Frequently Asked Questions

Home inspection prices are based on the square footage and age of the home. Homes that are 1400 square feet or less may run at minimum of $350 without anything else factored in. 

For example, homes built in certain eras, like the 90s, may run you a little more because of the additional problems they present and the additional time it takes to do a thorough inspection. 

In North Carolina, home inspectors have to be state licensed and privately insured. Inspectors have several institutions to choose from when attaining their education and certification. InterNAHCI is the most well known and respected institution. 

I myself hold certifications in both InterNACHI and ICA (Inspection Certification Associates) proudly. I also hold additional certifications for mold testing, radon testing and I’m infrared certified.

You can absolutely attend a home inspection. What I like to do is go through the home and take all the necessary pictures and documentation that would need to be in the report, and afterwards I can take you on a tour of what I’m seeing and what will be on your report later that night when you receive it. 

PLEASE DO! The way we write the reports, we have to document things in a particular way. This is for liability reasons mainly but other things are considered. This can lead to things being interpreted more seriously than they may be at the time of inspection. 

Talking to me usually assuages some of that anxiety and I can give you a more reasonable look into what I experienced during the inspection. 

They are not required but very, very highly suggested. 

I’ve conducted a number of inspections and I can honestly say there wasn’t one where something important didn’t come up. 

You want to be informed because even one missed deficiency can affect the quality of life you have in that home, whether it's only for a couple years or 30 years into the future.

There really is no ‘failing’ an inspection in the residential inspection world. What we find are issues that exist and it’s up to the potential buyer or seller on what they want to do with that information.

 Persistent moisture issues

• Water intrusion remains one of the most destructive forces that can affect the life of a home.

Older roofs nearing their life expectancy

Chimneys that are still in use that have problems that need to be addressed.

• These perform an important function of venting things like carbon monoxide away from the home.

Plumbing problems, especially under crawlspaces

Electrical issues

Foundation issues

Structural issues

Poor insulation

HVAC, Water Heaters, AC Units or other costly systems intrinsic to the home

Leaky faucets

Loose toilets

Dirty air filters

Water pressure or temperature problems

• These can usually be easily fixed

Disturbed insulation in an attic

Slow drains

Any cosmetic issues

 When you’re going in armed with your report to a negotiation, this is your real estate agents time to shine. Ultimately, you will be the one to focus on what you want fixed or credited at the end of the sale. 

Focus mainly, or only, on major repairs. These are the repairs that cost the most money to fix or will greatly impact the overall condition of the home. 

If you nitpick on the smaller issues in lieu of or in addition to the major issues, it may present a problem for the sale. 

Keep a poker face if you really want the sale to go through. Say you’ve found your dream home and would realistically do anything for the sale to happen. Take a moment and put your best poker face on because someone who really wants a sale to go through can be negotiated into less at closing.

Never be afraid to walk away. Sometimes a seller will be reluctant to fix anything or make any concessions to what you find with your inspection. These issues that are brought to the table may be important and you should take them seriously.

*These are broad sweeping general pieces of advice. Your situation may vary from this and you should talk to your real estate agent for their best advice given your situation.