Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a home inspection?  A home inspection is a comprehensive and un-biased objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house from the foundation
  • What does a home inspection include? A standard essential visual home inspection will cover the condition of the home’s structure, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical, heating systems, air-conditioning systems, interior, insulation and ventilation, and fireplaces
  • Why do I need a home inspection? Buying a home can be one of the largest single investments you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and un-expected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about a prospective property. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs, builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance items and systems which may be reaching the end of their life
  • Do I have to be present for the inspection? While it’s not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended you be present for a period of the inspection or at minimum the inspection wrap-up. By observing and asking questions at the end of the inspection, you will learn a great deal about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the report easier to understand if you’ve seen the property first-hand through the inspector’s eyes
  • What if the report reveals problems? No house is perfect. If the report reveals problems, it does not necessarily mean that you shouldn’t purchase it, only that you will know a better understanding of the home’s true condition and what to expect in advance. Additionally, a seller may be will to re-negotiate terms of a current purchase agreement pending the scale of certain findings or costs associated with finding revealed from the inspection
  • Can a seller have their home inspected prior to listing the home for sale? Most certainly! A sellers (pre-listing) inspection can identify concerns with a home prior to listing and allow a seller the opportunity to correct problems prior to listing. In this way, buyer’s are generally more confident in their purchase and additional stresses and contingency constraints can be lessened or eliminated entirely from a real estate transaction.
  • If the home proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection? Definitely! Now you can complete your home purchase with full peace of mind and have a better understanding to a home’s major components and systems. You will also have had the opportunity to ask questions on a prospective property and gained maintenance information which will lessen or eliminate future problems.
  • Do I need an inspection on a brand new or newly constructed house? Although builders in the State of Minnesota are required to provide a new home warranty on a home, it is up to the buyer or new owner to identify and relay information about problems to a builder in order for them to make corrections. A professional inspection can identify home deficiencies and allow you to provide information to the builder to correct problems. Because most notifications to builders are required within a 12 month period from taking ownership it is highly recommended this inspection be performed immediately up taking ownership or within your 12 month ownership date.