Answers to Common Questions

 

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.

What does an inspection include?

The standard home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

What if the report reveals problems?

If a home inspection reveals problems it does not necessarily mean you should not buy the house. The home inspection is meant to educate you in advance of the purchase of the condition of the property.

Should I attend the home inspection?

 

Yes! Try to attend the home inspection. Walking around with the inspector can be an educational process. You will learn:

• What are the areas of concern

• How to maintain your property

• How to operate systems

• Inspector will summarize the findings and answer all your questions or concerns

 

How much is an inspection?

The cost of an inspection will be dependent on the size of the house. We offer very competitive rates on all of our services. We also offer bundled packages and discounts for AAA, Military, Teachers, Clergy.

We know this is a stressful time in your home buying process, we will do everything we can to keep the cost down.

Call for a quote!

 

How long does the home inspection take?

Plan on 2 to 2 1/2 hours, but the time can vary depending on the size, age and general condition of the home being inspected. Smaller properties may take less time, while large and complex properties take longer. 

I am quite thorough and never rushed, so please feel free to ask lots of questions during the inspection!

What kind of report does Premier Home Inspection prepare?

Unlike many inspection companies that use checklists or "cookie cutter" reports, Premier Home Inspection prepares a comprehensive narrative report that is custom tailored to the home that is being inspected.

Each major system of the property has a separate section that explains the system, its positive attributes, maintenance advice, and any defects that are noted at the time of my inspection.

Simply stated, while nearly all home inspection companies tout their reports as the best, they are primarily designed to be easy for the inspection company to produce and deliver. Premier Home Inspection specifically designed its report to be easy for the consumer to understand.

 

Who should pick-up a radon test?
Some inspection companies are asking the real estate professional to be responsible for picking up the radon test, sealing it and mailing it.

You should understand the liability this creates for the person who handles the test, other than the inspector or the buyer.

Let’s just suppose that the sellers are in the process of moving out, and have two doors propped opened throughout the duration of the test. To make matters worse, they accidentally cover the testing devices. You or the buyer pick up the test and return it to the lab. Results come back as 2 pCi/L. - Good enough. Then several years down the road, the new owners (your buyers) go to sell the home. There’s a new radon test and that comes back as 35 pCi/L. People get angry, claiming that the radon concentration could not have changed THAT much in 3 years. What do you do now?

I realize that returning to pick up the radon test is time consuming, but as I see it, that’s part of my job. It may seem that all you have to do is merely seal the test and mail it back to the lab. That is not true, it’s important to make sure that there’s been no tampering, that no one has moved the testing devices. I make sure that closed house conditions have not been compromised.

As a real estate professional or a home buyer do you really want to assume the liability for the radon test?

Premier Home Inspection, LLC will set the test according to EPA guidelines and will pick it up at no extra charge.