What To Expect

So what, exactly, IS a home inspection?

A home inspection is primarily an unbiased, objective inspection of a home’s visible and readily accessible components that is intended to assist you before you make such a major investment. While your inspection report will provide a great deal of detailed and helpful information, it is not possible for a home inspection to uncover every possible defect of a home, as some portions are not visible and others may not be accessible or safe for inspection. For example, we will not be able to see behind walls, will not snake through plumbing lines, and will not be able to thoroughly inspect a snow covered roof in the middle of winter. A home inspection is also not a “pass” or “fail” of the home being inspected. As the client, you alone determine how significant any uncovered defects are to you.

With all the people involved with the real estate transaction, it is easy to become overwhelmed very quickly – especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. As your inspection company, we are one very important part of the entire process, but we are not real estate agents, attorneys, appraisers or insurance agents. For that reason, we do not comment on what those other professionals may or may not advise. For example, we will not be able to tell a client what the appraiser may flag on the appraisal or predict what defects may make the homeowners insurance premium increase. With all of that in mind, here’s what you can expect once your inspection is scheduled…

Prior to your inspection:

We will email you Inspection Agreements for each type of inspection you order. The agreements contain important information about what the inspections cover, legal terms, fees, and more. Please read the agreement(s) carefully and let us know if you have any questions. This is standard practice, and all agreements must be signed prior to any inspection services being provided. Upon receiving your agreement(s), you will have the opportunity to order additional inspections you may have not previously ordered.

You, and typically your agent, will receive electronic reminders of your inspection date and time. While you are not required to attend your inspection, we strongly encourage you to join us near the end so we can walk you through the property and go over, in person, what will be on your report. We encourage and welcome any questions you may have and will take as much time as needed to answer them. Hiring a home inspector is an investment, not a mere expense, and we go to great lengths to thoroughly educate our clients before, during, and after an inspection.

Your inspection(s) must be paid for on or before the date of the inspection. The inspection report(s) will be sent to you in PDF form and you will not be able to open and view your report(s) until full payment has been received. You will have the opportunity to pay in advance with a credit/debit card online, but you may also pay on the inspection date with a card, cash, check or money order. 

Once at the property, the inspection typically takes anywhere from a couple to a few hours, and may even take most of the day, depending on the size of the home, accessibility, whether additional inspections are being done, and other factors. The inspection will typically begin outside the property and end on the interior. If the client is present, we will conclude the inspection by discussing and summarizing the inspection findings before leaving the property. At that time, we will also ask you if you would like to schedule a discounted annual home maintenance checkup for the following year so you have priority of booking a time in advance. Your home is likely your biggest investment, and like your vehicle or your health it should be professionally checked annually as a form of preventative maintenance. This service is obviously not required but is strongly recommended to help you stay on top of your home’s needs and avoid unwanted surprises or costs.

Premium Package

For qualifying residential clients who opt for our popular Premium Package, we automatically enroll you in a 6-month comprehensive home warranty and several other valuable protection plans offered through Summit Warranty Corporation, along with the InterNACHI ‘We’ll Buy Your Home’ Guarantee, for the highest possible level of protection and peace of mind.

We invite you to call or email us with any questions any time after your services have been completed, and, as previously stated, you will have the opportunity to enroll in our reminder program for discounted future maintenance inspections – a program we strongly recommend. This is all part of our commitment to exceptional customer service and an expression of our appreciation for trusting us with your business!