FAQ
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is defined as a limited, visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building consisting of one to four dwelling units. It can sometimes, depending on the property and its location, include water, septic and air testing.
Here at Knight Home Inspection and Testing Services, LLC, we inspect the home much like a your primary care physician would inspect, you as a patient.
Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential “defects” that may affect a purchaser’s buying decision at the time of the inspection. We can only point out what we can see and explain them so that you understand them. We will, when necessary, explain what routine maintenance is needed to keep your home properly maintained. This information can help you to get the most benefit from the home inspection and provide you with a greater understanding of the systems that make up your home as well as how to maintain them.
Why do I need to get a home inspection?
By now you have probably realized…purchasing a home is one of the largest and scariest investments a person makes in their lifetime. It is important that you know what you are purchasing before making the choice by obtaining a home inspection. Every home, regardless of age from brand new to homes over 100 years old HAVE DEFECTS! The goal is to identify as many of these defects as is humanly possible. Often homes come with a variety of immediate needs that should be addressed by the seller rather than having you (potential buyer) take on the burden and obligation of these costs.
Whether there are plumbing problems, aging appliances or leaking roofs, there may be safety hazards in the home as well. There are hidden defects that may exist as well. To ensure that the home you are purchasing is safe for your family, a home inspection is a wise choice. While no inspector can see every issue that is apparent at the time of inspection, please know that I will make every conceivable effort to identify what issues I see at the time of inspection.
What does a typical home inspection cover?
A typical home inspection will assess all the major structural elements and systems within a home. These include:
- heating and cooling
- electrical
- plumbing
- roof coverings and structure
- foundation
- attic insulation
- Representative walls, doors, windows, and more.
You can see the full list of items I inspect and my Standards Of Practice here.
Our goal is to help you feel confident that a thorough home inspection investigation of the property is conducted to the best of our abilities given the circumstances of the home at the time of inspection.
How long does a home inspection usually take?
Depending on the size of your home, the property inspection will typically take anywhere between one – three hours for a 2,000-3,000 square foot home. Of course, for larger properties, the property inspection time will take much longer.
What if a problem is discovered during the home inspection?
If a problem is detected during the home inspection, I will note any visual issues at the time of inspection and note in the report you will receive. You can bring this to the attention of the seller and use it as a negotiating tool if you want. Most people use what is found in the home inspection report to help you get a lower price, or may allow you to require the seller to fix the problem before you make the purchase. As always, speak to your broker for any questions on that part of the process.
Do newly constructed homes also need a home inspection?
Absolutely. A professional property inspection of a new home built is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct and before the builder contract ends. As building professionals, we may find problem areas where a builder may have taken shortcuts or not followed good building practices. If it is “move-in ready”, we still typically find some areas that the builder or his subcontractors overlooked. In fact, most people are surprised at the number of deficiencies that their brand-new home has. In other cases, where the home builder had done due diligence in attention to detail, with good oversight of his subcontractors, a clean home inspection report will give the client more peace of mind that they won’t have to be trying to call the home builder back several times to fix things over the next year.
Is the Home Inspector trained to do inspections in my area?
Absolutely. I am licensed in NH and Massachusetts. In addition to being extensively trained for any job, I bring years of experience to every home and property inspection. Annually we are required to take continuing education classes to ensure we are up to date with regulations and other industry trends.
Do I need to attend the home inspection with the inspector?
No, you are not “required” to be present at your home inspection – but we do strongly encourage you to do so.
Most people find that it is a valuable learning experience, and being there will help get the most benefit from the home inspection. You can observe some of what the home inspection entails and will be able to ask questions to the home inspector and he can explain maintenance tips for specific areas as well. And though our home inspection reports are written to be easily understood, and will contain photos of some of the conditions as well, we feel you’ll be able to better understand the finished home inspection report and get the most benefit from it by also having been there during the home inspection.
If you have any further questions, contact us or call 603-759-7832 by phone or text.