An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If you are thinking of buying a home, townhouse, condominium, manufactured home, or commercial building, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.  

A complete inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom, inside and out. The inspector evaluates and reports on the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.

The inspection fee for a typical single-family house or commercial building varies, based upon the size of the building, particular features of the building, age, type of structure, etc. However, the cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a physical inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to:

a) identify issues prior to listing your home (pre-listing inspection), 

b) have the seller perform repairs based on significant problems revealed by the inspector(Buyers Inspection), or 

c) catch smaller issues in your own home before they become larger, more costly repairs or replacements (Home health Inspection).

The purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect — both indoors and out — in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed 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 be able to make your decision confidently.

No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.

When the inspector finds defects in a building, it almost never means you shouldn’t buy it, but rather that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. If your budget is tight, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you. The choice is yours.

It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea to try to be there for the wrap-up at the end. By asking questions, whether in person or after you've received the inspection reports, you will learn about the building and get a thorough run down as well as some tips on general maintenance; Information that will be of great help to you after you’ve moved in.

No home, regardless of how well it is constructed, is totally free of defects. The construction of a house involves thousands of details, performed at the hands of scores of individuals. No general contractor can possibly oversee every one of these elements, and the very nature of human fallibility dictates that some mistakes and oversights will occur, even when the most talented and best-intentioned tradespeople are involved. It is also an unfortunate aspect of modern times that some builders/developers do not stand behind their workmanship and may not return to fix or replace defective components installed after the sale is complete.

We encourage home buyers entering into a contract for the building of their new dream house —whether it is custom or tract built — to retain the services of a professional home inspector during the construction of their new home. Homebuyers building their new dream house have many important decisions and considerations. They need to know that someone is looking out for them with independent, unbiased professional eyes.