertop and slipshod finish work are not included in the list of concerns.
Municipal inspectors rarely inspect an attic or a crawl space. They come to the job site with a clipboard and a codebook, not with a ladder and overalls. Construction defects in such areas can escape discovery. Municipal inspectors typically inspect a roof from the ground or possibly from the builder's ladder. From these perspectives, roof defects are not always apparent. And final inspections are performed before the utilities are turned on, so municipal inspectors cannot determine if or how well the appliances and fixtures truly work. They don't test outlets for ground and polarity because this can be done only after the power supply is turned on. Nor, without power, can they test the performance of GFCI or AFCI safety breakers.
The lack of utilities also prevents the testing of plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, tubs and dishwashers, and of gas fixtures such as furnaces, fireplaces and water heaters. When buying a new construction home, you should not forego the benefits of a thorough home inspection.
Do you perform swimming pool/spa inspections?
Yes. Just as a home inspection informs you about the condition of the home you are interested in purchasing, a pool inspection informs you about the condition of the pool. Most home inspectors do not offer a pool inspection, as this requires specialized skills. Some pool service companies may offer inspections, but as this is not the focus of their business, they are unlikely to have highly trained and experienced staff solely dedicated to this purpose. We are a Florida State Certified Public Pool Service Technician".
How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?
The cost of a home inspection is a small fraction of the cost of the home and is priceless in terms of delivering peace of mind!
A minimum fee will cover smaller homes that are fairly new. Condominium inspection fees can be slightly lower. Fees are higher for larger homes and older homes because they take longer to inspect.
Please call (239) 271-8499 or email to richard@home-inspections-sw.com and we'll be glad to give you an exact price. I will need information such as size, age, foundation configuration (does it have a crawl space?), if there is a swimming pool/spa and where the house is located.
May I Attend The Inspection?
Yes. We invite you to come along on the inspection to get the most benefit. By being present at the inspection we can familiarize you with the home and explain things to you as we move through the house. Be suspicious of any inspector who doesn't want you along during the inspection.
When Should I Call To Schedule The Inspection?
As soon as possible after you have a signed purchase contract. Make sure that your purchase contract has plenty of time for you to get repair estimates for major problems that may show up during the inspection. Remember, the inspection can take 3 to 4 hours to complete on an average sized home and the utilities must be turned on for the duration of the inspection.
For newly constructed homes, schedule the inspection a few days before your walk-through with the builder so that you'll have our written report in your hands during the walk-through. You should schedule warranty inspections at least a month before your warranty expires.
How Do I Prepare For The Inspection?
It's the seller's responsibility to get the house ready for the inspection. The seller should:
• Have all utilities turned on (water, electric and gas).
• Have all gas appliances ready to run with pilot lights turned on.
• Clear access to areas like attics, crawl spaces, electric panels, water heaters and furnaces.
• Unlock areas such as storage closets, fence gates, electric panels, pool equipment and crawl space hatches.
• Remove pets from the property, or secure them so they are not free to roam.
To help you get the most benefit from the inspection you should leave the kids at home, you won't be able to pay attention to them and the inspection at the same time. For the same reason, if you have family members or friends who would like to see the house you should arrange a visit for another time.
When Will The Report Be Ready?
We provide the Inspection Report the same day as the inspection via a password protected secure web link or e-mail. It is your choice on the method of delivery.
What If The Inspection Reveals Problems?
We may find things that weren't expected. No house is perfect, not even new construction. The report is not a seller's "Must-Fix" list; it's simply an impartial report of the homes condition giving you clear direction for what should be done about each problem. Every situation is different, it's up to you and your real estate agent to decide how to proceed after the inspection.
Are There Limitations To The Inspection?
Yes. We can't see through walls or predict the future! A home inspection is not an appraisal or a check for compliance with building codes and it's not an evaluation for any biological, geological or environmental hazards.
See the inspection agreement and the InterNACHI Standards of Practice for more information on the limitations of an inspection.
Do You Offer A Guarantee?
If we miss anything per InterNACHI's Residential Standards of Practice, InterNACHI® will buy the home back within 90 days of closing and pay the owner whatever price they paid for it. For details see: https://www.nachi.org/buy-legal.htm
Will I Perform Or Manage Any Repair Work?
No. We am bound by a strict code of ethics and we do not perform repairs on any home we inspect and it is illigal under the Florida State Licensing for Home Inspectors to perform repairs.
Are You Licensed?
All home inspectors have to be licensed as of July, 2011. Hiring a licensed professionally trained and experienced Home Inspection company is the best way to ensure the quality of your inspection. We are Florida State Licensed - License# HI2244
Are You Certified?
Yes. However, a certification is only as good as the organization that issues it. Recently, some "organizations" have entered the lucrative business of handing out a certification to anyone who will send them a check, regardless of actual qualifications. Although appearing to be non-profit professional societies, they're actually for-profit companies. Highly deceptive. If someone tells you that they're certified, be sure to check up on the organization that's doing the certification. We have been trained and certified through the American Home Inspectors Training Institute (AHIT) which meets or exceeds the requirements of InterNACHI, ASHI, NAHI, CREIA, TREC and other professional organizations. I'm also certified and a full member of InterNACHI,the largest and most respected professional society in the industry.
What If I Have Questions Later?
As a Client of Accurate Home Inspections of America, LLC, you may contact us at any time if you have questions about anything related to the condition of your home, or home of a friend, relative, or business associate.
239-271-8499
richard@home-inspections-sw.com
239-271-8499
richard@home-inspections-sw.com