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PREMIER HOME INSPECTION SERVICES INC.
OFFICE: 636.227.2581 FAX: 636.227.2582
Copyright © 2002, All rights reserved. This website is a service of realgalaxy.com
Q. What
is a “Home Inspection”?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure
and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected
is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the
home inspector may recommend further evaluation. Home inspectors do not perform
any destructive testing. Consumers should not expect their reports to include
the condition of every nail, wire or pipe in the home. Although our inspectors
are thorough, we are primarily concerned with pointing out major concerns and/or
safety related items rather than cosmetic items, which are considered readily
apparent to the consumer themselves.
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Q. Why do I
need a home inspection?
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
also points out the positive aspects of a home, well as the maintenance 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 learn
preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning
to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing you home
on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which
may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs
that will put the house in better selling condition.
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Q. Can
I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional
home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his
or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction,
their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how the home's
systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and
why they fail.
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Q. What
is the American Society of Home Inspectors?
The American Society of Home Inspectors(ASHI) is the oldest and leading non-profit
professional association for independent home inspectors. Since its formation
in 1976, ASHI's "Standards
of Practice" have severed as the home inspector's performance guideline,
universally recognized and accepted by professional and government authorities
alike. ASHI Members subscribe to a professional "Code
of Ethics" that prohibits them from engaging in conflict of interest
activities, which might compromise their objectivity. This is the consumer's
assurance that the inspector will not, for example, use the inspection to solicit
repair work. In order to assist home inspectors in furthering their education,
ASHI sponsors a number of technical seminars and workshops throughout the year,
often in cooperation with one of the nearly 50 Chapters. ASHI also serves as
a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful consumer information
to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.
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Q. Who
belongs to ASHI?
Members of ASHI are independent professional home inspectors who have met the
most rigorous technical and experience requirements in effect today. To become
an ASHI Member, an inspector must pass two different written technical exams,
have performed a minimum of 250 professional fee-paid home inspections, and
maintained his or her candidate status for no less than six months. ASHI Members
are required to follow the Society's "Code
of Ethics", and to obtain continuing education credits in order to
keep current with the latest in building technology, materials, and professional
skills.
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Q. When
do I call in the Home Inspector?
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 an inspection clause in the sales contract,
making your final purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional
home inspection. The clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer
and seller are obligated.
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Q. Can
a house fail inspection?
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 what may need major repair or replacement.
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Q. What
if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily
mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to
expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price or make repairs if major problems
are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved
in future repair work, this information will be very important to you.
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Q. If
the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase 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 from the inspector's written report,
and will want to keep that information for further reference.
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Q. How
long does a home inspection take?
A home inspection typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. We suggest that you
leave small children with a sitter if possible as you will want to follow the
inspector closely as he inspects your new home and explains his findings.
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Q. Do
I have to attend the inspection?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but is recommended.
You will be able to observe the 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 written report easier to understand if you have seen
the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.
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Q. Do
new homes need an inspection?
Definitely! Many homebuyers are led to believe that the county or municipality
inspection and the final walk-through with the builder's representative is an
adequate way to inspect a home. Most county or municipality inspectors spend
no more than 30 minutes at a home site. The builder's final walk-through inspection
is very unlikely to disclose any problems with the home they built as some repairs
can prove to be expensive. A certified ASHI home inspector will spend 2-3 hours
during a typical inspection and could save thousands of dollars in repairs later
on. Homeowners will have to correct defects that were present at the time of
construction when they sell their homes in the future. We also offer a One-Year
Inspection to assist the homeowner in negotiating builder warranty issues.
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Q.How
do I pay for my inspection?
We accept cash, check, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American
Express) at the time of the inspection. If you can not attend the inspection,
you will need to give us a credit card number over the phone. Arrangements can
be made to have your payment deducted at closing. However, you will need to
provide us with all details and authorize us to instruct the closing company
to remit payment to our company.
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Q. What
if I have questions after the inspection takes place?
We encourage you to ask all the questions you want at the inspection. However,
should you have additional questions or concerns after the inspection, please
feel free to call or email our office. Some of our clients call our office with
specific and general questions well after the inspection takes place. The inspector
is also available for a complete phone consultation to go over your report in
detail if you are unable to attend the inspection. We believe client support
during the inspection and beyond is one of the many reasons that our company
is so successful.
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Q. What
if I need the inspector to come back and inspect repairs that have been made?
We offer a re-inspection after each inspection that is performed. The inspector
will have a copy of the original report and will verify that all requested repairs
have been made properly. We will also issue another report based on our findings
of the re-inspection. However, there is an additional charge for this inspection.
Please call our office with enough advanced notice (usually 3-4 days) to schedule
a re-inspection.
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Q. What
is a Pre-Inspection Agreement?
A Pre-Inspection Agreement is a document that describes the inspection process
and payment terms, this document will need to be signed by the buyer of the
property. If you will not be attending the inspection, we ask that the Pre-Inspection
Agreement be accepted and signed prior to the date of the inspection. We can
fax or email the agreement to you.
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Q. Why
should I choose Premier Home Inspection Services?
Premier Home Inspection Services is committed to providing our clients with
the highest level of service possible. We pride ourselves as one of the better
inspection companies in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area with over 15
years of industry experience, competitive pricing and outstanding service throughout
the inspection process. When you call Premier Home Inspection Services, you'll
always talk to a "live" person that is employed by our company who
can assist you with any questions. You will not get lost in some complex voice
mail system or answering service. Not only do we have experience in performing
home inspections, our inspectors help homeowners with analysis and solutions
of specific problems, such as wet basements, energy conservation and cracked
foundations. So be sure and call our office to schedule your next home inspection.
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