Hart Home Inspection Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a professional, thorough, visual examination of all the major structural and mechanical systems of a home in order to identify existing or potential problems affecting a clients decision to purchase it.

2. Why do I need a home inspection?
A home is usually the largest single purchase most people ever make. It is just common sense to find out as much as possible about the property before you are committed. Our intent is to help you avoid surprise problems and costly repairs with your new house. Included are maintenance requirements and tips so that you can keep your house operating efficiently. A professional inspection helps you identify all the systems and components of your new house. If you are planning to sell your house it can help you identify potential problems that will be discovered by a purchasers inspector. You can then take the necessary steps to make repairs before they cause problems during negotiations.

3. What does a home inspection include?
The standard inspection includes all the major structural and mechanical systems of the house. It includes the examination and condition report of the roof, exterior components, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning system, attic space, interior components, doors and windows.

4. Do I need to be there during the inspection?
It is not necessary for you to attend the inspection but it is highly recommended. There is much to learn about your new house and the inspector can show you things such as the location of the water shut off, gas shut off, furnace filters, etc., and provide maintenance tips about your homes systems. The inspector can answer questions you may have as he progresses through the inspection process. You will reap the most benefit by attending the inspection.

5. How long does the inspection take?
The average time is about 3 hours. The time will vary depending upon the size and condition of the house. Houses in poor condition, with additional mechanical systems, or larger in size will take extra time.

6. What if the inspection uncovers problems?
All houses have defects of some type. It is the intent of the inspection to advise you of those defects and the extent of the repairs that are needed in order to correct them. It is your decision how those needed repairs will affect your purchase. Usually needed repairs are negotiated with the seller to have them repaired prior to closing the deal. Occasionally the seller will issue a credit for those repairs so that you may have them repaired by contractors of your choosing.

7. Can I do the inspection myself?
Selecting the right home inspector is as important as finding the right home. Because of the many systems and components in houses, professional inspectors have extensive training and knowledge. A professional inspector brings an impartial, unbiased opinion with no emotional involvement in the decision. By choosing Hart Home Inspection, Inc., an ASHI Member, you are assured of a professional who has performed thousands of fee paid home inspections. They have passed written examinations testing their knowledge of residential construction, defect recognition, inspection techniques, and report writing as well as ASHI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Membership is maintained only by meeting annual continuing education requirements. Membership requirements for ASHI exceed most state licensing requirements. Since there are no current licensing requirements for home inspectors in the state of Florida, make sure you choose Hart Home Inspection, Inc., an ASHI Member, as your inspector.

8. Do new homes need to be inspected?
A professional inspection of a new home can spot potential problems while they are still visible and easily corrected. There are times during the construction process at which inspections are invaluable. The two most common times are just before concrete is poured and just before interior walls are covered with drywall. A third, final inspection will check the finished product and operation of the installed systems.

9. Will you make the repairs you find are needed during the inspection?
No. The Code of Ethics of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) prohibits an inspector from performing any repairs on property they have inspected. This avoids any conflict of interest by the inspector. We are home inspection professionals whose expertise is in evaluating residential structures. We do not do any repairs or recommend contractors.

10. How much does an inspection cost?
Inspection fees are based on a variety of factors including the size of the house, number of rooms, number of mechanical components, etc. We will be glad to provide you with a free quote by calling the office at 941-488-5559, or by emailing the property information and your phone number and we will call you back with the quote.