FAQ's
What's an Inspection?An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, mobile home, apartment, or townhouse, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.
The purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect -- both indoors and out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident.
The inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.
As a seller, if you have owned your building for a period of time, an inspection can identify potential problems in the sale of your building and can recommend preventive measures that might avoid future expensive repairs.What Should Be Expected From an Inspection?
You should expect to know of any visible defects in the home and its components. The home inspector should be capable of recognizing and describing a defective component that was accessible or not working properly, and needs troubleshooting by that type of trade professional. He or she should be judgmental in gauging whether or not the component has a problem. Any part of the home that is accessible including crawl spaces, attics, and roofs should be inspected, or stated why it wasn't.
The Inspection report should be easy to read and understand. The inspector should be available to go over the report with you and answer any questions you have. What may be the most important expectation of all is for the inspector to earn your trust, answer your questions, and earn his or her fee.What should not be expected from an Inspection?
Home inspections are not to protect you against failures of components. For instance, components like air conditioners, built-in appliances, and heat systems can and will break down. And when they do break down, the components are unaware of when a home inspector looked at them last.
In other words, a home inspection tells you the condition of the component at the time of inspecting the component. A home inspection should cover all the major components in the home, or state what component was not inspected. But a home inspector cannot see inside walls. He cannot inspect a component and predict what day next week or in what year the component will fail, need repairs, or replacement.What Does an Inspection Include?
A complete inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.When Do I Request an Inspector?
The best time to consult the inspector is right after you've made an offer on your new building. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to inspect the building. Ask your professional agent to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection.Can a Building "FAIL" the Inspection?No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs, replacement, or adjustment.
What If the Report Reveals Problems?
If the inspector finds problems in a building, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. If your budget is tight, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you. The choice is yours.
Did I Really Need an Inspection, If the Report Was Favorable?Definitely! Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You may have learned a few things about your property from the inspection report, and will want to keep that information for your future reference. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy your new home or building the way you want.
Can I Inspect the Building Myself?Even the most experienced building or homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector who has inspected hundreds, and perhaps thousands of homes and buildings in their career. An inspector is equally familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and inter-relationships of these elements. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the building they really want, and this may lead to a poor assessment.
What Will the Inspection Cost?The inspection fee for a typical single-family house or commercial building varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a geographic area the inspection fees charged by different inspection services may vary depending upon the age, type of structure, size of the building, particular features of the building, etc. However, the cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a physical inspection.
You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to have the seller perform repairs based on significant problems revealed by the inspector. Consult your professional agent for guidance.
Should I Attend the Inspection?YES… Please join me! The home inspection will take approximately 2 1/2 hours for an average size house that is less than 25 years old. Although we move briskly, your questions are welcome. At the end of the inspection, you will be a more educated buyer and/or homeowner.
When an inspector encourages you to be there, this is a good sign you have found a good inspector. It is often helpful to be there so the inspector can explain things in person. But be sure to give the inspector time and space to concentrate and focus so he can do the best job possible for you.
However, it's not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea. By following the inspector through the inspection, observing and asking questions, you will learn about the new building and get some tips on general maintenance.
If you cannot attend then it is better to stay with the recommended inspector then change to another inspector just because of timing conflicts. A good inspector will do a thorough job without you, and will be glad to go over the report later on.Why Should I Retain a CREIA Inspector?
CREIA (California Real Estate Inspection Association) was established in 1976 in California as a non-profit voluntary professional association. CREIA has grown to over 800 members and candidates today. Members of CREIA are either owners or employees of professional building inspection companies. Many CREIA members have engineering, architectural, or technical backgrounds. Most members have had experience in various construction fields and are or have been building contractors.
CREIA's Standards of Practice and professional Code of Ethics provide the consumer with the assurance of quality and professionalism. CREIA has established a high 'standards of practice' for the inspection profession, which is used throughout the state to ensure the buyer who retains a CREIA member of a complete and detailed inspection and report.
Do not be fooled; look for the CREIA logo. Only inspectors who meet CREIA's rigorous professional and educational requirements may qualify as members. All members must abide by these standards and code of ethics. CREIA offers its members and candidates continuing education in the latest building technology, training, and materials to ensure the most professional inspection for the consumer.IF YOU WOULD LIKE A HOME INSPECTION IN THE
NAPA, SOLANO OR SONOMA COUNTIES:
CALL ALPINE-HOME BUYERS SERVICE TODAY!
For more information please call:
(707) 257-3000
Serving Napa, Sonoma and Solano Counties Since 1985
EMAIL: al@alpine-hbs.com