Frequently Asked Questions

It is important to learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.

Of course, a home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and will be able to make a confident buying decision.

If you have owned your home for a long time, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and recommend preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. In addition, home sellers may opt for having an inspection prior to placing the home on the market to gain a better understanding of conditions which the buyer's inspector may point out. This provides an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition, substantially increasing your home's marketability.

Even the most experienced client lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds of homes in their career. An inspector is familiar with all the elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. They understand how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgement. For the most accurate picture, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned a few things about your new home from the inspector's report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. Above all, you can feel assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision, and that you will be able to enjoy your new home the way you want to.

The home inspection report is created for the sole confidential and exclusive use for the client. The client decides who should receive a copy of the report. The information contained in the report becomes the property of the client.

While we cannot assure that the home will be vacated during the inspection, most times your realtor will try to arrange a time convenient for all parties. Your real estate professional also wants you to receive a complete and unbiased report.

A home inspection is not required for the purchase or sale of real estate. However, future mortgage lending requirements may require a home inspection to document the condition of the property prior to commitment. A home inspection is an impartial second opinion regarding the condition of the property on the day of inspection. The home inspector is generally the ONLY person who is in your corner, representing your interests by using training, experience, and observation skills to document the visual problems in the home.

No house is perfect. It does not necessarily mean that you should not buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. It is our job to assess the condition and functionality of the systems found in the home. We do not provide repair services, nor can we quote any estimates on the costs of repair or replacement. With the information you receive in the report, you will be able to quickly determine who to call for that particular problem or concern. You are in control of the information received and can decide what you want to do. A seller may be flexible with the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

A home inspector is typically called right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and the seller are obligated.

The best source is a friend, family member, your local chamber of commerce, or a business acquaintance who has been satisfied with, and can recommend, a home inspector they have used. Real estate agents, attorneys, and mortgage brokers are also generally familiar with the service, and should be able to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an apppraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

The information and recommendations contained here in are, to the best of A thru Z Home Inspection, Inc. knowledge and belief, are accurate and reliable. This document is offered in good faith. A thru Z Home Inspection, Inc. does not warrantee or guarantee accuracy, reliability, or completeness. It is the user's responsibility to satisfy himself as to the suitability and completeness of such information for his own particular use. We do not accept liability for any loss or damage that may occur from this information.