What to Expect During a Home Inspection

What is a Certified Home Inspection ?

A  home inspection is an examination of the physical structure and systems  of a home, which provides a detailed “snapshot” of the condition of the  home on the day of the inspection. A home inspection helps to reduce  some of the risk involved in purchasing a home, but it cannot eliminate  these risks, nor can the home inspection anticipate future events or  changes in performance due to changes in use or occupancy. The home  inspection will cover any potential health and safety issues as well as  areas in need of repair or replacement. If you are in the process of  buying a house, townhouse, condominium, etc. you should have it properly  inspected before the final purchase. 

How the Home Inspection Process Works

Depending  on the size of your home, most inspections typically last between 3-4 hours.  We will document and photograph defects and the general condition in a  thorough, easy to understand, home inspection report. The report will be emailed within 24 hours after the inspection. After we complete your  inspection, we will walk you through the property pointing out the critical areas identified in the report.


Home Buyer’s Guide  http://www.com.ohio.gov/documents/real_HomeBuyersGuide.pdf

Sample Home Inspection Report

This is a sample of the report that you will get when we do your home inspection. 

Sample Rerport (pdf)

Download

What Really Matters In a Home Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspectioins

Why do I need a home inspection?

  • Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you'll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection report may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence. The cost of home inspection services are a very smart decision to ensure a safe and secure home.     


Can I do it Myself?

  • Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.   

When Should I call a home inspector?

  • Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. How ever you can have the inspection done be for you sign anything with the seller this will help you to make a informed dissection on the homes conditions be for you sign a contract or purchase agreement.         

What if the report reveals problems?

  • No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don't want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.  If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?  Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You'll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will have that information for future reference.   

Do I have to be there?

  • While it's not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.      

Our Home Inspector Promise to You

You're ready to make one of the most important decisions in your life.

  •  Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make in a life time. A home inspection is a key component in making an informed buying decision to minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected problems, you'll want to learn as much as you can about home before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence. Whether you're buying, selling or building your next home, you need a thorough Home Inspection to insure that you've made the right choice. With so much on the line, you shouldn't have to settle for anything less than the best home inspection service and most complete property inspection report.


  
Our Promise to You 

  • Choosing the right home inspector can be difficult.  Unlike most  professionals, you probably will not get to meet us until after you hire  us. Furthermore, different inspectors have varying qualifications,  equipment, experience, reporting methods, and, yes, different pricing.  One thing for sure is that a home inspection requires work  a lot of  work.  Ultimately, a thorough inspection depends heavily on the  individual inspector’s own effort.  If you honor us by permitting us to  inspect your new home, I guarantee that we will give you our very best  effort.  This we promise you. 

Rebecca & Roger Hicks Certified Home Inspectors 
 FairPrice Home Inspections