Home Inspection Process
This Page contains a complete list of Home Inspection Facts For You!
We at Certainty Home Inspections are knowledgeable, friendly and will answer questions during and after the inspection process. This will enable you to gain the knowledge and confidence to negotiate a fair price, a price that’s right for you. From the inspection, a computerized home inspection report is created that identifies concerns with the home and suggests the ways to resolve any concerns, and of course we’re right here afterward to always answer any questions you have. Be certain there are no expensive surprises. Is the home structurally sound or does it have weak spots? Has it been well maintained or has it been neglected? We inspect all structural support components of the home starting from the attic continuing down to the foundation. We search for “tell tale” signs of settlement, decay, water entry, lack of maintenance or prior repairs. You’ll know if you need to keep a close eye on certain areas or if immediate repairs are needed, if the foundation is stable or if the home is settling.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Question: What Type Of Report Will I Get?
Answer: Your report is a detailed, narrative, computer generated report packed full of digital pictures. It is delivered to you on site and/or emailed to you.
Question: What Will The Inspection Cover?
Answer: Everything from the roof to the foundation:
- Attic
- Ventilation
- Gutters
- Basement
- Crawlspace
- Foundation
- Sidiing & Trim
- Driveways
- Insulation
- Roof & Flashings
- Grading
- Retaining Walls
- Ceilings
- Walls
- Chimney
- Fireplace
- Electrical
- Plumbing Systems
- Heating (Weather permitting)
- Air Conditioning (Weather permitting)
- Floors
- Doors & Windows
- Water Heater
Question: How Long Will The Inspection Take?
Answer: Depending on the square footage of the home and the foundation that it is on, the inspection will take approximately 2-4 hours.
Question: Can a House Fail An Inspection?
Answer: No A Licensed Home Inspector does not pass or fail a home. A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual assessment of the condition of the property on the day of inspection
Question: What Will The Report Tell Me?
Answer: The general condition of the property on the day of inspection
Acceptable, Marginal, & Defective Summary of the home’s condition
Suggestions to remedy the problem
What items to monitor
Suggestions for repair/replacements
Question: How do I schedule an inspection?
Answer: Go to www.certaintyinspections.com & click the schedule inspection now button or call toll free 1-866-417-9591, even on the weekends. We answer our phones 99% of the time unless on another call so if we don’t answer please leave us a message and we will call you right back.
Question: When Should I Schedule My Home Inspection?
Answer: After signing your offer, you normally have between 7-10 days to schedule an inspection and get the results back from any test you have performed such as radon, water or mold. As soon as your offered is accepted, schedule your inspection as soon as possible to allow the time needed to perform your inspection.
Question: Should I be present during the home inspection?
Answer: Although we don’t require you to be there throughout the entire inspection, we do request that you be there 30 minutes prior to the end of the home inspection so that we may walk you through the slide show presentation we provide and go over the report with you. We can answer all your question on site, at the time of inspection.
Question: What Will Happen Once We Order Our Home Inspection?
Answer: We will confirm the time & date with the realtors involved. Once time & date are confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know you are confirmed. In the confirmation email, there are three links: the first link will allow you to read over the service agreement. Simply check the box at the bottom which automatically signs the agreement for you. The second link allows you to make payment either by Visa or Matercard. You may pay on site with check or cash also. The third link will allow you to set up your personal account with our company where your reports can be accessed, downloaded, stored or emailed to you.
Question: How Do I Pay The Inspector?
Answer: You can either pay for your inspection through your online personal account or pay the inspector onsite with cash or check.
Question: How Much Does An Inspection Cost?
Answer: The base price of the inspection depends on the square footage of the home and the type of foundation your home sets on. Larger homes take longer to inspect making larger homes more costly to have inspected. The same with the foundation, a crawl space takes longer to inspect than a slab home therefore costing more. Regardless, the price of the inspection is well worth the knowledge you will gain from having a home inspection performed. The lowest inspector is not necessarily a bargain, make sure your inspector is qualified with the education of a home inspection national exam and not just qualified due to the number of inspections performed (Grandfathered In). Cutting corners on the most valuable asset you will own is not a wise decision. Pay close attention to the qualifications of the home inspector you hire.
Questions: Why choose Certainty Home Inspections?
Anwer: The purchase of your new home is the single most important investment that your family will make. With this purchase will come two significant questions, “Will this home be a safe, sound and secure home” or “Will this home be a money pit” A home inspection is an excellent tool to help determine the condition of the home but to also help you to know the repairs/replacements that might be needed in the future. However, home inspections are not a prediction of the future performance but they can help to pinpoint existing problems on the day of inspection.
Question: Can My Uncle Charlie or my realtor’s relation inspect my new home for me?
Answer: This is one of the biggest mistakes many people can make. The person you are considering may be very skilled but they are not trained or experienced home inspectors. Professional inspectors are like no other, they have an inspectors instinct for problems which require extensive training, experience and know how of the home’s components. Home Inspectors are generalist and may call for a licensed contractor in a specific field to further evaluate a component of the home such as a licensed plumber, HVAC technician or a licensed electrician.
Question: What If I Have Questions After My Inspection?
Answer: Call us! We are never to busy to answer any questions you may have. Call us toll free at 1-866-417-9591.
7 Steps For First Time Home Buyers
1. Educate Yourself About the Mortgage Process – By taking the initiative and learning about the mortgage process, you can be more confident in the financial decisions you are making. It’s important to learn about different types of mortgages, how much you can afford, how your credit impacts your interest rate, and the benefits of home ownership. A mortgage tutorial is available at http://smartedgebygmac.com, which breaks down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.2. Save Just a Little Bit More – It’s not only important to save money for the down payment and closing costs, but it’s important to factor in some of the other costs of home ownership such as decorating, repairs and maintenance. Many mortgage lenders recommend that first-time home buyers have at least three to six months of additional savings in their possession in anticipation of these additional expenses.3. Check Your Credit – An individual’s credit score will have a significant impact on his or her mortgage loan approval and interest rate. A good first step in financing a home purchase is to check your credit history. You can request a free credit report from any of the three credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion or Experian. Carefully review your report and contact the credit reporting bureaus to correct any inaccuracies.
4. Shop Around for a Mortgage Lender – As you start thinking and preparing for the home buying process, start shopping for the mortgage lender from whom you would like to obtain a mortgage for your new home. Because this process is new, it’s easy to go with the first lender or loan officer you meet. Instead, take your time and shop around. Start by asking friends, co-workers and family members for recommendations. When you’ve identified two or three loan officers, ask for references. In addition to pricing (interest rate and closing costs), focus on customer service as well as other services and tools that a mortgage lender may be able to offer you.
5. Get Pre-approved – Before you start working with a real estate agent, consider contacting a mortgage lender to obtain a pre-approval credit decision. A loan officer will review your financial status, including your income, cash flow and credit score, to help you determine the maximum monthly housing payment for which you may be able to qualify, and, if qualified, “pre-approve” your mortgage before you’ve found a home. Armed with a credit pre-approval, you can start searching for homes with a much better idea of your price range, and in turn save time as you will know the right homes to focus on. Obtaining a pre-approval may offer more confidence and certainty to home sellers in your ability to purchase the home.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions – Once you’ve found your new home, the mortgage lender will help you through the details of the loan process. From application to closing, your loan officer will work through the financing process with you, just as your real estate professional should do in the home buying process. Throughout the process, read all loan documents carefully, and involve an attorney,
