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Frequently
Asked Questions
Q:
How do I know if Seattle Home Inspections is the right inspection company for
me?
A: Call and ask about Seattle Home Inspections’s credentials and
expertise. Seattle Home Inspections wants you to feel confident that we are
qualified, experienced, and attentive of your needs before
you hire us.
Q:
What qualifications or credentials should an inspector
offer?
A: When choosing an inspector, begin by making sure they
licensed, bonded, and insured as well as a member of one or
more Building Inspector Associations, such as
NACHI
- National
Association of Certified Home Inspectors,
ASHI
- American
Society of Home Inspectors,
NSHI
- National
Society of Home Inspectors, or
NAHI
- National
Association of Home Inspectors. Besides having been in
general contracting for over 30 years, Seattle Home Inspections's certification
includes:
•
Certified Building Inspector by National Association of
Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
• Certified Building Inspector by North American
Associated Inspectors (NAAI)
• Certified by American Real Estate Inspectors
• Certified Exterior Insulation and Finish System
Inspector (EIFS)
• Certified Mold Inspector
• Certified Indoor Air Quality Inspector
• Washington State Department of Agriculture WSDA
Structural Pest Inspector # 68898
Q:
What will the inspection cover?
A: Seattle Home Inspections’s inspection covers all the major systems and
structural elements of the property. This includes the
condition, at the time of the inspection, of the property's
landscaping, siding, heating and air conditioning systems,
plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and
visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible
structure. For more information, see
Residential
Inspections,
Commercial Inspections,
Infrared
Inspections, Pest
Inspections, and Mold
Inspections.
Q:
How long will the inspection take?
A: The time varies, depending on the size, age, and
condition of the property. Most inspections take between two
to three hours but for more expansive or older properties,
or if additional services (such as
infrared,
mold, air quality, or
pest inspections) were
requested, it may take longer.
Q:
Should I be present during the inspection?
A: Seattle Home Inspections recommendations that you are present at the site
of the inspection, from start to finish. This allows you to
observe the inspection and ask questions as you learn about
the condition of the property. Seattle Home Inspections will explain how the
property’s systems work, how to maintain those systems and
components, and what potential issues may need repair. For
first time buyers, Seattle Home Inspections takes extra
time on this so the new
property owner will be fully aware of the functionality and
maintenance.
Q:
What if I have questions after the inspection?
A: You can call Seattle Home Inspections and discuss all the aspects of the
property whenever you like. Seattle Home Inspections’s service is a long-term
investment.
Q:
Why do I need an inspection?
A: A building inspection assesses the condition of a
property, points out the need for repairs, and identifies
areas that may need attention in the immediate future. For a
buyer, having a good understanding of the condition of a
property is crucial to making informed decisions during a
real estate transaction. An inspection may help prevent
problems in the future by identifying deferred maintenance
issues that, if left unchecked, could develop into expensive
problems.
Q:
Can't I do it myself?
A: There is no legal requirement to have a building
inspection. However, a
professional building inspector has
the experience, depth of knowledge, training, and
specialized tools and equipment to evaluate the property. Seattle Home Inspections is familiar with the many elements of
residential and
commercial construction and their proper installation and
maintenance. We understand how the structure's systems and
components are intended to function together, as well as how
and why they fail. We have both training and experience in
recognizing potential problems and are uniquely suited to
interpret what the findings reveal about the condition of
the property. Also, as a third party, Seattle Home Inspections is unbiased and
can provide an objective report on the condition of a
property. The results are documented in a report that is
easily understood by all concerned parties.
Q:
What if the report reveals problems?
A: When the inspectors identify problems, it does not
indicate you should or should not continue with the real
estate transaction. The findings serve to educate you in
advance about the condition of the property. A seller may
adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major
problems are discovered during an inspection. Or, the seller
may agree to make the repairs prior to close of escrow. If
your budget is tight, or if you do not want to take on
future repair work, the information gained from a
thorough home inspection is especially valuable in your decision making.
Q:
What does an inspection cost?
A: Seattle Home Inspections’s uses a highly competitive flat fee structure
for home building inspections of properties of 3,000 sq. ft.
or less. For larger properties, the fee will vary, depending
on the square footage. Seattle Home Inspections prices
commercial inspections
based on the criteria of the property: square footage,
number of buildings, accessibility, structure, and other
unique factors of the property. Seattle Home Inspections also provides
Infrared,
Mold, Air Quality, and
Pest Inspections for a nominal fee.
Please call 206-782-8969 for more details.
Q:
Why is knowing the condition of the property so important?
A: The condition of the property can have a huge
financial impact on the purchase decision. Real estate
prices have changed substantially over the years and so has
the cost of home repairs. Today's buyer must consider not
only the cost of buying the property, but also the cost of
owning and maintaining it. Nothing can be more devastating,
both emotionally and financially, than to purchase a
property, only to face thousands of dollars in unexpected
repair costs.
Q:
What does a building inspector do?
A: A
professional, well-trained inspector can provide
you with the information you need to make an informed
purchase decision and a good investment. A comprehensive
inspection report will detail the property's condition
including the heating and cooling systems, the plumbing and
electrical systems, the roof and siding, as well as the
framing and foundation. In addition, many inspectors will
provide or can arrange for additional
environmental
inspection services
that may be required or desired. For a sample report
click here.
Q:
Once I have a building inspection, then what do I do?
A: After the inspection, you can complete your real
estate transaction with confidence. This valuable
information gives you the ability to factor any needed
repair costs into the purchase equation. In the end, a
professional well-trained building inspector can provide you
with peace of mind that you've made a sound and intelligent
investment decision or know that the buyers of your property
had all the findings of the inspection disclosed and thus
avoid potential legal and financial headaches.
Q:
Does a building inspection come with a warranty or a
guarantee?
A: No. An inspection is a written professional opinion
of the condition of the property at the time of the
inspection and the inspection itself is limited to what is
visibly accessible at the time. Seattle Home Inspections cannot predict or
forecast the life expectancy of currently working systems.
Q:
What if the inspection uncovers issues?
A: Seattle Home Inspections’s report will tell you the condition of the
property at the time of the inspection, including any needed
repairs. No property will be perfect. It is up to you to
decide whether any issue the inspection uncovers might
affect your decision to buy or sell. You may also try
negotiating with the seller to have problem areas repaired
before closing the deal or perhaps the seller will lower the
price or offer terms that are more favorable. Part of your
Realtor's job is to help you decide the best course of
action for your transaction. In the end, the decision is
yours, but knowing about potential issues before you buy
gives you the power to negotiate and make the best
decisions. For a sample report
click here.
Q:
Will you fix the issues you find during the Inspection?
A: Seattle Home Inspections does not do any repair work on properties
inspected. This is for your benefit as it assures that there
will never be a conflict of interest by the inspector.
Seattle Home Inspections’s purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third
party report on the condition of the property at the time of
the inspection.
Q:
Will I get an inspection report on site?
A: A report is generated on site using the latest
technology to ensure that the client and realtor have the
report in a timely manner. This includes digital photos of
any deficiencies as well as a home house manual.
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