F.A.Q.s

ASHI is the American Society of Home Inspectors.  ASHI is the oldest and most respected home inspector certification organization (established in 1976).  ASHI sets the standard for home inspector certification.  It takes years to become an ASHI-Certified Inspector.  Before becoming certified an inspector must have performed at least 250 inspections and pass rigorous tests.  Also, ASHI-Certified Inspectors must meet or exceed strict inspection standards and obtain ongoing education.

The purpose of the home inspection is to:

1. Report the major problems in the home, including estimated repair costs
2. Educate the buyer about the home
3. Provide maintenance, upgrade, and repair recommendations
4. Provide a detailed report to document the inspection results and to provide a future reference

The main purpose of a home inspection is to report the major problems found in the home.  We focus your attention on the significant cost, safety, and structural concerns.  In addition, we will discuss the age/condition/type of the main components and discuss how the house compares to houses of the same age/size (e.g. did we find more or less problems than normal).

Also, the inspection is meant to be educational.  We show you main shut-off valves, attic accesses, crawl space accesses, etc.  We explain how to maintain the furnace, humidifier, water heater, air conditioning system, exterior, etc.  A list of the positive aspects of the home is also provided (e.g. new roof, copper water piping, replacement windows, etc.).

In addition to documenting the major problems, we discuss the minor concerns, upgrade recommendations, maintenance recommendations, and repair recommendations.

Finally, a detailed report is provided (see separate F.A.Q. for report details).

A full home inspections covers all the major components of a home, including:

• Roof
• Exterior
• Structure
• Electrical
• Heating
• Cooling
• Insulation and ventilation
• Plumbing
• Interior

Inspection of a typical 2000 sq. ft. house normally takes about 2.5 hours.  The time varies with the number of problems found, the number of questions asked by the buyer, how many attics or crawl spaces are present, etc.

The report is Internet-Based in PDF format.  It can be saved to your computer or accessed via a link.  The report includes photographs, graphics, and links to pertinent information.  The last page of the report is a 400-age Homebook that can be saved to your computer.  The Homebook contains detailed information on every component of a home, including maintenance information.  The report also informs you of a free on-line home maintenance program.

Yes - we carry Errors & Omissions and General Liability insurance.

See the "Prices" link above