At Sunrise Home Inspections we do our best to answer all of your questions. Below you will find a list of what we believe are the most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that have not been answered below, do not hesitate to contact us.
How long does the home inspection take?
A typical inspection should take 2 to 3 hours to complete. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be informed of the time frame in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.
What do you look at?
We inspect the major systems of the house. These include the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer’s decision to purchase.
How much does an inspection cost?
Typical fees for a home inspection range from $300.00-$600.00. The factors that will affect the fee are:
- age of the home,
- square footage of the home,
- basement or crawlspace,
- overall condition of the home,
- whether you are getting any anxilllary services done etc…
If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best price.
What is included in the fee?
- Complete home inspection conducted by an experienced professional.
- Comprehensive home inspection report in PDF format.($25 fee for written report)
- Technical support for as long as you own your home.
Can I follow along?
Definitely. We encourage you to attend. The inspection is a valuable learning experience about the home. Typically what works best if you, the buyers, come to the inspection around the last 20-30 minutes, and I give you a recap of the home and answer any questions that you may have. But if you would like to be there for the entire time, that is fine. It is totally up to you. You are paying for my services.
Do I have to take notes?
You don’t have to take notes during the inspection. We will document everything in the report. It’s much better to follow the inspector through, listening to his comments to make sure you understand. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions and to clarify anything that confuses you.
Can I ask questions?
Absolutely! You may want to bring some questions that you have regarding the home. You should also feel free to stop the inspector and ask questions as you go. Please try to ask questions concerning the area of inspection at that time. We try to follow a routine which ensures that we don’t overlook any aspect of the house, and in doing so, helps us keep the inspection to within the expected time frame. If the inspector’s comments or explanations are not clear, please ask for further explanation.
What should I wear?
You should dress comfortably and be prepared to spend roughly 2 hours walking through the home with the inspector. You won’t have to climb on the roof or go into the attic, so your clothes won’t get dirty.
When do I get a report?
You will receive a full PDF, and/or written, ($25 fee) report. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is reviewed, finalized, and delivered usually within 24 hours after the inspection.
If it’s really bad, will you tell us not to buy the house?
No. Our goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play.
Do you offer a warranty on the house?
A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information. It’s a little like getting a check-up from your doctor: It improves your odds of good health but there is no guarantee or warranty.
Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house – they cannot be discovered during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower but don’t leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. As such, we cannot and do not offer a warranty on the house.
Home warranty programs are available from others, but make sure you read the fine print on the limitations and exclusions. SOMETIMES what warrantys home inspectors can offer is not as valuable as you would hope. We would be happy to help you contact a warranty company, or quite often your realtor can steer you in the direction of a good warranty company.
What are your inspectors’ qualifications?
For over 40 years, starting as a block laborer when I was 16, I have been involved in the building trades. In addition to building my own home in 1992, I built 2 other homes, several additions, dozens of new roofs, many concrete driveways/sidewalks,remodeled bathrooms, and constructed free standing buildings such as sheds and garages. With the exception of my own home, and 2 or 3 other projects, my entire work history has been almost entirely customer service and sales related. My experience includes satisfying customers in a variety of industries, from selling ice cream to Peterbilt truck parts. My goal has always been to ensure customer satisfaction when the job is completed. I enjoy helping people and that’s how I look at everything I do.
I also keep my skills current with continuing education programs both through the company and on my own.
Are you members of any professional organization?
Our inspectors are state licensed and graduates of the ASHI school. Which is the oldest home inspection organization in the U.S. The American Society of Home Inspectors has set the S.O.P., (standards of Practice), for the industry. We also are a member of PAAR. The Peoria Area Association of Realtors, which does amazing things in and for the community. We also are certified in Thermal Imaging, enabling us to help identify more hidden issues.
How many days notice do I need to give you?
Our team of inspectors is ready to serve you quickly. However, when the sale of a home is conditional on the results of a home inspection, we recommend that you allow at least three days to arrange for a home inspection.