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Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask The Expert
Q: When should I contact an inspector?
A: The best time to contact an inspector is after you find a home, but prior to signing the purchase agreement. Your inspector will review the properties MLS fact sheet and Disclosures free of charge during the initial consultation.
Q: How much time should I allow on my purchase agreement to complete, review & evaluate my home inspection?
A: Always allow as much time as possible, we generally recommend at least 10 business days, but the more time the better. Keep in mind that if lab tests or other professional services will be required, the time may need to be extended. That is why it is important to contact your inspector and discuss with him any special concerns you may have prior to making any commitment.
Q: I'm a seller, should I have my home inspected before I list it?
A: Yes. By having you home inspected prior to listing it will provide you with a cost effective means of identifying defects, or potential deal killers. This will give you an opportunity to have the problems addressed or the time to obtain several estimates on what the repairs may cost. Chances are if your selling you will also be buying, knowing what to expect is essential prior to making a commitment on a new home, and at IHI we offer special discounts on seller/buyer packages, including tips on inexpensive cosmetic improvements that could increase not only the appeal of your home, but the sale price as well.
Q: What type of inspections will I need?
A: Upon calling our office you will be asked to have your agent fax us all information that is available on the property. We will review this information and, after a brief consultation, can arrive at an Inspection Package that is right for you as well as make recommendations on any environmental work or testing that may be needed. Note:Certain lenders or government subsidized loan programs (FHA/VA/CHFA) will require additional environmental work to be preformed on the property. It is important to discuss with us the type of financing at our initial consultation to keep costs to a minimum and avoid delays.
Q: Am I required to have my home inspected?
A: Most lenders, federally subsidized loan programs, or grants will require you to have at least a basic home inspection as well as several other types of evaluations performed prior to the closing, others do not. Even if a home inspection is not required by your bank or lender, your home is one of the largests investments you will ever make. A small investment now in a professional home inspection can help avoid many problems that may significantly reduce or eliminate your return on that investment.
Q: Should I have my home inspected?
A: Absolutely. A professional home inspection is of value, even if the home is new or appears to be in perfect condition. Why? A professional home inspection should also be thought of as tutorial, highlighting the key elements of the home's construction, systems, system controls, and maintenance tips. In fact, most potential homebuyers (Especially first time buyers) find this part of the inspection process to be highly informative and well worth the price of the inspection package, not to mention the value of avoiding potential disaster should a major defect be discovered. Remember looks can be deceiving and even new homes have major flaws. Peace of mind is priceless!!!
Q: What should I do if problems are found in the house or with the property?
A: The fact is that all homes have imperfections. Keep in mind that remedies exist for virtually every problem or condition out there. Should the inspection reveal deficiencies that will require repairs, you can try to negotiate the cost of the repairs off the asking price. The seller will most likely have to go through the entire inspection process again if you do not purchase the home, and may therefore be motivated to come to a mutually acceptable agreement. Our "Premium" Inspection Package, (Recommended) includes estimates on repairs/replacment of major building componants and or systems, while a detailed Repair Cost Analysis is included with our "Optimum" Inspection Package, saving you both, time and money. But if you prefer, after thoroughly reviewing your inspection report and the report summary, try to obtain several estimates from a licensed and insured contractor(s) who specializes in the particular area of service that may be needed. Note: Most of the time your purchace aggreement will not allow enough time for further evaluations or estimates and contractors may be reluctant to spend time on a property you do not own.
Q: If I decide not to buy the house after the inspection, will the next home inspection be discounted?
A: Yes. At IHI we offer another unique program. With your original inspection package you will receive coupons good for up to $75.00 an additional home inspection if needed.
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Q: How much will my inspection cost?
A: Cost very depending upon the home but Our Basic Home/Condominium Inspection package starts @ just $325.00 and is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. All our Reports cover all major: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems in addition to General Condition and Grounds and Landscaping. A detailed computer generated report w/color photo documentation can be e-mailed, faxed, or picked up the following day in most cases. Other Inspection Packages & Services are available.
Q: How do I find a qualified home inspector?
A: You already did! But if you prefer, make sure the inspector you choose is licensed by the state. Connecticut requires that all home inspectors be licensed. Any experienced and professionally qualified inspector should have an extensive background in the building/remodeling industry. By this we are not referring to simple handymen. Most Lenders can provide you with a list of several qualified professional inspectors in your area to choose from. (Seeing as how their interests would be similar to your own, this may be a good place to start) Realtors will be quick to offer lists of inspectors and point out several "good ones" but you might have to ask yourself, good for whom? Look in the yellow pages or Internet directories. Call Consumer Protection, Chamber of Commerce, or the Better Business Bureau in your area for information on Inspection Companies and history of complaints, if any have been made.
Q: What will be included in my inspection report?
A: Take a look at our Sample Reports and our Inspection Packages
Q: How long will my inspection take?
A: This varies quite a bit from house to house but you should allow at least 2-4 hours for the initial physical inspection and consultation, and at least a day to generate the report. Most of the time we will offer a verbal synopsis at the end of the inspection, but we highly recommend carefully reviewing your entire inspection report prior to making any commitment. Some inspection companies offer "On the spot" inspection reports, we don't recommend this type of reporting for the following reason: You may feel obligated to make an "On the spot" commitment without the benefit fully evaluating the report or potential costs of repairs.
Q: Do I have to be present at the home inspection?
A: No, but we highly recommend it. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions, take notes, and learn the location, usage and function of important controls, as well as tips on general maintenance. If problems are found, they will be pointed out and explained, the remedies discussed.
Q: Will I need to contact any other professional in addition to the home inspector?
A: Rarely. IHI is a full service home inspection company, we offer a wide variety of licensed inspection and testing services designed to cover all common (and some uncommon) areas of concern. All of our Inspection Services are completed by professionals, licensed or certified in their fields. We will on occasion recommend further evaluation by a third party in cases where specialized tools should be used, or the dismantling of one or more of the buildings systems/components is needed to properly inspect or test. The majority of the time these services are offered at no or low cost to our clients. However, in more serious instances such as discovering problems with the foundation which would require further evaluation by a structural engineer, you may be better off avoiding the home rather than spending excessive money and time evaluating the situation unless your proposed plans for the property will likely involve renovations or restoration of the foundation.
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Q: Are your inspections guaranteed?
A: Yes. IHI offers the best Money Back Guarantee in the industry: If for any reason you are unhappy with your inspection or report we will gladly refund your basic inspection fee.
Q: What is radon and what is involved in a radon screening?
A: Radon is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas caused by the decay of uranium found most soils throughout the U.S. Radon enters the home through cracks and voids in the foundation, floors or walls. It has been linked to lung and other forms of cancer. According to the EPA and Surgeon General, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer next to cigarette smoking. The testing is relatively simple, but stringent guidelines must be followed in order to obtain a reliable result. 1. The home must maintain closed house conditions, meaning, all windows and doors must remain closed, (normal entry and exiting permitted) all fans that exhaust or replace internal air including but not limited to, bath and kitchen ventilation, whole house fans and window air conditioners must not be used for 12 hours prior to, and during the screening period, (Normally 48 hours in real estate transactions). The use of central heating and air conditioning equipment is permitted if these units recycle interior air. 2. The testing device must be placed in the lowest living area of the home, (not necessarily the basement) and must be a minimum of 30in. above the floor and 3ft. from walls containing windows or doors. We use the most reliable and widely accepted screening method available today.
Q: Should I test for radon & how much does it cost and who should do it?
A: The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for Radon. The average cost of our 48 hour twin canister test runs about $100 when combined with our Basic Home Inspection. Some inspection companies offer seemingly low cost Radon screenings, be advised that the low cost may require you or the Realtor to return to the property to pick-up, fill out the data sheet and mail the canisters to the lab, the results of which may not be reliable, be sure to ask! Note: (No licensing or certification is currently required in Connecticut to preform Radon testing)
Q: If the home has previously been tested for radon or a radon reduction system is installed in the home, should I still have the home screened for radon?
A: Yes. The EPA recommends screening for radon each time the home is sold, remodeled, or usage of the property changes. Also, if a radon reduction system is installed, screening will verify that the system is working properly.
Q: Will my inspection include estimates for repairs or replacement of defective, worn-out, building components or systems?
A: That depends on the inspection package you choose. Our Optimum Inspection Package includes estimated costs to repair and or replace all items found to be defective, in need of replacement or in poor condition as described in your inspection report.
Q: Should I be concerned about UST's (underground storage tanks)?
A: Yes. If fuel oil is found to be leaking into the soil, depending on the degree of contamination, it can cost many thousands of dollars to remedy. For this reason, we recommend that all residential UST's be abandoned, or removed consistant with all DEP and/or local regulations prior to the sale of the property. The average life expectancy for most steel UST is about 15-18 yrs, and as of 12/30/01 the government programs that previously subsidized most or all of the clean-up cost will expire. For all the facts click on the appropriate environmental link found here.
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Q: The house has a septic system, should I have it inspected?
A: Yes. This is one area that should not be overlooked, a Septic System could be one of the most expensive items to replace should it become necessary. Having the system properly inspected and knowing it is in good working order is essential prior to purchasing any home. Most systems have a life expentancy of about 20-25 years before major upgrades/repairs are needed. The homes septic system usually falls under the jurisdiction of the local public health department, they maintain all records relating to the systems installation and permits issued for repairs. The information is free and open to the public and a trip to the department is a recommended must on all homes served by a septic system.
Q: The home has a well what should I have it tested for?
A: In most cases we generally recommend our Expanded well inspection package to our clients. The package includes a thorough evaluation of the wells, Yield and or recovery rates, electromechanical components, tanks, piping and conditioning equipment as well as Basic water quality profile. Testing for various other contaminants including, VOCs, Radon and Lead can also be preformed upon request. Our professionals perform all of our well inspections and certified labs analyze our water quality sampling. The homes well system usually falls under the jurisdiction of the local public health department, they maintain all records relating to the systems installation prior sampling information and permits issued for repairs. The information is free and open to the public a visit to the local health department is a recommended must on all homes served by a well system.
Q: What about termites?
A: On average we find some degree of termite damage either active or inactive in about 20% of the existing homes we inspect. There is no easy remedy to repair termite damage short of replacing damaged wooden components, and cost to treat active termite infestations can easily run $1,000.00 or more, never mind the cost to repair the damage. Several conditions that are conducive to termite activity and should be corrected or avoided include: Wooden building components in direct contact or in close proximity to the earth, Old stumps, wood piles, or any materials containing cellulose (paper/cardboard) on the ground near or around the buildings foundation or basement and crawl spaces just to name a few. Termites can enter the structure in a number of ways, but the most common are through cracks in the foundation walls and through mud tubes built by termites to bridge gaps between the termite colony and their food source. We highly recommend that all pre-purchase inspections include a screening for termite activity.
Q: Lead paint what should I know?
A: Lead based paints and finishes were banned from residential use in 1978. All houses built prior to that date should be assumed to contain some form of lead based finishes unless the property has undergone a certified lead inspection or risk assessment by a DPH licensed professional (at present these are the only current EPA acceptable methods) and deemed to be lead free/safe. In general lead based paint is most hazardous when it is in poor condition and is chipping, pealing or flaking. Paint failure and or hazards are sometimes caused by deterioration of the surface substrate that usually can be traced to water infiltration or moisture damage from plumbing, roof leaks or poor ventilation of damp areas. These conditions should be corrected prior to beginning repairs. Areas prone to abrasion or impact like painted window and door components are also prime areas of concern being that lead containing dust is created by the constant rubbing of two painted surfaces. Lead can be highly toxic to anyone, but children 6 years of age and under are especially at risk. Homeowners and contractors should be knowledgeable in lead-safe practices prior to undertaking any remodeling or repairing of homes containing lead based finishes. For all the facts click on the appropriate environmental link found here.
Q: I saw some mold in the house what should I do?
A: There must be thousands of varities of molds that exist today, only few types that have been found in homes are considered toxic and have been linked to some serious health problems. The recent media attention has not only raised awareness to the possible dangers assiociated with toxic molds but also lead to multitude of people that will test or screen your home for mold spores, be advised that there are presently no guidelines, regulations or licensing is required in Connecticut for residential mold testing/sampling (meaning anyone can do it, qualified or not!). It would be a good idea to inquire into the testing company's backround, qualifications or training before spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars. There are many conditions that are conducive to mold growth but the most common are; Water infiltration or leaks leading to excessive moisture build-up in basements and wall cavities, poor ventilation, and low levels or non-existent sunlight. Remedial actions that will reduce or eliminate mold growth include; Immediately removing all water damaged building components, installing a sump or sub-slab de-watering system (in cases of wet basements/crawl spaces), reduce interior humidity, increase ventilation and heat and repair all leaks as soon as possible. For all the facts click on the appropriate environmental link found here.
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