The short answer is yes. Once your inspection is complete, your inspector will reviewthe highlightsof the inspection with you on-site. This will makewhattheyhavediscoveredclearerto you and allow them to take you on a tour of the location of majoritems like the electrical panel, attic access, and water and gas shut-offs. If you are unable to attend the inspection, you will still receive a complete report with your inspector's comments, and we suggest scheduling a phone consultation to discuss the findings and any questions you have about the report. However, we wouldprefer that you alsoattend the inspections with your real estate agent.
What is a home inspection?
A licensed home inspector performs a detailed visual examination of a property's condition without causing any damage to the property. This generally happens during the due diligence period when the inspection corresponds to a real estate transaction. Sellers can also have an inspection performed before they place a home on the market. The NC Home Inspector Licensing Board enforces extremely strict standards that inspectors must follow. During the home purchasing process, most people get a home inspection to determine the property's condition and identify any needed repairs. Home inspections may not be mandatory, but buyers should strongly consider them to prevent costly future issues. This link provides detailed information about the items checked during a home inspection.
How Much does a home inspection cost?
Costs vary based on the size, age, condition and location of the home. A 2,000 square foot home costs about $425 for a basic inspection. This does not include any additional services you may choose, like well water tests, septic inspection, pest inspection or detached garages and buildings. See Our Rates here.
How long does an inspection take?
Most inspections take 3–4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the home. Our inspectors take as much time as necessary to give you a full picture of the condition of the home.
What do home inspectors look for?
Because home inspectors are generalists they possess working knowledge about each system within your home. Home inspectors use nonintrusive visual techniques to analyze every system in a house. They check to confirm that all systems function correctly according to their design. Specialized inspections become necessary for certain areas like wells, pools, septic systems, and pest problems. The following document enumerates each system that undergoes evaluation in a standard home inspection. NC Home Inspection Licensing Board: Scope of Inspection
Are there things home inspectors are not allowed to do?
Home Inspectors don't: Repair or Modify:
Inspectors aren't allowed to fix any issue they find while inspecting. This avoids a conflict of interest and allows their examination to remain unbiased.
Guarantee or Warranty
They can't promise anything about the future condition of the home or systems (e.g., "This roof will last 10 more years").
A home inspection is an examination of the existing condition of the home, not a prediction.
Check Places They Can't Reach Safely
Inspectors won't go where they can't safely reach, like crawl spaces with limited access, steeply pitched roofs, or basements with water on the floor. Review Preparing For an Inspection tab under the FAQ section of our website.
Evaluate Specialty Systems Inspectors don't check or certify specialized systems, such as:
Septic systems
Pools or spas
Irrigation systems
Chimneys or fireplaces (with the exception of a visual inspection)
Solar panels
Wells
Test for Environmental Hazards They do not check for:
Asbestos
Lead paint
Mold (except for visible signs)
Termites or other pests (except licensed to do so in some states)
These tests typically require special certifications or services.
Make Real Estate or Financial Decisions
Inspectors don't advise buyers whether to purchase the home or its value. Your real estate agent will be more than willing to help you with this situation.
Enforce Code Compliance
Inspectors are not code inspectors. While they will identify safety concerns, they do not certify that the house is compliant with local building codes.
Move Personal Items or Furniture
Inspectors will not move furniture, rugs, or stored items to access areas of the house (e.g., walls, floors, or electrical panels). Please see the Preparing For an Inspection in the FAQ section of our website.
Predict Lifespan of Systems
Though they may estimate the age of items like the roof or HVAC, they cannot realistically predict how long they will remain as intended.
Make Cosmetic Judgments
Inspectors are not concerned with cosmetic issues (e.g., paint color, aging finishes) unless they indicate hidden defects such as water damage or structural deficiencies.
As a seller, What can i do to prepare for my home inspection?
For Sellers: Preparing the Home for Sale
Provide Easy Access - Allow the inspector easy access to key areas, including: attic and crawl spaces, electric panels, furnace and water heaters, under sinks, plumbing, garage and basement.
Turn on all utilities: if power, water or gas are off at the time of inspection, it will delay closing.
Check All Systems and Appliances - Verify that all are functioning, including: lights and outlets, faucets and toilets (for leaks), HVAC systems (heat and air), smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and appliances included with the home
Perform Minor Repairs - Repair small, obvious issues , including: leaky faucets or running toilets, loose handrails, non-working or broken lightbulbs, sticking doors or windows
Label Systems and Shutoffs - Label water shutoffs, gas valves, and electrical panels for the inspector.
Secure Pets - Move pets out of the house or put them in a closed-off room that won't need to be inspected.
Be Flexible with Scheduling - Consider leaving home while the inspection is being conducted, which can take 2–4 hours.
What happens if my home inspector finds issues?
Items found during the inspection that need to be addressed should be repaired by a licensed professional. Buyers should work with their real estate agents to negotiate with the seller for repairs or request a price reduction before the due diligence period has expired.
Should i get a home inspection for a newly constructed home?
Yes, it is a good idea to have your house inspected even if it is newly built. When building a house, many things are happening, and there is a possibility that even the best builders could overlook something. Your house is one of your largest investments. It is required to identify flaws like crooked doors and windows, dripping pipes, slow drains, etc., which may cause astronomical repair costs years later. Identifying any flaws before closing on your home guarantees they will be repaired by the builder. Our home inspectors are employed by you. We examine every system in a house to ensure they are safe and working properly.
my home warranty is about to expire. Should I get it inspected?
Yes, it is a good idea to have your home inspected a few months before your warranty expires. Small defects like plumbing leaks, HVAC issues or foundation cracks only appear once they have been used on a daily basis. An inspection can help identify any issues now that may become larger, more expensive issues in the future. We suggest having your home inspection a few months before the end of the warranty period to give you time to submit claims and repairs complete while the home is still under warranty.
What is covered during a home inspection
The list below is not inclusive, but meant to provide a general guideline of the systems that will be analyzed during the home inspection.
Roofing - inspect the condition of the roofing material including missing, damaged, or worn roofing materials, flashings and seals around chimneys, skylights and vents.
Foundation - inspect for horizontal, vertical, or stair-step cracks in walls or floors , peers and posts that might indicate shifting or settling. We also inspect for signs of water intrusion in basements and crawlspaces such as damp spots, organic growth and efflorescence.
Framing - inspect visible framing in attics, basements, or crawl spaces for proper construction methods, damage and/or deterioration. We also inspect support beams and joists for cracks, notches, or other compromises in the wood or metal framing to ensure the structural stability of the home.
Electrical - inspect the electrical service panel for proper grounding, labeling, secure connections, and matching circuit breakers. We inspect the visible wiring for exposed, frayed, or outdated wiring. Electric outlets and switches are inspected for proper grounding, polarity, functionality and the presence of GFCI functionality where required.
Plumbing - we test the plumbing system supply and drain lines for "functional flow" which basically means to run water through the system. This ensures sinks, tubs, and showers drain properly without backups, and helps to find leaks that may not be in plain sight. We inspect the water heater for leaks, rust and proper installation along with all other fixtures and appliances (such as dishwasher, toilets, etc)
Drainage - we inspect gutter downspouts, sump pumps, French drains and the grading around the home to ensure water drains away from the home. As part of the inspection, we look for signs of poor drainage like erosion, water stains or water standing around the home.
HVAC - we operate and inspect the heating and cooling systems for signs of wear, rust, and proper operation. However, we do not operate A/C units in the winter, because it can damage the compressor unit. We inspect the ductwork for leaks or damage and adequate air flow, and test the air temperature at a register in each room along with the home air filters.
Exterior - includes a complete inspection of the home's exterior cladding, decks and porches. We analyze these locations for deterioration of wood and metal materials, proper installation and the stability of the structure.
Appliances - we test and inspect all built in appliances for proper mounting and operation.
As a buyer, what can i do to prepare for the inspections
For Buyers: Preparing for the Inspection Review Home Inspection Agreement/Contract - Understand what is and isn't included in the inspection. Communicate Expectations with the Seller - have your realtor speak to the buyer's realtor to prepare the home for inspection. Review the AS A SELLER, WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR THE INSPECTION in the FAQ section of this website. Create a Checklist - List specific areas or concerns you would like the inspector to address (e.g., a sagging roof, strange odors, or foundation cracks). Your inspector will look at every part of the house, but your checklist will remind you to have particular areas discussed during the walk-through. Show Up for the Inspection - While not required, attending allows you to ask questions, see things firsthand, and better comprehend the inspector's findings. At least, attend the end of the inspection so your inspector can guide you through their findings. Bring Tools for Notes - Bring a notebook, pencil, and phone or camera to take notes or record questions or observations during the inspection. Be Realistic - Understand there is no such thing as a perfect home. Pay special attention to issue impacting safety, functionality or worth over cosmetic issues. a perfect home.
