Frequently
Asked Questions
What is a "Home Inspection?"
Why do I need a home inspection?
Can’t I or a family member inspect the house?
What will the inspection cover?
How do I find a home inspector?
Do I need a Home Inspector or an Engineer?
Some inspectors claim to be “certified”. What
does this mean?
What will the home inspection cost?
Are inspections by engineers more expensive?
How long will the Inspection take?
Should I attend the inspection?
When will I get my home inspection report?
Who gets a copy of the report?
What if the report reveals problems?
Can a house fail inspection?
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Will you fix the
problems you find during the Inspection?
What if I have questions after the inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure
and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. The home inspector’s
report will include an evaluation of 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. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical
check-up.
Why do I need a home inspection?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever
make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property
and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize
unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.
A home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well
as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the
inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are
about to purchase and will be able to make a confident buying decision.
If you have owned your home for a long time, a home inspection can identify
problems in the making and recommend preventive measures which might help you
avoid costly repairs in the future. In addition, home sellers may opt for
having an inspection prior to placing the home on the market to gain a better
understanding of conditions which the buyer’s inspector may point out. This
provides an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better
selling condition.
Can’t I or a family member inspect the house?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a
professional home inspector who has specialized training and experience.
Although your family member or contractor may be very knowledgeable about
houses, unless they are specifically trained and experienced as a professional
home inspector they may fail to identify serious conditions that may cost
hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair.
A professional home inspector is familiar with
all the elements of home construction, their proper installation, and
maintenance. He understands how the home’s systems and components are
intended to function together as well as how and why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective
and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their
judgment. For the most accurate picture, it is best to obtain an impartial
third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.
What will the inspection cover?
A thorough Inspection covers the structural,
mechanical, electrical and plumbing components including:
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Roof & Flashings
-
Gutters
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Attic
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Insulation
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Ventilation
-
Basement
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Crawlspace
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Foundation
-
Grading
-
Driveways & Walks
-
Siding & Trim
-
Chimneys & Fireplaces
-
Electrical System
-
Heating System
-
Air Conditioning System
-
Plumbing System
-
Water Heater
-
Ceilings, Walls & Floors
-
Doors & Windows
-
Major Appliances
How do I find a
good home inspector?
The best source is a friend or business acquaintance who has been satisfied
with, and can recommend, a home inspector they have used in the past. Many home
inspectors can be found in the Yellow Pages under "Home & Building
Inspection" or "Real Estate Inspection." Real estate agents may
be able to provide you with a list of home inspectors from which to choose.
Whatever your referral source, be sure to ascertain the home inspector’s
professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics before you make
your selection. You can do this by checking with the local Better Business
Bureau as well as by verifying the inspector’s membership in a reputable
professional association.
Since there are no licensing requirements for home inspectors in many states
(including Colorado), you should make certain that the home inspector’s
association has a set of nationally recognized Standards of Practice and a Code
of Ethics. This provides members with professional inspection guidelines and
prohibits them from engaging in any conflict of interest activities which might
compromise their objectivity, such as using the inspection as a means to obtain
home repair contracts.
The association should also have rigorous membership and continuing education
requirements to assure consumers of an inspector’s experience and technical
qualifications.
The very best qualifications and credentials for
a home inspector consist of a combination of a Professional Engineering License
and affiliation with ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) combined with
years of field experience.
Professional Engineers are qualified to evaluate
all elements of the home and render their professional opinion as to the
condition and soundness of that home. Professional Engineers are regulated by
the state in which they practice so their accountability and professionalism is
assured.
Do I need a Home Inspector or an Engineer?
Why not select a person who is both? With
Avalon Inspection Services you will get a home inspector who is also a
Colorado-licensed Professional Engineer.
A professional home inspector is a “generalist” who has
training and experience in all aspects of a house and its systems. A home
inspector will evaluate the overall condition of the house's major systems and
its structural integrity, evaluate how these systems are performing and identify
components that need to be repaired, replaced or monitored. A professional home
inspector gives you a “Big Picture” analysis of the house you are
purchasing.
Professional Engineers are highly-educated and trained
professionals who are regulated by the state in which they practice so their
accountability and professionalism is assured.
A home inspector who is also a Professional Engineer is your
best choice.
Some inspectors claim to be “certified”. What
does this mean?
Very little. There are home inspector
associations that do not certify anything beyond passing a simple, unproctored
on-line exam. There is no meaningful control over the qualifications or
expertise of these "certified" inspectors'. With no prerequisite
qualifications or licenses, virtually anyone can become a “certified” home
inspector.
What will the home inspection cost?
Fees for home inspections vary according to the size, age and condition of the
house as well as the qualifications of the inspector.
Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home
inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained
from a professional home inspection is well worth the cost, and the
lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's
qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional
affiliations, should be the most important consideration.
Are inspections by engineers more expensive?
Not always, but our fees may be higher in some
cases. Many items which other inspectors either exclude or charge extra for may
be included in our standard report.
How long will the Inspection take?
A professional home inspection should take about
three to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age &
condition of the home.
Should I attend the inspection?
It’s not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is
strongly recommended. By following the home inspector around the house, by
observing and asking questions, you will learn a great deal about the condition
of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find
the written report easier to understand if you’ve seen the property first-hand
through the inspector’s eyes.
When will I get my home inspection report?
My reports typically are completed within 24 hours
of the inspection. Since I do not provide simple checklists or abbreviated
reports as many companies do, you will receive your report the following day.
Although I will verbally review what I have observed, I do not feel an on-site
checklist report is as of much value to you as a carefully thought-out
narrative-style report. My written report contains the full benefit of my
deliberation on site and after the inspection.
Who gets a copy of the report?
Your report is confidential and will only be
given to other parties (e.g., Realtors) with your written consent.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector finds problems, it doesn’t necessarily
mean you should not buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to
expect. A seller may be flexible with the purchase price or contract terms if
major problems are found. If your budget is very tight, or if you don’t wish
to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely
important to you.
Can a house fail inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of
your prospective home. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house, but
rather will describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or
replacement. A home inspection is not an appraisal, which determines market
value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the
condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have
learned a few things about your new home from the inspector’s report, and will
want to keep that information for future reference. Above all, you can feel
assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision, and that you will
be able to enjoy your new home the way you want to.
Will you fix the
problems you find during the Inspection?
No. ASHI‘s Code
of Ethics prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they
inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the
inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third-party report
on the condition of the home.
What if I have questions after the inspection?
You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like.
Our service is a long-term investment.
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Colorado
Registered Professional Engineer. Serving the Pikes Peak Region including
Monument and Palmer Lake, Black Forest, and Southern Douglas and Teller
Counties. 719-599-8555