Home Inspection Frequently Asked Questions

Our visual inspection is completed in accordance with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Regulations and includes the visible and accessible components of the following: Roofs Roof Drainage Systems Chimneys Exterior Siding and Components Decks, Porches, Balconies, and Patios Driveways and Walkways Lot Grading and Drainage Garages and Outbuildings Foundations Basements and Crawlspaces Structural Components Attics Insulation and Ventilation Walls, Ceilings, and Floors Doors and Windows Electrical Systems Electrical Fixtures Plumbing Systems Plumbing Fixtures Hot Water Systems Heating Systems Air Conditioning Systems Fireplaces Kitchens Installed Appliances Bathrooms

The inspection fee varies depending upon the size of the home, particular features, its age, and possible additional services. Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. Sometimes a low priced home inspection can be an indication that the inspector is new to the industry or an intern, performs home inspections part time or as a side line business, or may be completing many inspections in a day and, as a result, will not take the time and care to perform your inspection properly. Any missed defects as a result of a bargain or cheaply priced inspection could result in repair expenses amounting to much more than you saved in inspection fees. The inspector’s qualifications, including the inspector’s experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration. We are committed to providing a high quality inspection at real value to our clients.

We strive to complete your report as quickly as possible, but take great care in its completion. The report is available online in approximately 24 hours from the inspection. This gives us time to evaluate the information gathered and compile a comprehensive report complete with illustrations, pictures, and videos.

Free lifetime telephone and email consultations are included with all of our inspections. Our mission is to be a resource for our clients during and after the inspection. Whether it is an hour after we’ve completed the inspection or ten years after you’ve moved in we’ll always be there for you ready to provide answers to any questions or concerns.

While it is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended that you attend. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, where important safety shut offs are, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. It will also allow you to see the home through the inspector’s eyes and enhance your understanding of conditions discussed in the report.

We schedule one inspection a day so we are sure to have sufficient time to complete a thorough inspection and answer all of your questions. A typical home inspection will take 3 to 4 hours. Factors that influence inspection completion time include: - Size of the home - Age of the home - Major detached structures to be inspected - Condition of the home - Any crawlspaces that require crawling to inspect - Questions you may have

Many people question whether they need a home inspection when they are purchasing a brand new home. After all, the municipal inspectors have looked at the home during construction and the builder assures them that anything that is noted during the final walk-through will be addressed. The facts are that the municipal inspectors do not have time to do a complete inspection of each and every home that they are charged with and a full inspection is just not within the scope of what they do. Although most builders are willing to make corrections to defects that are brought to their attention, if the defects are not discovered, they cannot be remedied. Builders have numerous tradespeople and subcontractors working on each home. It is not uncommon that inexperienced workers are employed where a few years ago, the construction was performed by people with years of experience. There is a need for inspections of new construction. Defects can be discovered before they can create long-term problems. For example, a main floor bathtub drain that is never connected can flood a crawl space and create collateral damages to the wood framing . The purpose of the home inspection is to inform the buyer regarding the condition of the home, whether brand new or an antique home. This is accomplished by the performance of a thorough, comprehensive inspection by experienced home inspectors.

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge, training, and expertise of a professional home inspector who has seen thousands of homes with all types of issues and unique problems. An inspector is experienced not only with the operation of the many systems of the home and how they are maintained, but also with the red flags that indicate potential failure. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the home they purchasing, and this may affect their judgment. For the more accurate and complete information, it is best to obtain an unbiased third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.