Frequently Asked Questions
Through AmeriSpec, you know that you are getting a quality inspection conducted by a trained professional. We will complete a 400+ point inspection on the home, which includes HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roof and structural. Amerispec’s detailed reports are completed the same day with pictures and narrative that offers the customer peace of mind.
General Inspection Questions:
What is a home inspector and what do they do?
A home inspector is a trained and certified professional that can complete a thorough non-evasive inspection on an individual residential property. The home inspector helps identify and report areas of damage or concern, report on non-serviceable appliances and fixtures, and make recommendations for repair or improvement for the client.
Why do I need a home inspector?
The most common need for a home inspector is during the real estate transaction. The home purchase process can move very fast, so the home inspector is there to help ascertain the true condition of a property. This can be in the form of a general home inspection, which covers the entire property, or through a specific service like termite, pool, or mold inspections.
What is included in a home inspection report?
The inspection report will examine the current status of all accessible areas of the home, which includes the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems using the latest technology and techniques.
How long does a home inspection take?
The actual full home inspection can take between 2-4 hours to complete, depending on the style, age, and condition of the home. During this time, the inspector will perform the thorough inspection and document any issues or anomalies. The property review, generally completed after the home inspection, can take between 1-2 hours. This is completed with the home buyer (or owner, if applicable) and their agent. The property review process can be very important for fist-time home buyers. It offers them the essential time to completely review and understand their new home and ask any questions.
What should I look for in a good home inspector?
A quality home inspector needs to have the appropriate training and experience to perform a thorough property inspection. In the State of Arizona, this includes a minimum of 84+ hours of state specific training, passing the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), complete 30 peer-to-peer field inspections and hold the minimum insurance requirements for a licensed home inspector.
Can a home inspection be done in bad weather?
Home inspections can be done in just about every weather condition here in Arizona. In fact, some conditions like rain can enhance the inspection by highlighting potential moisture defects in the roof, for example. Unless unsafe conditions exist, the home inspector can perform a thorough inspection in any weather condition.
Should I get a regular home inspection?
Generally, the need for a home inspection is based more on a specific need or an update to the home. For example, prior to a plan for a major renovation or maintenance update. While the most important time to do a home inspection is during the real estate transaction, it is not uncommon to have an inspection done at other time periods. These can include a Pre-List Inspection (completed by seller, prior to sale), Builder’s Warranty Inspection (at the 11-month timeframe for new construction), New Construction Inspection (pre drywall phase and prior to final walkthrough) and other specific inspection needs (Mold, Radon, Thermal Imaging, Rental, etc.).
What types of homes benefit from a home inspection?
All homes, in an unknown condition, need a thorough home inspection. A qualified home inspector offers the buyer or owner an unbiased viewpoint of the property. The home inspection can end up saving the buyer or owner thousands of dollars by helping to identify unknown issues. The purchase of a home will probably be the largest expense in most people’s life, a quality home inspection is a small price to pay.
Do I need to be present during the inspection?
Ideally, yes. The goal of a home inspection is not just to inspect the property, but also to educate the homeowner or potential buyer about the property’s condition. This is better achieved if you are present at the time of the inspection. However, if you are unable to attend the property review, we can always set up a Zoom call meeting at your convenience to review any issues discovered.
AmeriSpec Questions:
What is included in the AmeriSpec Report?
The AmeriSpec Report is an easy-to-reference document detailing the condition of the home’s major components (such as heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc.). In addition, you’ll receive a Seasonal Maintenance Checklist with tips for keeping your home in shape.
AmeriSpec Inspection Service reports include full color photographs of all areas of concern and major components, a full narrative of ‘Review & Repair’ and ‘Consideration/Maintenance’ items, and the addition of specific data like thermal image pictures or mold/radon test results (as requested).
Why should I choose AmeriSpec over a local competitor?
Since its inception, AmeriSpec has conducted in excess of 2 million inspections. AmeriSpec has more than 150 independently owned and operated businesses with insured, well-trained home inspectors who perform more than 80,000 inspections annually in the United States and Canada.
How qualified are AmeriSpec inspectors?
All of our inspectors are trained and certified to meet the highest industry standards. AmeriSpec offers the best education in the industry by combining classroom instruction and hands-on technical training in our state-of-the-art facility. AmeriSpec inspectors have a much higher standard for a fully qualified home inspector. This includes an additional 80+ hours (165 hours in total) of specific coursework training, attaining the level of Certified Professional Inspector member from InterNACHI and ASHI organizations, perform over 1000 home and commercial inspections, complete 24 hours of continuing education training annually, and hold $2M of insurance coverage for Liability and E&O.
How much does a home inspection cost?
The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on the company. AmeriSpec Inspection Service fees are based on the square footage of the home. For example, an average 2000 sq. ft. home cost is $385-$415 depending on the age of the home. Other services like pool ($50), termite ($60), mold or radon testing ($125-$295), or other services can be added as needed.
What if the home inspector finds problems during the inspection?
Finding issues or concerns are common on just about every home inspection. The important thing is to accurately report the issue in the proper context; for example, is the issue a structural problem or merely a common maintenance item. AmeriSpec Inspection Services utilizes sections for ‘Review & Repair’ and ‘Consideration’ items in the reports. These sections will be at the front of the report and will include pictures and narrative to fully explain the situations.