We Value Our Client’s And Agent’s Questions And Like To Share Them With Others
Below Are Frequently Asked Questions We’ve Been Asked And Our Response To Them. If You Have A Question, Please Be Sure To Let Us Know So We Can Supply You With The Answer
No. A professional home inspector does not issue a pass or fail grade on a home. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective home. The home inspector will describe the physical condition of the home and indicate what may need repair or replacement.
At the completion of the inspection our inspector will provide you with a computer-generated report, printed in color, including a digital photo of the house.
At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector will print an on-site, computer-generated report which will be 15 to 20 pages in length. The Property Inspection Report will give easy to read details on:
The general condition of the home from the roof to the basement.
How things work.
Major and minor deficiencies.
Suggestions to remedy deficiencies.
Any major expenditure coming up.
What to watch out for.
Then the inspector will review the report with you to make sure that you understand everything.
You generally have between seven and ten days after you sign the contract to get a home inspection. We would advise you to call us as soon as you sign a contract on the prospective home. This will ensure that you can get the inspection done at a time that’s most convenient for you.
When you’re ready to schedule your inspection just, give us a call. We have three full-time schedulers on staff to assist you and it’s no problem if you call on the weekend. One of our schedulers is on call each weekend. Just leave a message on our office phone and the scheduler “on-call” will get back with you, generally the same day you called.
The price of the inspection varies based on the size of the home. Larger homes take longer to inspect, hence the fees for these homes are greater than those for a smaller home. However, don’t let the price of the inspection determine whether or not you get a home inspection or the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an 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.
At the conclusion of the inspection, payment is due. We accept personal checks (made out to Sacramento Home Inspection Pros), cash, and all major credit cards. If you are unable to attend the inspection, we ask that you furnish us with your credit card information when scheduling your appointment. Your card will not be charged until the inspection is complete.
A thorough Inspection covers everything from the roof to the foundation.
Items that are included in the Inspection are as follows:
– Attic
– Insulation
– Ventilation
– Roof & Flashings
– Gutters
– Basement
– Crawlspace
– Foundation
– Grading
– Retaining Walls
– Siding & Trim
– Driveways & Walks
– Ceilings
– Floors
– Walls
– Doors & Windows
– Chimney
– Fireplace
– Major Appliances
– Electrical System
– Water Heater
– Plumbing System
– Air Conditioning
– Heating
Most Inspections take about three to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.
We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.
This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. A professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector’s instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.
You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.
Buyer’s Inspection
What is a Buyer’s Inspection?
A buyer’s inspection is a thorough assessment of a property by a licensed inspector, usually conducted at the request of a potential buyer during the home buying process. The inspection aims to identify any potential issues, defects, or safety hazards, enabling the buyer to make a more informed decision about their purchase or negotiate repairs with the seller.
Why is a Buyer’s Inspection Important?
A buyer’s inspection is essential for several reasons. It offers the buyer an unbiased evaluation of the property’s condition, uncovers any hidden problems or safety risks, and can be used to negotiate repairs or a price reduction with the seller. This information helps the buyer make an informed decision and avoid expensive surprises after the purchase.
When Should a Buyer’s Inspection be Scheduled?
Ideally, a buyer’s inspection should be scheduled after the buyer has made an offer on a property and the seller has accepted it, during the due diligence period. This time frame allows the buyer to assess the property’s condition and negotiate any necessary repairs or adjustments to the purchase price before finalizing the sale.
Pre-Listing Inspection
What is a Pre-Listing Inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is a comprehensive assessment of a property conducted by a certified home inspector before it is listed for sale. The goal is to identify any potential issues or repairs that may be needed, which can help homeowners address problems proactively and increase the chances of a smooth sale.
Why Should Homeowners Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection?
Homeowners should consider a pre-listing inspection for several reasons. Firstly, it can help uncover any hidden problems, allowing the homeowner to make repairs or improvements before listing the property. This can prevent surprises during the buyer’s inspection, reduce the chances of a deal falling through, and increase the likelihood of receiving higher offers from potential buyers who appreciate a well-maintained home.
Secondly, a pre-listing inspection can also give homeowners an edge in a competitive market by providing an independent assessment of the property’s condition, which can help differentiate it from other properties for sale. This can help attract more buyers and ultimately lead to a quicker sale at a higher price.
What Does a Pre-Listing Inspection Typically Cover?
A pre-listing inspection typically covers all major components of a home, including the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, windows and doors, and the overall structural integrity of the property. It also examines the interior and exterior of the home for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or safety concerns.
Commercial Inspections
What is a commercial inspection and why is it important?
A commercial inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of the structural, mechanical, and electrical components of commercial properties to assess their safety, functionality, and overall condition. Commercial inspections are vital for a variety of reasons, including ensuring that the building is up to code, identifying potential problems, and protecting the investments of buyers, sellers, and property owners.
Which components are typically inspected during a commercial inspection?
A commercial inspection typically covers a broad range of components, including the building’s structure, foundation, roofing, HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing, fire safety equipment, exterior and interior surfaces, parking facilities, and any other site-specific features.
Who performs commercial inspections and what qualifications should they have?
Commercial inspections are typically carried out by professional inspectors who specialize in commercial property assessments. These inspectors should have relevant certifications, such as the International Code Council (ICC) Commercial Building Inspector certification, and extensive experience in inspecting various types of commercial properties.
Thermal Imaging
What is thermal imaging, and how does it work?
Thermal imaging is a technology that allows us to visualize the heat emitted by objects in the form of infrared radiation. It works by using specialized cameras, called thermal imagers or infrared cameras, which can detect the subtle differences in temperature of the objects in their field of view. These cameras then convert the invisible infrared radiation into a visible thermal image, where different colors represent different temperature levels.
What are some common applications of thermal imaging?
Thermal imaging has a wide range of applications across various industries. Some common applications include:
- Building inspection: Detecting heat loss, insulation issues, and moisture problems.
- Electrical and mechanical systems: Identifying overheating components and potential failure points.
- Wildlife monitoring and conservation: Observing nocturnal animals and tracking their movements.
- Surveillance and security: Enhancing visibility in low-light or dark conditions.
- Medicine: Diagnosing inflammation and circulatory problems.
- Firefighting: Locating the source of fires and identifying hotspots.
- Automotive: Assisting drivers with night vision and obstacle detection.
Can thermal imaging cameras see through walls?
Thermal imaging cameras cannot see through walls like X-ray technology. However, they can detect heat signatures emitted by objects behind a wall if the wall is thin or has poor insulation. This can be useful for identifying hidden electrical problems, plumbing issues, or even the presence of pests.