Here are the answers to some of the questions that we are most frequently asked. If your questions aren’t answered on this website, contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Home Buyers – Typically, you should schedule your home inspection as soon as you have a signed agreement. Home Sellers – When you get your home inspection depends on how you plan on using your pre-listing inspection report. If you plan on fixing any defects which may be uncovered, be sure to allow enough time to have the fixes completed. Home owners that would like to keep up on maintenance can also schedule a home inspection whenever is convenient for them. This can help catch problems early on, before they have a chance to fester and worsen drastically, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
As far as the real estate transaction is concerned, we are looking for “material defects”. Regarding home inspection, Pennsylvania Law defines a “material defect” as follows: “A problem with a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system, or subsystem is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal useful life is not, by itself, a material defect.” We interpret that to mean, if it is expensive to fix, around $500 or more for most homes, or it is a safety issue no matter what the cost, it is a material defect.
In addition to uncovering and documenting material defects, we inspect and describe the roof, siding, structure, heating and cooling systems, plumbing system, electrical system, windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. We will visually inspect virtually every accessible nook and cranny of the house, both inside and out. We will talk about maintenance and things you may need to budget for in the future. We will discuss possible upgrades that may improve efficiency and comfort, as well as answer any questions you may have.
By all means, yes. Although not required, attending your home inspection can be a valuable learning experience. You will gain a wealth of information about your home and how the systems on the property work. In addition, you’ll have the ability to ask any questions you may have about the property and get some tips on what maintenance may need to be done.
Attend your inspection and you will learn:
As an added service to our clients, we are available for future phone consultations for as long as you own your home, free of charge.
Assuming that it is safe to do so, yes. We do not walk on slate or wood shake roofs, however we will climb a ladder, use binoculars from a distance, or utilize a specialized drone designed to take high quality video and photos.
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