Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is defined as the examination and evaluation of the visible and accessible exterior and interior components of residential real property which include the inspection of any two or more of the following components of residential real property in connection with or to facilitate the sale, lease, or other conveyance of, or the proposed sale, lease, or other conveyance of residential real property:
1. heating, ventilation and air conditioning system;
2. plumbing system;
3. electrical system;
4. structural composition;
5. foundation;
6. roof;
7. masonry structure;
8. any other residential real property component as extablished by rule.
The inspector is a licensed professional who has the knowledge of many trades and can provide you with a general assessment of the condition of the home and associated mechanicals at the time of the inspection.
Why can't I, someone in my family, or a friend take a look at the house for me?
State of Illinois Public Acts 92nd General Assembly: Public Act 92-0239
Illinois Home Inspector License Act (225 ILCS 441) and Administrative Rule (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1440).
Begining January 1, 2003, it is unlawful for any person, including any entity, to act or assume to act as a home inspector, to engage in the business of home inspection, to develop a home inspection report, to practice as a home inspector or to advertise or hold himself/herself as a home inspector without a home inspector license issued under this act.
You, your family member, or friend may be very handy or may even be a contractor. However, a professional home inspector is licensed, trained and experienced in looking for unsuspected items and problems. Inspectors are familiar with how a home’s systems and components work together and what symptoms and signs are visible to indicate deterioration or failure of a component or system. Additionally, when you are involved in the home buying/selling transaction it is hard to remain objective and unemotional about the subject property.
Can I attend the Inspection?
Yes. It is recommended that you attend your inspection. Attending the inspection gives you a chance to ask questions and allows the inspector to discuss safety and maintenance issues.
Why should I get an Inspection when I'm going to need an appraisal anyway?
An inspection is different than an appraisal. An inspection, performed on your behalf, describes the physical condition of the home at the time of the inspection so that you (the client) can have an accurate opinion of its condition. An appraisal estimates the value of the home based on recent comparable home sales in the neighborhood and is usually contracted by your mortgage company.
How much will the Inspection cost?
Inspection costs vary based on many factors such as the homes location, square footage, # of baths, # of systems, etc. Please contact us for a firm quote based on your homes specific characteristics.
How soon can I schedule an Inspection?
It is important to schedule your home inspection as soon after contract signing as possible. Many Real Estate Sales Contracts allow only a limited time (5 -10 days) to complete all your required inspections. An Inspection can be scheduled within 1 to 2 days of contacting the office. However, immediate inspections are sometimes available. Please contact us for details and availability.
What is inspected during the Home Inspection?
A full Inspection includes the exterior, structural components, foundation, roof, attic, insulation, plumbing, electrical, heating/AC, garage, kitchen, bathrooms, and other interior rooms. Please refer to our Standards of Practice section for details.
What if the house is unoccupied?
If the house is not occupied, then the utilities may be off. You can check with your real estate agent to find out if that is the case. In order to provide you with a comprehensive inspection, all utilities need to be on and all appliances with pilot lights need to be lit. In many cases the seller or seller's agent can arrange for utilities to be available for Inspection.
How long will the Inspection take?
An average Home Inspection takes 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours on-site depending on the size and condition of the property. An additional 3 - 4 hours are required to complete the written report.
Does my home comply with all of the current building codes and laws?
Since building codes and laws are different in each community and have evolved over time, a home inspection is not intended to determine whether or not the house complies with the local codes.
What if the home fails the Inspection?
A house can not pass or fail a Home Inspection. A professional home inspection is a general assessment of the condition of the systems and components that comprise your home at the time of the inspection. The home inspector will be able to indicate what may need repair or replacement to give you a general idea of the condition of the house.
What if I have questions after the Inspection?
When we leave the property follwing the inspection the home inspection service is complete. We remain available for free phone consultations concerning your inspection report. Please feel free to call us at any time. We strive to keep our clients well-informed.
Are you a Certified Inspector?
Yes. All home inspectors are required to undergo annual testing and participate in annual continuing professional education classes.
Are you licensed by the State of Illinois?
Yes. All our inspectors are licensed by the State of Illinois as a Home Inspector.
Are you part of a national chain or franchise of home inspectors?
No. We are a locally-owned small business. This allows us to offer our clients individualized attention when we perform their home inspection. When you hire me, I will be the one performing the inspection.
Do you work for a real estate office?
No. I am an independent home inspector. I work for you, the client, and my report is not influenced by others who may have an interest in your real estate transaction. Real estate agents often make referrals to home inspectors as a courtesy to you, the client. I do not work for the real estate agent or company. I work for you!
When will I receive my Inspection Report?
Your Home Inspection Report will be avaialable for you to view and download from any internet accessable device within 24 hours of your home inspection via our secure website, secure Adobe Acrobat PDF file, email, facsimilie and/or USPS mail. However you want it.
Who will get a copy of the Inspection Report?
Only you, the "client" will receive your inspection report unless you instruct us to provide it to someone else such as your attorney and/or Realtor.
Does the Report conform to national standards?
Yes. Your written and detailed Home Inspection Report conforms to the Illinois Standards of Practice and Business Requirements, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the National Association of Certified Home Inspector (NACHI) standards.
What if my home inspection report indicates problems and areas of concern?
No house is perfect. By pointing out the problems and areas in need of repair the inspector is letting you know what to expect in advance. Once the areas of concern are noted you can obtain quotes from qualified professionals to repair or replace the defect. It is recommended to obtain several quotes from at least three qualified professionals before starting any repair work. This allows you to choose the most qualified professional with the best service, reputation, and price.
When do I pay for my Inspection?
Payment for inspection services is due prior to the performance of the on-site Inspection. Payment is typically made when scheduling the appointment.
A home inspection is defined as the examination and evaluation of the visible and accessible exterior and interior components of residential real property which include the inspection of any two or more of the following components of residential real property in connection with or to facilitate the sale, lease, or other conveyance of, or the proposed sale, lease, or other conveyance of residential real property:
1. heating, ventilation and air conditioning system;
2. plumbing system;
3. electrical system;
4. structural composition;
5. foundation;
6. roof;
7. masonry structure;
8. any other residential real property component as extablished by rule.
The inspector is a licensed professional who has the knowledge of many trades and can provide you with a general assessment of the condition of the home and associated mechanicals at the time of the inspection.
Why can't I, someone in my family, or a friend take a look at the house for me?
State of Illinois Public Acts 92nd General Assembly: Public Act 92-0239
Illinois Home Inspector License Act (225 ILCS 441) and Administrative Rule (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1440).
Begining January 1, 2003, it is unlawful for any person, including any entity, to act or assume to act as a home inspector, to engage in the business of home inspection, to develop a home inspection report, to practice as a home inspector or to advertise or hold himself/herself as a home inspector without a home inspector license issued under this act.
You, your family member, or friend may be very handy or may even be a contractor. However, a professional home inspector is licensed, trained and experienced in looking for unsuspected items and problems. Inspectors are familiar with how a home’s systems and components work together and what symptoms and signs are visible to indicate deterioration or failure of a component or system. Additionally, when you are involved in the home buying/selling transaction it is hard to remain objective and unemotional about the subject property.
Can I attend the Inspection?
Yes. It is recommended that you attend your inspection. Attending the inspection gives you a chance to ask questions and allows the inspector to discuss safety and maintenance issues.
Why should I get an Inspection when I'm going to need an appraisal anyway?
An inspection is different than an appraisal. An inspection, performed on your behalf, describes the physical condition of the home at the time of the inspection so that you (the client) can have an accurate opinion of its condition. An appraisal estimates the value of the home based on recent comparable home sales in the neighborhood and is usually contracted by your mortgage company.
How much will the Inspection cost?
Inspection costs vary based on many factors such as the homes location, square footage, # of baths, # of systems, etc. Please contact us for a firm quote based on your homes specific characteristics.
How soon can I schedule an Inspection?
It is important to schedule your home inspection as soon after contract signing as possible. Many Real Estate Sales Contracts allow only a limited time (5 -10 days) to complete all your required inspections. An Inspection can be scheduled within 1 to 2 days of contacting the office. However, immediate inspections are sometimes available. Please contact us for details and availability.
What is inspected during the Home Inspection?
A full Inspection includes the exterior, structural components, foundation, roof, attic, insulation, plumbing, electrical, heating/AC, garage, kitchen, bathrooms, and other interior rooms. Please refer to our Standards of Practice section for details.
What if the house is unoccupied?
If the house is not occupied, then the utilities may be off. You can check with your real estate agent to find out if that is the case. In order to provide you with a comprehensive inspection, all utilities need to be on and all appliances with pilot lights need to be lit. In many cases the seller or seller's agent can arrange for utilities to be available for Inspection.
How long will the Inspection take?
An average Home Inspection takes 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours on-site depending on the size and condition of the property. An additional 3 - 4 hours are required to complete the written report.
Does my home comply with all of the current building codes and laws?
Since building codes and laws are different in each community and have evolved over time, a home inspection is not intended to determine whether or not the house complies with the local codes.
What if the home fails the Inspection?
A house can not pass or fail a Home Inspection. A professional home inspection is a general assessment of the condition of the systems and components that comprise your home at the time of the inspection. The home inspector will be able to indicate what may need repair or replacement to give you a general idea of the condition of the house.
What if I have questions after the Inspection?
When we leave the property follwing the inspection the home inspection service is complete. We remain available for free phone consultations concerning your inspection report. Please feel free to call us at any time. We strive to keep our clients well-informed.
Are you a Certified Inspector?
Yes. All home inspectors are required to undergo annual testing and participate in annual continuing professional education classes.
Are you licensed by the State of Illinois?
Yes. All our inspectors are licensed by the State of Illinois as a Home Inspector.
Are you part of a national chain or franchise of home inspectors?
No. We are a locally-owned small business. This allows us to offer our clients individualized attention when we perform their home inspection. When you hire me, I will be the one performing the inspection.
Do you work for a real estate office?
No. I am an independent home inspector. I work for you, the client, and my report is not influenced by others who may have an interest in your real estate transaction. Real estate agents often make referrals to home inspectors as a courtesy to you, the client. I do not work for the real estate agent or company. I work for you!
When will I receive my Inspection Report?
Your Home Inspection Report will be avaialable for you to view and download from any internet accessable device within 24 hours of your home inspection via our secure website, secure Adobe Acrobat PDF file, email, facsimilie and/or USPS mail. However you want it.
Who will get a copy of the Inspection Report?
Only you, the "client" will receive your inspection report unless you instruct us to provide it to someone else such as your attorney and/or Realtor.
Does the Report conform to national standards?
Yes. Your written and detailed Home Inspection Report conforms to the Illinois Standards of Practice and Business Requirements, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the National Association of Certified Home Inspector (NACHI) standards.
What if my home inspection report indicates problems and areas of concern?
No house is perfect. By pointing out the problems and areas in need of repair the inspector is letting you know what to expect in advance. Once the areas of concern are noted you can obtain quotes from qualified professionals to repair or replace the defect. It is recommended to obtain several quotes from at least three qualified professionals before starting any repair work. This allows you to choose the most qualified professional with the best service, reputation, and price.
When do I pay for my Inspection?
Payment for inspection services is due prior to the performance of the on-site Inspection. Payment is typically made when scheduling the appointment.
