INSPECTION FAQ's
How long does a typical home inspection take?
A typical home inspection should take 2 to 4 hours to complete. This will vary, considering the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so forth. As a courtesy to sellers, I recommend that they be informed of the time frame for a standard home inspection. What do you look at? I inspect the major components and systems of the house. As a licensed Washington State Home Inspector I must adhere to the Washington State Standards of Practice (link provided below). This means I will attempt to inspect all of the following (when accessible):
View the WA State Standards of Practice (SOP) http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-408C Review the WA State Standards of Practice for complete details or contact me with any specific questions. My goal is to identify visible existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase. How much does an inspection cost? The price may vary with size and age of the property. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not the lowest price. Even so, our prices are very competitive with other quality inspection companies. Can I follow along? Definitely. I encourage you to attend. The inspection is a valuable learning experience for most home-buyers. 
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I do not share or sell customer information.Do I have to take notes?
You don't have to take notes during the inspection. We will document everything in a written report. It's much better to follow the inspector through, listening to his comments to make sure you understand. It's also a great opportunity to ask questions and to clarify anything that confuses you. Can I bring my family? I recommend that you not bring your family; this is a technical evaluation, and you should focus on the inspector's comments - the fewer distractions, the better. Do I get a written report? When? You do receive a written report. It would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things we cover during a home inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is delivered within 24 hours after the inspection, usually within 12 hours. If it's really bad, will you tell us not to buy the house? No. My goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs and expenses. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play. Do you offer a warranty on the house? A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information. It's a little like getting a check-up from your doctor: It improves your odds of good health but it is no guarantee or warranty. Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house - they cannot be discovered during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. What are your inspectors' qualifications? Your inspector has received intensive training, and is Certified, Licensed, Insured, and receives annual accredited continuing education credits in order to keep skills honed and up to date in order to provide the best possible service available. Your inspector is among the most experienced home inspectors in the industry. Your inspector started his training on the job with one of the industry’s premier home inspectors, the former president of ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) in 1993. He is also a graduate of Bellingham Technical College home inspector program. The inspector has met ASHI’s rigorous qualifications & testing, and the qualifications, testing by InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Association), and WSDA (Washington State Department of Agriculture) Structural Pest Inspector examinations, and the Washington State Home Inspector Examinations. I adhere to the established high Standards of Practice and strict Code of Ethics. How many days notice do I need to give you? It is best to call to book your inspection as soon as possible. Abode Inspection Services LLC is ready to serve you quickly. However, when the sale of a home is conditional on the results of a home inspection, we recommend that you allow at least three days to arrange for a home inspection if possible. Can I ask questions? Definitely! You may want to bring some questions that you have regarding the home. You should also feel free to stop the inspector and ask questions as you go. If the inspector's comments or explanations are not clear, please ask for further explanation. |