A. What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a reasonable effort to disclose the condition of a house, existing on the day of the inspection. A look at your home with an educated and experienced eye.  Most people hire an inspector to check the roof and exterior, foundation, basement, structure, plumbing, electric,  heating and air conditioning, fireplace installation and interior components. Inspectors do not reveal information on concealed areas or items not inspected i.e. insulation in the visible area of attic does not imply insulation under the floor

B. Why do I need an inspection

All homes need to be inspected, new construction and existing. An inspection covers many construction topics and defects. The home inspector does a visual inspection and reports any major deficiencies and items affecting the habitability of the property. A good inspector should be well versed in all phases of residential construction and possess good communication skills. Ask if they have a residential construction background and what was their duties.

C. Can a house fail an inspection

Inspectors will not fail or pass a house. Professional home inspectors examined the current condition of the house and describes items in need of immediate repair or replacement. A  inspector cannot make representations about what was not inspected. Approximately 50% of the components of a house are concealed or out of vision. A home inspector will advise you of the severity of any defects found. This knowledge will help you make a knowledgeable decision about your new home purchase. Your agent and inspector should help as necessary with any negotiations with seller for repair.

D. Is an Inspector a insurance or warranty against future failure

No!!!! Home inspectors will never be able to predict every repair or maintenance item encountered while owning the house. Purchasing a  house brings risk. Inspections does not constitute an insurance policy. It gives you an overall impression of the condition of a house and discloses any immediate major repairs found.

E. Should I get a home tune up every few years?

Yes!!! Remember a house is a man-made structure and is not perfect. things fail. The majority of defects are not readily visible to the average homeowner, which can lead to a small item become a larger and expensive one. A home tune up will cover all items  inspected at your initial inspection. Any defects found that require attention will be reported. Keep your investment in proper working order.

Please contact Alton at (240) 422-0714 if you have any questions about my inspection process.

                                           New Construction                                                 Existing