Home Inspection FAQs

Home Inspection FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions I get asked by clients. Hopefully this gives you some valuable information, and a better understanding of the inspection process. 

“What does the inspection include”

-The inspection is a visual review of all readily accessible areas of the home. As well as testing equipment and fixtures using available controls.

Including:

Site conditions. Full Exterior. Garages. Roof. Attic. Basement/Crawlspace. Foundation/Structure. Plumbing. Electric. HVAC. Kitchens and bathrooms. Interior conditions. Level 1 fireplace/chimney inspection. Pests and insects. Infrared/thermal scan.

I am a NYS licensed mold assessor, as well as a former contractor and code enforcement officer. These licenses and background are the foundation from which I build reports. 

 

“Can I “shadow” you during the inspection?”

-While I encourage my clients to be a part of the inspection process, the best possible result will be gained if I am able to focus on the house uninterrupted. 

I have found the best way to accomplish this is to allow me to perform the inspection, and I will catch up with you periodically, once I have finished with an area of the home.

My goal is to give you as much information as possible. Sometimes the answers are not immediately found just by a simple glance at an issue. Testing of a component or review of an adjacent area may be required.

Give me some time to investigate and digest what may be happening, and I promise to not only relay this information verbally on site, but to document it in the report with pictures. 

 

“What if I can’t make it to the inspection?”

-Not a problem. I work with plenty of clients with busy lives, who are not able to attend the inspection. I am always happy to field a phone call or video chat at the end of the inspection, or to discuss the report once you have it. 

The report has many pictures, and sometimes video, of all areas of the home that were inspected. 

 

“Can I bring along family members?”

-The short answer is yes. However, I just ask that I am allowed to perform my work uninterrupted. Again, in order to provide you with the most comprehensive report, I need to focus on the building. Distractions are the last thing either of us want. Consider bringing the family by on a separate visit to show them the house. 

 

“Should I take notes?”

-You definitely can take whatever notes or pictures you would like. Everything discussed and observed at the inspection will be in the report. So no need to memorize everything or feel it is your responsibility to record it all. 

 

“Does the report get shared with the building department?”

-No. The report is yours alone, to share with whoever you wish. 

This is not a code inspection, looking for code violations. This is a comprehensive visual assessment of the home in its current state, looking for defects. I actually feel this review goes further than just code issues. Testing of readily available equipment and fixtures will also be performed. 

 

“Can I call after the inspection with questions?”

-Absolutely. If you need clarification on my findings, please reach out to discuss the report further. I highly encourage you to read the full report before reaching out. 

 

“Is mold inspection included?”

-Yes, mold assessment with a report is included in all home inspections, no additional charge. This assessment report can be used to hire a NYS licensed mold remediation company as needed. 

 

“How about mold testing?”

-Mold testing is optional. I would happily provide this service at your request. I have swab test kits, and air testing spore traps.

If visual mold is noted, it will be in the mold assessment report, with recommendations for removal/abatement.

 Mold testing is best utilized when:

1. A) You would like to know what species of mold it is. Perhaps due to an allergy or health reason.
2. B) To verify what I have observed is without a doubt mold, in order to negotiate with the selling party. 
3. C) To detect mold in the air, in areas of the home of high concern.  

Mold testing is $100 per test. Air testing is typically 3-4 tests minimum, in order to give the lab adequate data for comparison. 

 

“Do you test for Radon?”

-Yes. I use state of the art digital radon testing equipment. Results are available upon retrieving the test (typically 48 hours later). This digital test not only provides a graph of radon levels during the test period, but also important information such as temperature variation, and whether the device has been tampered with during the testing period. 

Roughly 30% of the homes I test in the area come back with elevated levels of radon. 

 

“How about water and well testing”

–Typically at this stage we test for bacteria in the water source. Coliform and E-coli. 

Other tests can be performed, but are not always conducive to real estate transactions, because it takes weeks for results. The bacteria test results will be available the following day. 

Bacteria is a health related issue, and may be a point of negotiation, unlike most other elements found in water supplies. 

I will be reviewing and reporting on all visual components, and testing the system thoroughly. Including pressure tank, visible plumbing lines and waste lines, filters, softeners, sanitizer systems etc. 

Well depth and underground piping is outside of the scope of the inspection. Submersible pumps are tested, but not visible. If there are tags related to the age of these pumps, this will be included in the report also. 

 

“Do you inspect the septic system?”

-I work with a few local companies who can accompany us at the time of inspection to perform a septic inspection. 

I can call these companies to arrange their services, or I am happy to provide their information for you to vet them yourself. I do not personally perform this work, because it is a specialty item, and it may add a significant amount of time to the inspection. 

I do not take any fee for helping arrange this. You will pay them directly, and they will provide a separate report. 

 

“Will you advise me on how to negotiate/proceed?”

-No. Home inspectors are there to give an objective opinion and review of the home. How you move forward is up to you. Coordinating with your real estate agent is highly advisable, as they may have insight into the specific deal and home you are looking at. 

 

“Do you provide estimates for repairs?”

-The short answer is no. Home inspectors do not provide estimates. However, I am happy to verbally trouble shoot and discuss a potential range of pricing. 

Some jobs are more straightforward, like a boiler replacement. Others are more specific and detailed. Think of an inspector as a general physician. I will diagnose a problem, and suggest the type of specialist who may best rectify the issue. 

I always recommend getting at least 2-3 estimates for any work to be performed, and to thoroughly vet all potential contractors. 

 

“How do you inspect the roof?”

-I am not opposed to walking on lower sloped roofs that are not too tall (ie: one story ranch). I also use a drone to take images of the roof. I sometimes use a ladder on the eaves of the building, to get my hands on a representative amount of shingles to help judge the age. 

Safety is paramount. I do my best to give you accurate information, while staying safe. 

 

“What is thermal imaging?”

-The use of a thermal image camera, a.k.a. infrared, is to help determine if heating and cooling systems are functioning, discovering hidden leaks behind walls, reviewing any potential insulation gaps, and looking for overheating circuits at the electrical panel. Infrared is not x-ray vision, and can not fully determine what is happening behind the walls. It does give us some insight into hidden areas, and may be useful in detecting defects. 

 

“When will I receive the inspection report”

The day after inspection. Always. 

Barring some extenuating circumstance or emergency.