Home Inspection FAQ - Everything You Were Too Afraid To Ask

As the best home inspection company in Palm Beach County, we often get questions about our services, with some of these queries repeating every once in a while. 

Although many people are familiar with the concept of home inspections, they don’t know anything about the intricate details. So, for convenience’s sake, here’s a home inspection FAQ you can consult every time you have a burning question about arguably the most important part of the real estate sales process. 

1. What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a home’s physical structure and its main systems, covering areas such as the roof and foundation. A professional inspection is performed by a qualified individual trained in identifying safety issues and defects on different types of properties. 

Because it uses a standardized method and is based on accurate observations, it’s used to inform homeowners and home buyers of the property’s condition.

2. At which point should you call a home inspector?

The custom in most real estate transactions is to hire a home inspector after signing a purchase agreement. Most stock contracts already include a provision for a professional home inspection, which makes the purchase contingent on the findings contained in the home inspection report. 

If not, include this provision, outlining all the minute details and conditions to which both parties must adhere. 

3. What areas does a home inspection cover?

Our third home inspection FAQ is pretty important as it’s something we hear often from potential clients. Here are some of the areas included in the report:

• Main structural components
• Exterior features, such as siding, porches, walkways, railings, balconies
• Roof 
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system
• HVAC system
• Interior features, such as walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, and stairs
  
  

4. How much does a home inspection cost?

It’s impossible to provide an accurate quote without considering additional factors like the size of the home, the time of the year, and the distance of the property from the inspector’s headquarters. An average home inspection may cost you a few hundred dollars, but considering how much money it can potentially save you in the long run, the price is negligible.

Keep in mind that many people also schedule other inspections such as radon, termite, or mold inspections to unlock a sizable discount. 

5. Why does the price vary between inspection companies?

A home inspection FAQ we routinely get has to do with the variations in price between different inspectors. Not every inspection company or inspector is the same as their education, experience, qualifications, and even ethics may vary.

While some inspectors offer cheap inspections that can be conducted very quickly, others take their sweet time to offer the highest degree of service possible. 

Just as you wouldn’t hire the cheapest surgeon, you also shouldn’t hire the cheapest home inspector. Considering a home may be the biggest financial decision in your life and a home inspection helps you accurately evaluate its condition, the price shouldn’t be your main concern. 

6. Can a home fail an inspection?

A home inspection is not a pass/fail kind of an affair. It’s simply an examination of the home’s current condition. It’s also worth noting that a home inspection is not an appraisal and you can’t expect the inspector to determine a property’s market value. 

A home inspector can only describe the condition of the home and report on which systems or components require repairs or a replacement. 

7. Do I have to attend the inspection?

While you’re legally not required to be present when the inspector evaluates the home, we recommend being there. Attending a home inspection provides you with the opportunity to observe the process and ask the inspector any questions about the home’s condition and how to properly maintain it. 

Still, don’t go overboard with the “interview” as you don’t want to interrupt the inspector while they’re carefully examining the property. 

Either way, you’ll receive a full inspection report in at least 24 hours (can be more if the home is particularly large). 

8. Are on-site reports accurate?

They are certainly useful, but generally not as good as a full report. The inspector on the scene may not have had the opportunity to research all the information - they certainly didn’t have the time to assess any of the photographic evidence they took during the inspection. 

9. Why schedule a home inspection?

As we previously hinted at, most homes are expensive nowadays and you need to do everything in your power to protect your investment. 

A home inspection can eliminate unpleasant surprises and help you sidestep any unexpected repairs. As such, it’s an essential part of purchasing both newly constructed and existing homes. After the inspector is done evaluating the property’s condition, you’ll receive all the information you need to make a confident decision on whether the home is worth your time and money. 

Sellers can also benefit from a home inspection as it can provide them the opportunity to address any problem areas before listing the home, helping facilitate the sales process. 

10. What if the inspection uncovers any problems?

The last home inspection FAQ on the list has to do with the scenario in which an inspector finds an issue. Keep in mind that this isn’t uncommon. There’s no perfect house and even if the report reveals something negative, it doesn’t mean you should pull out of the deal immediately. 

With a report in your hand, you know exactly what to expect in the future. If you have a limited budget or don’t feel like conducting any repairs after the sale, you can find another home or ask the seller to perform repairs before closing. Alternatively, you can also renegotiate the price, allowing you to do these repairs on your terms. 

Schedule an inspection now!

Although there are many home inspection companies out there, you deserve to work with the best. Operating in Palm Beach County, Guardian Angel Inspections is one of the names you’ll probably hear when you ask most active real estate agents for a recommendation. 

All our inspectors are certified, insured, and have a substantial amount of experience in the industry. Quite frankly, we can guarantee they won’t miss anything. 

Book a home inspection now - call 561-512-7854 or fill out our contact form to book an inspection.