Frequently Asked Questions

612-387-8318

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. The inspection will include a written report with photographs and recommendations. For more details, you can read what is included in a typical inspection or you can download the InterNACHI Standards of Practice.

Should I be present during the inspection?

You are definitely welcome to be present for the inspection. I encourage you to be there if you can. It is a great opportunity for you to learn about your home and to see how the inspection process works. If you cannot be there for the entire inspection, I strongly encourage you to at least attend the final hour for a walk-through of the property. It will give me a chance to point out any concerns and also to answer any questions you might have.

How long will an inspection take?

Typically an inspection will take three to four hours, depending on the size of the house. The age and condition of the house may also affect the inspection time.

When should I schedule my home inspection?

Before you sign a purchase agreement, make sure to make it contingent upon having the home inspected by a professional home inspector. Any contingency clause should include clear guidelines as to the timeframe of the inspection. You should then contact an inspector as soon as possible to avoid any possible scheduling conflicts. I can usually schedule an inspection within 24 to 48 hours.

When will I receive my inspection report?

I will have a report ready for you within 24 hours. I will e-mail a report in PDF form so you can see it right away, and I will mail a hard-copy of the report along with your home maintenance guide so you will have a copy for your records. I will usually be able to have the hard-copy in the mail within 48 hours. I can meet you to hand-deliver the report if my schedule permits. I always recommend doing this if you are not able to attend the inspection, so we can go over the report together.

What if you find problems with my new home?

The reality is that most homes do have some problems. It is very likely that I will be pointing out all sorts of things that are wrong with the new home that you fell in love with. Most of the time, however, these issues are mostly maintenance issues and generally speaking are considered minor. It’s important to keep this in perspective. Part of my job as a home inspector is to arm you with the knowledge to keep small problems from becoming big ones.

If your new home does have serious issues that are discovered during the inspection, relax. Often times, even the biggest problems have solutions. My best recommendation to you is to look over the report with your realtor. They have dealt with these issues before. I encourage you to read this article about what really matters.

What if I have questions after the inspection?

If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me. I will try to answer any questions you may have after the inspection or at any time in the future.

What areas do you cover?

I inspect homes in Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding suburbs. Anything outside the Twin Cities metro area will have an added charge and may have scheduling restrictions.

When is payment due?

Payment is due at or before the time of the inspection. All major credit cards will be accepted. If paying by personal check, payment must clear before the inspection can be performed.

How can I schedule my home inspection?

Just give me a call at 612-387-8318 or send me an e-mail. I can usually schedule your inspection within 48 hours.

Inspecting homes in the greater Twin Cities area.