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WHAT TO ASK OUR HOME INSPECTOR BEFORE AND DURING THE INSPECTION

When preparing to buy a home, it can feel like love at first sight, but you should ask appropriate questions to get a good picture of the property’s condition. Asking your home inspector the right question helps you feel more confident, knowing exactly what you’re getting into with a home.

 

At PROCheck, our certified home inspectors are tasked to determine any residential property’s integrity, safety, and overall condition.  Our expertise and honest inspection of a residential property will ensure every home buyer gets the proper home evaluation to help them make an informed decision before buying a home.

So… What questions should you ask during a home inspection?  Are there must-ask questions during a home inspection that you should prepare beforehand? These are a couple questions we’ll answer in the content below,.

FAQ

What does a home inspection include?

Home inspections should be as thorough as possible. A standard PROCheck home inspection will verify the overall condition of a property and all major systems and areas of construction.  PROCheck inspectors typically cover the structural elements, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC systems, insulation, ventilation, appliances, and overall condition of the property. PROCheck inspectors assess safety concerns and provide a detailed report outlining any issues or recommended repairs.  Keep in mind that specific inspection components can vary, so it’s advisable to check with the inspector about their comprehensive checklist.

Are ADUs included in a standard home inspection?

The inclusion of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in a standard home inspection can vary.  “Attached ADUs” can be included in the Gross Living Area of the primary dwelling, if permitted.  “Detached ADUs” must be inspected separately. 

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If you want a detached ADU to be inspected as well, it’s advisable to communicate this you’re your PROCheck home inspector beforehand and possibly arrange for a specialized inspection that specifically includes the ADU.  Customizing the inspection based on your property’s features is a common practice to ensure thorough coverage.

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PROCheck offers the following additional “specific” inspection services:

  • ADUs

  • Outbuildings

  • Sheds

  • Sewer Video Scope Inspection

  • Pool/Spa Inspection

Do you do repairs or just home inspections?

At the core of home inspection lies the need to get an unbiased opinion of the property you want. Your PROCheck home inspector has the task of checking the house’s condition, from the structure to the wiring, plumbing, and the state of the appliances, if any.

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If your inspector were to provide both inspection and repair services, they might have conflicting interests giving you advice from a repair standpoint, too. At PROCheck, our home inspectors are incredibly ethical people, who take great pride in their transparency. So, don’t be afraid to ask the question if nothing else, to clarify their tasks and capabilities.

Are you insured?

PROCheck has two types of insurance: Errors & Omissions and General Liability. The E & O policy is intended to protect the inspector in case of negligence or mistakes in reporting the condition of items on the property. General Liability insurance protects the business from being sued by a homeowner for damages that occur while inspecting the property.

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While these two policies mainly aim to protect the home inspector, they can also protect you from being sued if they injure themselves on your property.

What are your charges?

PROCheck’s fee structure is based on the size, age, and complexity of the property.  The cost covers a thorough inspection of the various components for overall function and safety….  Additional fees apply for the extra services PROCheck offers (radon or mold testing, pool & spa inspection, sewer video scope inspection, and additional ‘on-property’ dwellings).

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The general concept of a home inspection is to gather a professional opinion about the property’s overall condition. The experience required to complete this task promptly and efficiently is extensive. As such, you will pay a premium for their expertise.

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You might save a few hundred dollars to hire the cheapest home inspector but pay a hefty price if the inspection wasn’t thorough or you couldn’t understand the report. According to the national average home inspection cost, you should expect to pay between .25 to .40 per square foot from a reputable inspection company.

Will you send me a copy of a detailed inspection report?

The home inspection report is critical during negotiation with the seller. At PROCheck, our inspector should be able to prepare and send you detailed reports within 24 hours of completing the inspection. Our report will be detail-oriented and technically accurate. The language and clarity of technical information in a home inspection report will make it easier for all parties to comprehend.

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The report will include color photos that will help demonstrate problem areas to contractors or repair specialists who may be hired to resolve issues before selling or buying a property. This is essential information for a buyer to review before purchasing a home.

Can you clarify part of the report for me?

Some parts of the PROCheck inspection report can be challenging to comprehend. Even if you were present during the inspection, it’s normal to need clarification after receiving the report. The questions allows your PROCheck inspector to expound on any part of the inspection report you didn’t understand.

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A PROCheck home inspector will break down any industry jargon and explain the details to you most simply and efficiently for you to understand. The home buying process is complicated, so clearly understanding our report will make things easier.

How big an issue is this?

Depending on the size, age and complexity of the property, PROCheck inspection reports can be up to 50-100 pages.  Our reporting format makes in easy to establish which issues are of grave concern and which ones you should worry less about.

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We encourage you to ask questions during, and/or after the inspection…Your PROCheck inspector will provide clarification when needed, and will highlight major issues to help you determine if the home is right for you.

Should I hire an expert to fix this problem?

Home inspectors are generalists and know how to spot potential problems and issues. Your PROCheck home inspector should be able to advise when to contact a licensed contractor, or a qualified handyman for an issue within the home.

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With that said, a licensed contractor is most often recommended for repairs identified in a PROCheck home inspection.  Licensed contractors typically have the expertise and qualifications to handle a wide range of repairs, ensuring they meet industry standards.  While some smaller tasks may be suitable for a qualified handyman, larger or specialized repairs are best entrusted to licensed professionals who can provide assurance of their skills and adherence to local building codes. 

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Always consult with you PROCheck inspector for specific recommendations based on the nature and scope of the repairs needed.

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