Home Inspection Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can A Home Fail The Inspection? 
A: No. A professional home inspector does not issue a pass or fail grade on a home. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective home. The home inspector will describe the physical condition of the home and indicate what may need repair or replacement.
Q: When Do I Get The Home Inspection Report?
A: Typically within 24 hours or sooner RC LANN reports provide you detailed notes, pictures, and costs associated with our findings. We work hard to inform you!
Q: When And How Do I Schedule A Home Inspection?
A: You generally have between seven and ten days after you signed the contract to get a home inspection. I would advise you to call me as soon as you sign a contract on the prospective home. This will ensure that you can get the inspection done at a time that’s most convenient for you.
Q: How Much Does An Inspection Cost?
A: My fee is typically $275.00.
Q: How Do I Pay The Inspector?
A: At the end of the inspection payment is due. I accept personal checks or cash.
Q: What will the inspection cover?
A: Items that are included in the Inspection are as follows:
- Roof, vents, flashings, and trim
- Gutters and downspouts
- Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations
- Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings
- Eaves, soffit and fascia
- Grading and drainage
- Basement, foundation and crawlspace
- Water penetration and foundation movement
- Heating systems. and Cooling systems
- Main water shut off valves
- Water heating system
- Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets
- Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats
- Electrical service line and meter box
- Main disconnect and service amperage
- Electrical panels, breakers and fuses
- Grounding and bonding
- GFCIs and AFCI
- Fireplace damper door and hearth
- Insulation and ventilation
- Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers
- And much more!
Q: How long will the Inspection take?
A: Most Inspections take about two to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age and condition of the home.
Q: Should I be present during the Inspection?
A: I recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.
Q: What will I learn?
A: A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.
Q: Why can’t I have someone in my family who is very handy or a contractor, inspect my new home?
A: RC Lann inspects hundreds of homes each year, so we know what to look for. I find that hiring a friend can be the biggest mistake some potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what I call an inspector’s instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.
Q: What if I have questions after the inspection?
A: You can call me and discuss all the aspects of my new home whenever you like. My service is a long-term investment.
Q: Who belongs to ASHI?
A: ASHI is an organization of independent, professional home inspectors who are required to make a commitment, from the day they join as ASHI Associates, to conduct inspections in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, which prohibits engaging in conflict-of-interest activities that might compromise their objectivity. ASHI Associates work their way to ASHI Certified Inspector status as they meet rigorous requirements, including passing a comprehensive, written technical exam and performing a minimum of 250 professional, fee-paid home inspections conducted in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Mandatory continuing education helps the membership stay current with the latest in technology, materials and professional skills.
