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1. How long will the inspection take?
2. How much will it cost?
3. Who pays for the inspection?
The buyer typically pays for the inspection. That way the inspector is only working for the buyer and no one else.
4. Do I need to be there for the inspection?
You are not required to be present at the inspection but it is recommended. The inspection is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and learn about your new home.
5. When should the inspection be done?
Home buyers typically schedule an inspection after a bid is made but before closing. If water testing or radon testing is being done, it is better to schedule these as soon as possible since the lab results require extra time.
6. Will an inspection be rescheduled due to bad weather?
Only in cases of extremely severe weather, otherwise the inspection will take place rain or shine. Many water problems are actually easier to find when it is raining.
7. How soon can the inspection be scheduled?
8. Do I need a termite inspection?
Many lenders require a termite inspection to get a loan. Even if your lender does not require it, a termite inspection is always recommended. All my inspections include a full termite inspection.
9. Do I need to have the water tested?
If the water comes from a well or other private source, it is strongly recommended that a full water quality test be done. If it is public water, testing for lead is recommended since lead contamination may occur within the home from old lead pipes or lead solder.
10. Do I need radon testing?
The EPA recommends that every house be tested for radon. Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The only way of knowing whether a house has a radon problem is to test for it.
11. Do I need lead paint testing?
If the house was built before 1980, you may consider having the paint tested for lead. The older the house, the more likely it is that lead paint is present.
12. Do I need mold testing?
If I find any mold during the inspection, I will make note of it in my report. There are two types of mold testing available. An air sample that determines the amount of mold spores in the air and a swab test that determines the type of mold present.
13. What happens if the house fails the inspection?
A house can neither pass nor fail an inspection. The inspection simply points out any problems with the property so you can make better-informed decisions. There are very few problems that can not be corrected.
14. Why do I need an inspection?
15. How is an inspection different than an appraisal?
An inspection is an evaluation of the condition of the property while an appraisal is focused on the value of the property.
16. What is included in the inspection?
17. Will you get on the roof?
I will get on the roof as long as I feel it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to get on the roof, I can still inspect the roof from the edge and/or using binoculars. In addition, many roof problems can be detected by examining the roof sheathing in the attic.
18. Will you get in the attic?
I will inspect the attic from all the accessible openings. I will only walk in the attic if the attic has flooring or a walkway present over the studs.
19. Will you get in the crawlspace?
I will generally enter any crawlspace that has at least 18” of clearance as long as no safety hazards exist.
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