FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions to Speaker of the House Inspection Services...

WHAT IS A "HOME INSPECTION"

DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?

WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?

CAN I DO THIS INSPECTION MYSELF?

WHEN SHOULD A HOME INSPECTION BE SCHEDULED?

SHOULD I BE AT THE HOME INSPECTION?

WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?

WHAT IS A "HOME INSPECTION" A Speaker of the House Inspection Services home inspection is an objective review of the visible and readily accessible structural and mechanical systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation by a trained, State Licensed, ASHI Certified home inspector. A qualified home inspector is trained in defect recognition and is able to put found defects in perspective.  If further review of a system is needed by a specialist it will be suggested.  A home inspection is not a guarantee or a warranty.   It is a visual inspection of a home to identify defects or potential problems that exist at the time of the inspection.  A home inspection may help identify future concerns also.   DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION? The purchase of a home is usually the largest single investment most people will ever make. It is important to learn as much you can about the condition of the property before you buy.  Almost every home will have some defects, some minor, some possibly serious.  Buyers are different, your tolerance for a possible problem will be different than from another's.  Often the "perfect" location, size or design of a home will compensate for a few easily repaired defects. A Speaker of the House Inspection will point out positive aspects of a home and normal maintenance routines that will help keep your home in good condition. A quality inspection can be a learning experience for any buyer, first time or experienced. For existing homeowners, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn about preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. Sellers may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by a buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE? A Speaker of the House Inspection Services inspector will take you through the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; roofing material and type of framing; attic, chimney, ventilation, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, visible structure and landscaping. CAN I DO THIS INSPECTION MYSELF? Even the most qualified buyers will find it hard to be impartial about a home they just decided to purchase. Speaker of the House Inspection Services inspectors have inspected thousands of homes and have attended hundreds of hours of continuing education.  We have the knowledge and expertise to recognize current and potential defects in all the major systems and components of your future home.  A properly trained inspector is familiar with the components of a home, the  proper installation methods and necessary maintenance routines. Every home is dynamic, always in change, wind, weather and age doing there things. Many home systems depend on the proper performance of other systems or components to function properly and we will look at each system with this in mind. In order to make a well informed decision about any home purchase, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by a qualified professional home inspector. WHEN SHOULD A HOME INSPECTION BE SCHEDULED? Most inspections can be scheduled within a day or two but there can be busy spurts.  Call us when your offer has been accepted and signed. Most standard real estate contracts will have a home inspection clause included, be sure there is an inspection clause in your offer before you sign it.  Call and schedule as soon as you can so a Speaker of the House Inspection Services home inspection can be completed during the allowed modification period.  In our area that is generally five days.  Attorneys can change the modification period to seven or ten days. The more time you can get the better. In some cases the seller does not want to change the modification period. This home inspection clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

SHOULD I BE AT THE HOME INSPECTION? We always want our clients to be present for the inspection if at all possible. It is a great learning process for most buyers. You can accompany the Speaker of the House Inspection Services home inspector through the different components and systems of the home. You will be able to observe the process and see everything as the inspector sees it.  Feel free to ask questions, we feel the only wrong or silly questions are the ones that don't get asked. The final inspection report will be easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes. WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS? Every home inspection will discover something to discuss. When an inspector identifies conditions that need care, you can decide what you may be comfortable to deal with. Every buyer has different levels of acceptance with issues.  Many times they are minor and easily dealt with.  Sometimes the amount of time you plan to spend in this home will determine how much you can accept.  If this is a short time purchase, a year or two, you may not want to deal with anything that may be costly.  If however you plan to be here "forever", many more potential repairs can make sense.   Most problems that surface in a home inspection are easily repaired, severe structural or foundation problems are rare.