FAQ
- Q?What is a Home Inspection?
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A.
The home buying process can be confusing and stressful. Not only do you need to consider things such as price and location, you also have to worry about whether the house itself has any hidden problems that could become costly surprises down the road.
As professional Home Inspectors, its our job to look for those hidden problems for you. The Home Inspection is an unbiased, professional assessment of the condition of the house. It provides you an expert opinion and professional report on the condition of the physical structure and various systems within a house. Giving you peace of mind on what is likely the largest purchase you’ll ever make.
- Q?Do I need an Engineer or a Home Inspector?
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A.
You need a home inspector. When you hire a home inspector, you are hiring an experienced professional who has training and experience in the building industry. It is the job of the home inspector to not only evaluate the condition of the house’s major systems and structural integrity, but also to evaluate how these systems are working together and identify areas that need to be watched, repaired or replaced.
- Q?Do I need to be present at the home inspection?
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While it’s not required it’s highly recommended that you be present throughout the inspection process. Our inspection not only includes identifying issues that are found in the inspection but is also an education of how your home operates. By taking a proactive approach you will save money in the long run by knowing how to properly run and maintain your new home. Why spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars later when most of the time spending a small amount of money now will take care of most issues? Throughout the inspection process we show you how to maintain your home and offer solutions to minor problems that will most likely turn into big problems down the road.
- Q?How long does the home inspection take?
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The time will vary depending on the size and condition of the house. Three hours is the average time for the average size home but may take longer depending on the condition of the home.
- Q?What is typically found during a home inspection?
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No house is perfect. Even the best built and best maintained homes will always have a few items in less than perfect condition. Click here to see some of the items we typically see when inspecting a home in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs.
- Q?Do I need a house inspection when my bank is having the home appraised?
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Yes! A house appraisal is an independent evaluation of the current market value of a house or property. In general, the purpose of an appraisal is to set the current value of a house so that a lender may determine how much it can loan to the buyer. The appraiser looks at similar properties in the area and the prices at which they were sold to set the value of the house.
A house inspector conducts a thorough evaluation of the houses major systems and structural integrity. Whereas the appraiser is typically working for the bank, the house inspector is working for you. The house inspector identifies items that need replacement or repair prior to closing, which can save you thousands of dollars.
U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development (HUD) requires buyers sign a Consumer Notice advising them to get a house inspection in addition to a house appraisal before purchasing a house with a FHA mortgage. Additionally, HUD now allows homebuyers to include the costs of appraisal and inspection in their FHA mortgage.
