Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
1. What does your inspection cover?
Each home inspection typically involves a detailed visual (non-invasive) inspection of the following:
Siding, Foundations, Grading Around the Home, Exterior Brick, Insulation, Doors and Windows, Roof, Ceilings, Walls and Moldings, Porch/Deck, Plumbing, Water Heater, Furnace/Air Conditioning, Garage, Basement, Attic, Driveways/Sidewalks, Electrical Systems, Heating Ducts, Water Pump, Dishwasher, Stove/Cooktop/Ovens, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, and In-ground Swimming Pools (additional fees may apply).
Please view our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?
Just as we can all think back to some horrible “veteran” teachers from our high school days, years of experience don’t necessarily mean an inspector is completely thorough and professional. When you choose New Leaf, you choose inspectors specifically trained in home inspection, not just someone with “construction” experience. We maintain affiliations with some of the best training resources in the industry and regularly engage in continuing education. Our inspection team has decades of general construction experience, but it is our service to our customers, specialized focus and eye for inspection that, we believe, sets our team apart from the rest. Want to check our references, just ask! Or, check out our “Testimonials” page for a continually updated list of our most recent satisfied customers.
3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?
Our company not only has experience in residential inspection, it is the foundation and focus of our business. Our company began with a passion for helping new homeowners, and that same passion is our focus today.
4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?
We absolutely do not provide repairs or any other service that might be construed as a conflict of interest. Be wary of any inspector who provides both a “service” and a “solution”. Our focus lies solely on testing and inspection. Should we recommend radon mitigation, mold remediation, or any other repairs, we will gladly return and re-inspect upon your own contractor’s completion of the project. We work for you and will never receive “incentives” kickbacks or any other referral benefits for suggesting a specific contractor.
Note: In Pennsylvania, home inspectors are prohibited from performing repairs on the same house we have inspected within the preceding 12 months. If an inspector offers to fix something for a few bucks on the side, run the other way!
5. How long will the inspection take?
A typical inspection takes 2-3 hours for the average home. Larger homes or more complex structures, outbuildings, etc. all add some additional time. Once the on-site inspection is complete, we take our photos and information back to the office to complete your detailed inspection report. In most cases, you’ll receive your customized report (as a .pdf) in your e-mail in-box the following morning in time to peruse it over your morning coffee(s). We’ll also mail or hand deliver a hard copy free of charge. Put it your family photo album if you’d like!
6. How much will it cost?
Just as the cheapest inspection is inappropriate for such a large purchase, the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best either. Please feel free to call us about pricing, and you’ll find that we’re probably pretty average. Many of our services fall into the average price range, but the additional time spent on your report (vs. those on-site guys with “printer-in-the-van capability”) offers a lower cost for the hours we spend on your inspection. Just as a frame of reference, our base rate for an inspection starts at $300, and in addition to time spent at the actual home, we’ll spend about two additional hours on your report back at our office.
7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?
Our inspection reports are based on PalmTech’s reporting software. Each customized report contains a narrative for each area inspected explaining what looks good (and what doesn’t) as well as safety issues. All these visual observations and commentary are backed up by color photos in the report. If pictures say a thousand words, you’ll receive a personalized novel as an overview of your home’s condition. To see a sample report, please click here.
8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?
Absolutely! In fact, doing the walk through with us will give you a better idea of how your home functions as a system. We’ll point out the positive attributes as well as points of concern or areas to monitor. Just as you wouldn’t buy a home without seeing it up close, we can’t imagine a quality inspection without the chance to teach you a few things about your purchase and answer your questions.
9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?
New Leaf Home Inspection maintains memberships and professional affiliations with several respected organizations in the industry. Our current memberships & affiliations include American Home Inspector Training (AHIT), Environmental Solutions Association (ESA), and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). We also carry general liability and errors & omissions insurance as required by PA law.
10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?
Our inspection team regularly participates in continuing education through each of our affiliated organizations. As science & technology continue to change our understanding of construction and what constitutes a healthy and safe home, our training and understanding of best practices will keep up with the latest trends.
See the Original U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development Questions List Here
