Frequently Asked Questions*

What exactly is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual examination of the readily accessible components of a home and its property.   The report describes those components, their condition at the time of the inspection, and comments on the need for repairs, maintenance, or further evaluation.   The inspection does not involve any destructive testing and is not meant to be technically exhaustive.

So...what does that mean?... You can think of a home inspector as being similar to a medical general practitioner and liken the inspection to a general physical. During a physical the doctor notes obvious defects ("you seem to be missing your head!"), looks for signs that might require further, and possibly invasive, evaluation by specialists, and will often make recommendations for general maintenance ("stop smoking and cut down on the Twinkies"). In a similar manner the inspection is a top to bottom visual examination of a home and its components. The inspector carefully looks for any adverse conditions or defects. He looks for signs and conditions that may require further evaluation and will make suggestions to prevent future problems. All of this is then compiled into a useful descriptive report.

A full inspection systematically covers the Site/Grounds, Exterior, Structural Components, Foundation, Roof, Attic, Insulation, Ventilation, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating/AC, Garage, Kitchen, Bathrooms, and Interior.

How long does a home inspection take?

There is no set time, as the size, style, age, and condition of the home dictates the time required to do a thorough inspection.   A very average 2000 square foot house would normally take about 3 hours, while a condo can often be inspected in less than 2 hours.   Ultimately though, the time required is up to the home and the clients.  Your inspector will not leave until all questions have been answered, and to ensure this I never schedule back to back appointments.

Should I attend the inspection?

YES!   I strongly encourage you (and spouse/partner) to attend the inspection.   You will find the inspector more than willing to answer your questions and explain the various systems, structures, and safety features as well as providing future maintenance tips.   I want you to have a complete as possible understanding of the home and feel that your presence during the inspection, while not absolutely necessary, greatly enhances this.  I do ask that you make other arrangements for young children as they can be a distraction both for the inspector and yourself as well as an imposition on the home owner.

My uncle Joe is very handy. Why can't he inspect my home?

I'm sure that your uncle Joe is a very nice guy.   Unfortunately, a lot of the problems and safety issues I find with homes are the results of "Uncle Joe's" handiwork.

I am an experienced professional who has undergone rigorous training in the field of home inspection and am dedicated to continuing education and research.   I combine this knowledge with a systematic approach and specialized tools to produce an unbiased, complete and thorough report on your home's condition.

When can I expect the completed report?

If you are present during the inspection, and I hope you can be, a verbal summary of any major concerns will be given to you.  The complete report is produced in a PDF format within 24 hours (usually available first thing the next morning).  The report is uploaded to a secure area on the RAIS web-site and a link e-mailed to you (and your agent if desired).   The hard copy for your binder is mailed.  I am available to you to go over the report page by page or to answer any further questions.

Why don't you deliver your report on site?

There are two methods in common use to deliver an instant report and both, in our opinion, have serious shortcomings.

1: The carbonless checklist or "matrix" form.
This system requires the inspector to select from multiple boxes, check those that most closely apply to the house, and then, because the pages often contain many pre-printed statements and disclaimers that may or may not be relevant to the house, handwrite concerns and comments in a predefined and limited space.   The very nature of these forms discourages any correction that may be needed on further discovery or reflection.  This format is often "dressed up" by burying it a fancy folder with multiple tabs and "helpful" pages on home maintenance.   The client is forced to wade through a sea of irrelevant information in order to get to the, hopefully legible, concerns and comments.

2: The on-site computer generated report.
I originally thought of going this way myself and downloaded trial versions of almost every system available.   Those that produced little more than a computerized checklist were quickly dismissed while others were found to be so cumbersome that the inspector would have to spend more time looking at his handheld computer than at the house.  My main concern with them was that they all rely on a database of boilerplate comments.  In order to speedily generate a report the inspector must select a comment that most closely matches the area of concern.
I don't feel that being close is good enough.

My report is produced back at the office where I can review my notes and digital images without haste or distractions.   Further research and consultation can be conducted if needed into areas of concern.  Digital photos and/or graphics are incorporated to better illustrate observations, and appropriate suggestions for maintenance or improvement are inserted.   This results in an inspection report that is complete, easily read and understood, and entirely relevant to the inspected property.
Rest Assured Inspection Services has deliberately chosen thoroughness, accuracy, and service over speed and instant reporting.

Do you work for me or my realtor?

I am bound by a code of ethics which demands that my only responsibility is to you, my client.  If your realtor recommended our service I will thank them, as you should, for their professionalism in referring you to a truly independent inspection service.   The only way that I solicit approval from realtors is by being prompt, friendly, courteous and, above all, thorough in the job I perform for their clients.   I report what I find to you, without any consideration of the sale transaction.

Can the home fail inspection?

No.   All homes, even those newly built, will have areas of concern, but everything can be repaired.   The purpose of my report is to point out those areas that need attention so that you can make an informed decision on the purchase.

Will the inspector tell me whether or not I should buy the home?

No.   My job is to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of the condition of the home. Once you are armed with this information the decision on whether and how to proceed with the transaction can only be made by you with the assistance of your real estate agent.

Do repairs HAVE to be made?

No. Although my recommendations are based on the latest standards, I am not the city building code inspector and confidentially report my findings only to my clients and any third party they might authorize. While a home inspection report is often used as a negotiation tool when purchasing a home there is no obligation for any party, based solely on the report, to make any repair, perform any work, or upgrade any system.

Do you recommend contractors or offer to do repairs?

No, and you should be wary of any inspection company that does.   We've all heard the horror stories of people being charged for unnecessary, and sometimes imaginary, auto repairs after taking their cars in for a regular check-up.  The beauty of a truly independent and ethical home inspection is that you can be confident I have no financial incentive to either include or exclude anything in your report.

Who should pay for any needed repairs?

This is beyond the scope of a home inspector and I will offer no opinions.   To remain objective and avoid a possible conflict of interest I do not involve myself in any aspect of the purchase transaction.  Therefore, this matter should be negotiated between the buyer and the seller with the aid of their respective agents.

When can inspections be scheduled?

I realize that many of my clients have a busy calendar, further strained by the home purchase process.  Because I feel their attendance is an important part of the inspection process, Rest Assured Inspection Services is willing to schedule appointments at any time and seven days a week.   Keep in mind though that inspections do need to be conducted during daylight hours and, in the case of a buyer's inspection, other parties such as your agent and the owners will need to be consulted.