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FAQs
At Underwriters' Choice Home Inspection we do our best to answer all of your questions. Below you will find a list of what we believe are the most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that have not been answered below, do not hesistate to contact us.
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A typical inspection should take 2 to 3 hours to complete. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be informed of the timeframe in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.
We inspect the major systems of the house. These include the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase.
Our typical fee for an inspection is $550.00. However, some factors will affect the fee. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best price.
- Complete home inspection conducted by an experienced professional.
- Comprehensive written home inspection report.
- Technical support for as long as you own your home.
We take exception with many of our colleagues in the inspection industry when we say, "We prefer that you do not". When something important is being inspected whether it be an FDA inspector inspecting cheese, an engineer inspecting a bridge, or us inspecting your home - we believe that an inspector best serves by giving 100% of their attention to the task at hand. At the end of the inspection we'll be glad to walk the property and point out all of our findings, explain the homes systems and answer questions if you so choose. Typically, we make a verbal presentation along with photos at the end of each inspection.
Absolutely! We will go over our findings at the end of the inspection and answer any and all questions about the property.
Of course.
You do receive a written report. It would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things we cover during a home inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is usually delivered within 24 hours after the inspection.
No. Our goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs and expenses. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play. Your real estate professional can help you here.
A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information. It's a little like getting a check-up from your doctor. It improves your odds of good health but there is no guarantee or warranty. Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house; they cannot be discovered during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower (their weight on drain fittings and flooring components) but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. As such, we cannot and do not offer a warranty on the house. Home warranty programs are available in the market place. Your real estate agent can probably recommend a company they've had good experiences with.
Our inspectors are ASHI certified home inspectors. ASHI is considered by most California inspectors to have the best training and most rigorous certification process.
The more notice the better. Currently most inspection companies are booked about two weeks out.