Frequently Asked Questions
Should I purchase a home inspection?
1
I recommend a home inspection for all prospective home buyers. Inspections are generally required by lenders and/or insurance agencies, and for good reason. A good home inspection is the best way to identify the potential costs one can expect when purchasing home, not only for minor repairs and upgrades but also as a matter of safety. For example, a recent home inspection I conducted found a probable gas leak in the garage which needed immediate remedy and might not have been noticed during a standard walkthrough.
Even without major safety concerns, an inspection can identify potentially costly repairs to larger systems such as roofing, electrical, and HVAC to give you a better idea of what you’re getting into when purchasing a home. For example, when I was on the buyer side, I almost purchased a home which had recently undergone $30,000 of structural repairs, but my inspector identified in the crawlspace that these repairs hadn’t actually been completed properly. If I hadn’t purchased the inspection, I likely would’ve moved into the home and had to spend more than that to remedy flooring throughout the entire structure.
How will I see the results of the report?
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At the end of the inspection, I meet with the client at the home to walk through major findings. After answering all the questions you may have, I’ll prepare my formal report and send it within 24 hours of the inspection so you can make a decision about moving forward in a timely manner.
What does the report include?
3
Reports include the materials and condition of each component being inspected, including roofing, structure, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, interior, and exterior. My inspections follow the InterNACHI Standards of Practice, which set the legal guidelines for what must be inspected and how it’s reported.
It’s worth noting that home inspections are visual - inspectors are not empowered to do things like cut into drywall or remove carpets to look for evidence of potential problems. It’s possible that even with a good home inspection, you may find unexpected issues after moving into a home that are outside the scope of an inspection. Even so, a standard inspection gives you as much information as can be readily obtained about the purchase you’re making and are strongly recommended for anyone purchasing a home.
Should I just inspect the home myself, or have a friend help?
4
A home inspection from a licensed inspector is necessary for a few reasons.
For one, inspectors are a neutral third party - we gain nothing by giving you positive or negative information. We have no financial stake in the decision you make about the home, and are only incentivized to be thorough and straightforward in our evaluations.
We also are bound by strict licensure and reporting guidelines as defined by Kentucky law. Inspectors are trained to look at defined components of the home and report on them in a specific way to ensure that you have as much information as possible to make an informed decision. We also have local experience and are more familiar with common deficiencies than the average person.
Finally, we have no emotional stake in the decision about the home. As a neutral third party, we are not primed to find the good or the bad - just the facts as they are. This unbiased information is the best way to be sure you’re making the best choice you can for you and your loved ones.
There are a few ways - you can complete the form on our site and I’ll get back to you promptly, or you can call or text me at (502) 316-5420 to start the process. I’ll need to know the address and some times that work for you. Once we pick a day and time, I’ll send you our contract and we’ll proceed from there. You may also have your realtor contact me if you prefer.
This depends in part on the details of the home, such as square footage and structure type. It wouldn’t be fair to charge the same for a 1,000sqft home as we would for a 6,000sqft home, for example.
Inspections are typically $400-$500, although prices vary by home, and the exact price will be agreed upon before the inspection is booked. I can assure you that we will never charge you for any service that has not been agreed to in advance by both parties and documented in writing.