FAQs

Inspection vs. Appraisal

• 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.

NO.

A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A Home Inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate in their opinion what may need major repair or replacement.

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional, experienced Home Inspector. A qualified Home Inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. As an experienced certified Home Inspector I also understand how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the
house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

Is the home inspector licensed?
In the state of Ohio, a person who performs home inspections as defined by state law, is required to be licensed by the state of Ohio to perform home inspections in accordance with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) chapter 4764 and its corresponding rules and policies.

Other qualifications and certifications to consider when choosing a home inspector.

• Is the inspector a CPI (Certified Profesional Inspector) through InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)? InterNACHI has the most  strict and vigorous CE requirements in the home inspection industry.
• Is the inspector an ACI (ASHI Certified Inspector)? ACI is the highest rating offered by ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) the worlds oldest inspector association. ASHI Certified Inspectors have met some of the most rigorous challenges in the industry to carry that label.
• Is the inspector a board certified CMI (Certified Master Inspector)?
• It’s always a good idea to check out their company grade with the Better Business Bureau.
• Is the inspection company a franchise or multi-inspection firm, and will the new hire be the one who shows up to do your inspection? Kevin Leonard, backed by over 20 years of running his own home inspection business, performs every inspection and produces every report.
• It is also very important to be certain your Home Inspector is a full time Home Inspector. Many Inspectors in our area are part time inspectors working their full time job, say as a roofer, and performing Home Inspections on the side. Do you really want a part time Inspector who inspects houses as a side gig for a few extra dollars inspecting what may be the largest investment you might ever make?

• Are you a Full ASHI Certified Inspector?
• Ask them how long they have been in the business and how much experience they have.
• Make sure your Home Inspector has Professional and General Liability insurance.
• Ask them what kind of report they will deliver. Is it a computer generated narrative type & does it include pictures? It doesn’t matter how good the Inspector is if you can’t read or understand the report.
• Ask them what kind of tools they have:
  • Do they have a moisture meter?
  • Do they have a Carbon Monoxide tester?
  • Do they have the proper equipment to test electrical GFCI and AFCI systems , if so equipped, for proper functionality?
  • Do they have a flow meter?
  • Do they have a water pressure meter?
  • Do they have a digital temperature scan meter?
  • Do they climb roofs, go in attics and crawlspaces?

These are some common questions you should ask a prospective Home Inspector.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK —– THIS IS YOUR MULTI THOUSAND DOLLAR INVESTMENT — BE CERTAIN ABOUT YOUR HOME INSPECTOR!!

The home inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. However, it is wise not to let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in your choice of a home inspector. The knowledge gained from an experienced home inspector is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. When selecting a home inspector, be certain to take into consideration their qualifications, including experience, training, and professional home inspection affiliations. Also be sure your home inspector carries professional and liability insurance, this is actually a state requirement. And remember, this is a multi-thousand dollar investment you are making. Spending an extra $50.00 or $75.00 for a well qualified Home Inspector very well may end up being be the best money you ever spent.

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards. Of course, a home inspection performed by The Home
Inspection Company also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance items that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the house you are about to purchase. If you are already a homeowner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems
in the making and to teach preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs.

• If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have a home inspection prior to placing your home on the market.
• This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer’s home inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put your home in better selling condition.
• It is also a proven fact that the home owners that get pre-sale inspections performed sell much faster than homes that don’t. The report is a powerful tool when it comes to selling your current home.

• A Home Inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is a home inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
• For a pre-listing home inspection you should call before you contract with a realtor to sell your house.

It is not necessary for you to be present for the home inspection, but it is highly recommended, especially for first time home buyers. You will be able to observe the home inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the home inspection report easier to understand if you’ve seen the property first-hand through the home inspector’s eyes.

• No house is perfect. If the home inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. You and your Realtor should discuss any issues found during the inspection and decide on if you should re-negotiate or not.
• If you & your Realtor do decide to renegotiate issues discovered, a seller may adjust the purchase price or make repairs if major problems are found.

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence & with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home.

A typical single-family home inspection will usually last between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the size & condition of the home.