Frequently Asked Questions about Home Inspections
Here are just a few FAQs. However, we understand there might be further questions you have. Feel free to contact us and a team member would be happy to answer them for you.
Does it Matter Which Home Inspector I Hire?
Absolutely! Your house will likely be one of the largest investments in your life, it is important to find a knowledgeable and trustworthy inspector to provide an un-biased assessment of the property. In New Hampshire, a home inspector is required to be licensed and insured. You may think an inspector’s job looks simple. In reality, it’s extremely complex. Home inspection requires comprehensive technical knowledge of building systems and practices, which are always evolving. Premier Home Inspection Services, LLC is committed to providing YOU with a clear picture of the condition of the major systems in the house. Just because an inspector is licensed doesn’t mean they are actually familiar with all of the systems in your home! That is why all of our inspectors are Certified Master Inspectors.
Our goal is to have clients understand the house in exactly the same terms that we do at the end of the inspection. As you look to hire an inspector, ask what standards he, or she, adheres to. Premier Home Inspection Services, LLC has adopted the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards of Practice, as well as the Certified Master Inspector Code of Ethics.
Why Do Different Inspectors Charge Different Amounts?
There are a number of reasons for this one! Most importantly, not all inspectors and inspections are created equal.
- There are different levels of licensing and certifications. For example, the skill set required to be a licensed NH Home Inspector is much less than what is required to be a Certified Master Inspector (CMI®) which is the highest designation an inspector can have. At the time of this writing, there are over 700 licensed home inspectors in NH. Only 14 have been awarded the CMI designation (three work with Premier).
- Different inspectors use different types of equipment. We use high-tech instruments like thermal imaging cameras and electronic radon monitors (continuous radon monitors) and high-tech reporting software. These tools and the training how to use them properly far exceed the minimum requirements of a home inspection. Some inspectors use little more than a clipboard and a pencil.
- Inspectors have different backgrounds and training. Some inspectors have a background in the trades. Some have actually been trained as inspectors.
What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found, we will include a description of the problem, along with pictures, in a written report and may recommend further evaluation. As we look for significant issues that may affect your buying decision, we’ll come across a number of smaller items. We’ll discuss those and include them in our report; However, the goal is not to create a detailed maintenance or repair list.
Will You Tell Us When Something Does Not Meet Code?
A house inspection is NOT a code compliance inspection. Most existing homes will not comply with all requirements of current codes, as codes are updated regularly and various jurisdictions adopt different codes. It is more important to understand the logic behind the building codes, so that we can reference safety and performance issues in your home.
Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?
Before you close, you need to consider whether or not repairs are needed now and who’s going to pay for them. Nearly half of previously-owned houses have unexpected repairs that surface in the first six months of ownership.
How Long Does an Inspection Take?
A home inspection varies depending on the size of the house. Generally speaking, a typical inspection will take 2 – 3 hours.
We Are Thinking About Selling Our House, Why Should I Get A Pre-Listing Inspection?
Having a licensed home inspector inspect your property prior to listing it will help you get an accurate assessment of the property, which can help speed up the sale and generate a higher selling price. A pre-sale inspection may also head-off any potential lawsuits stemming from failure to disclose existing problems within your home.
Can a home inspection fail?
A house cannot fail a home inspection, just like you cannot technically fail a physical. The inspection is a visual exam to evaluate the overall condition of the home and help identify any components that will require repairs, replacement, or improvements for your safety.
How much does a home inspection cost?
The cost of a home inspection depends on a number of factors. The size of the home and whether there any outbuildings such as guest homes or barns that require evaluation by the inspector. Water testing and radon testing is typically not included in the price of the general inspection, as not everyone wants (or needs) these services, and those fees can vary depending on what parameters you would like us to test for. Septic system evaluations are an additional cost to the inspection.
Please contact us for a customized quote! We do not publish our prices on-line, as many of our competitors advertise they will beat anyone’s price. That’s not how we choose to do business, and after all, you get what you pay for.
Do I have to be at the home inspection?
No, your presence is not mandatory. However, we certainly encourage you to be in attendance, as it is our goal to have you understand the house in the same terms that we do at the end of the inspection. We include a lot of information in your inspection report, but it’s just not the same as being there. Most inspections take 2-3 hours, so please keep in mind the size of the home and and any other conditions (such as your personal schedule) that may factor into your decision to be there. It should go without saying – Please, under no circumstances should you rush your inspector – we are there for you and have your best interests in mind!