(701)566-1446 Home Inspection FAQ
What is a home inspection?
What does a home inspection include?
Should I have a home inspection on the house I am selling?
How do I find a qualified home inspector?
What questions should I ask when interviewing home inspectors?
Should I attend to the home inspection?
My home is a new construction, do I still need it to be inspected?
My house is a "Sold as is, HUD home, or "For closure". Do I still need a home inspection?
How long does a home inspection take?
How much does a home inspection cost?
When should I expect to receive the report?
Could I bring friends and family to the home inspection?
How should I prepare for the home inspection?
What if the home inspection report reveals problems?
If the house to be in a good condition, did I really need the home inspection?
What does a home inspection include?
Should I have a home inspection on the house I am selling?
How do I find a qualified home inspector?
What questions should I ask when interviewing home inspectors?
Should I attend to the home inspection?
My home is a new construction, do I still need it to be inspected?
My house is a "Sold as is, HUD home, or "For closure". Do I still need a home inspection?
How long does a home inspection take?
How much does a home inspection cost?
When should I expect to receive the report?
Could I bring friends and family to the home inspection?
How should I prepare for the home inspection?
What if the home inspection report reveals problems?
If the house to be in a good condition, did I really need the home inspection?
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual and objective inspection of any readily accessible areas of a property from the foundation to the roof.
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A home inspection is a visual and objective inspection of any readily accessible areas of a property from the foundation to the roof.
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What does a home inspection include?
The home inspection includes (but are not limited to)
Roof Home Inspection
The inspector will enter the roof as long as the pitch is not too steep or covered with ice.
Age and life expectancy will be determined, as well as advice for how to get a longer life out of the roof.
Gutters, downspouts, vents, skylights, flashings and chimney will also be inspected and evaluated.
Heating & Cooling Systems Home Inspection
Will be tested and operated, inspected for proper installation, age and life expectancy will be determined. All heat sources will be inspected for proper operation and air flow.
Foundation & Structural Home Inspection
The foundation will be thoroughly inspected for cracks, bowing or other possible deficiencies along with recommendations for repairs.
If foundation have been braced, the bracing will be inspected for proper installation.
Other structural components such as joists, rafters, beams, and posts will be inspected for proper installation and condition.
Exterior Components Home Inspection
Driveway, grading, trim, siding, soffits, vents, deck, steps, electrical, windows, doors will be inspected and evaluated for minor to major deficiencies.
Attic & Crawlspace Home Inspection
The inspector WILL ENTER the attic and crawlspace, and actually move around to look for leaks, rodents, electrical wiring, plumbing, proper ventilation and insulation as well as any structural issues.
Mold & Moisture Home Inspection
The inspector is a experienced and certified mold inspector, and knows exactly where any mold growth could be present in the house. If the inspector suspects any moisture in the basement, he will not hesitate with pulling the carpet in the corners, or even look behind the baseboards to find evidence of current of past moisture. The source of the problem will be located as well as advice for repairs.
Plumbing Home Inspection
Faucets, pipes and drains will be inspected for leaks, condition and proper installation. Water heater will be inspected for proper operation and installation, age and life expectancy will be determined.
Electrical Home Inspection
All outlets and lights will be inspected for correct installation and operation. Electrical panel will be thoroughly inspected for correct installation as well advice and recommendations regarding if the panel will meet the expectations for your future electrical needs.
Garage Home Inspection
Garage will be inspected for structural issues, electrical, proper operation and installation of overhead doors, and roof coverings.
Doors & Windows Home Inspection
All doors and windows will be operated and thoroughly inspected for condition and proper operation.
Appliances Home Inspection
All appliances will be operated for proper operation.
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The home inspection includes (but are not limited to)
Roof Home Inspection
The inspector will enter the roof as long as the pitch is not too steep or covered with ice.
Age and life expectancy will be determined, as well as advice for how to get a longer life out of the roof.
Gutters, downspouts, vents, skylights, flashings and chimney will also be inspected and evaluated.
Heating & Cooling Systems Home Inspection
Will be tested and operated, inspected for proper installation, age and life expectancy will be determined. All heat sources will be inspected for proper operation and air flow.
Foundation & Structural Home Inspection
The foundation will be thoroughly inspected for cracks, bowing or other possible deficiencies along with recommendations for repairs.
If foundation have been braced, the bracing will be inspected for proper installation.
Other structural components such as joists, rafters, beams, and posts will be inspected for proper installation and condition.
Exterior Components Home Inspection
Driveway, grading, trim, siding, soffits, vents, deck, steps, electrical, windows, doors will be inspected and evaluated for minor to major deficiencies.
Attic & Crawlspace Home Inspection
The inspector WILL ENTER the attic and crawlspace, and actually move around to look for leaks, rodents, electrical wiring, plumbing, proper ventilation and insulation as well as any structural issues.
Mold & Moisture Home Inspection
The inspector is a experienced and certified mold inspector, and knows exactly where any mold growth could be present in the house. If the inspector suspects any moisture in the basement, he will not hesitate with pulling the carpet in the corners, or even look behind the baseboards to find evidence of current of past moisture. The source of the problem will be located as well as advice for repairs.
Plumbing Home Inspection
Faucets, pipes and drains will be inspected for leaks, condition and proper installation. Water heater will be inspected for proper operation and installation, age and life expectancy will be determined.
Electrical Home Inspection
All outlets and lights will be inspected for correct installation and operation. Electrical panel will be thoroughly inspected for correct installation as well advice and recommendations regarding if the panel will meet the expectations for your future electrical needs.
Garage Home Inspection
Garage will be inspected for structural issues, electrical, proper operation and installation of overhead doors, and roof coverings.
Doors & Windows Home Inspection
All doors and windows will be operated and thoroughly inspected for condition and proper operation.
Appliances Home Inspection
All appliances will be operated for proper operation.
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Should I have a home inspection on the house I am selling?
More and more sellers have their home inspected so they can repair and do updates upon the inspectors recommendation. If you suspect that your home has any deficiencies, it might make your sale easier if you repair any issues that will be revealed on the home inspection, and show the report and a list of your updates on a open house or to your prospective buyer.
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More and more sellers have their home inspected so they can repair and do updates upon the inspectors recommendation. If you suspect that your home has any deficiencies, it might make your sale easier if you repair any issues that will be revealed on the home inspection, and show the report and a list of your updates on a open house or to your prospective buyer.
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How do I find a qualified home inspector?
Finding the your home inspector can be done in many different ways
Finding the your home inspector can be done in many different ways
- Talk to your real estate agent. The real estate agent usually have a good idea of 2-3 different inspectors they have had good experience with. Check them out!
- Word of mouth. Word of mouth is usually a safe way to go. Talk to family members, friends or neighbors about their experience with the home inspector they used.
- Check out the list of certified inspectors in ND. This is list of all inspectors that are certified and insured in ND.
- Visit website. The website is the face of any business. Browse around and see which one gives you a better impression.
- Call to interview. Call a couple of inspectors and ask why they can give you the best inspection. Ask about background, experience, if they will enter roof, attic and crawlspace, perform testing on HVAC systems and so on.
- Don't go price shopping. You are probably about to make one of the biggest investment in your lifetime. There are always a reason some inspectors aren't busy, and also a reason these inspectors are cheaper than others. You get what you pay for, don't try to save $20 on $150,000 dollar deal.
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What should I ask when interviewing home inspectors?
- What is your background and experience?
- How long have you been in the business?
- How many inspections have you performed?
- Is this your full time or part time job?
- How long will the inspection take?
- What type of report will I receive and when will I get it?
- Will you enter the attic or just take quick peak from the hatch?
- Will you enter the roof or inspect it from the ground?
- Will you enter the crawlspace?
- Will you do testing on the HVAC systems?
- What is your pricing?
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Should I attend to the home inspection?
It is not necessary, but highly recommended. You should follow the inspector around, make sure he is doing what he is supposed to, and address your questions & concerns. You will learn allot about your house, and get many tips for maintenance and updates that should be done. This will be a great help for you before moving in.
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It is not necessary, but highly recommended. You should follow the inspector around, make sure he is doing what he is supposed to, and address your questions & concerns. You will learn allot about your house, and get many tips for maintenance and updates that should be done. This will be a great help for you before moving in.
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My home is a new construction, do I still need it to be inspected?
Yes. Even new built homes can have problems that the builder are hiding or didn't notice. However most findings are minor, but ones it is found the builder could do the repairs before you move in.
Homes are built by humans, and humans does mistakes almost every day. You don't want to move in to a house and figure out that something went wrong with your furnace or your water heater. Having a home inspection on a new built home is absolutely recommended.
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Yes. Even new built homes can have problems that the builder are hiding or didn't notice. However most findings are minor, but ones it is found the builder could do the repairs before you move in.
Homes are built by humans, and humans does mistakes almost every day. You don't want to move in to a house and figure out that something went wrong with your furnace or your water heater. Having a home inspection on a new built home is absolutely recommended.
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My house is a "Sold as is, HUD home, or "For closure". Do I still need a home inspection?
More than any other home should these be inspected. Typically these houses have been empty for a while, and with the lack of maintenance a lot things can be wrong.
You need to know what problems that will meet you when moving into the home, and what amount of money should expect to put in to it. An inspection will identify any major issues that may negatively impact the value of the home.
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More than any other home should these be inspected. Typically these houses have been empty for a while, and with the lack of maintenance a lot things can be wrong.
You need to know what problems that will meet you when moving into the home, and what amount of money should expect to put in to it. An inspection will identify any major issues that may negatively impact the value of the home.
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How long does a home inspection take?
The inspection usually last between 1,5 to 2,5 hours depending on the age and the size of the home, and the problems the inspector could come over.
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The inspection usually last between 1,5 to 2,5 hours depending on the age and the size of the home, and the problems the inspector could come over.
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How much does a home inspection cost?
A home inspection usually cost somewhere around $300.
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A home inspection usually cost somewhere around $300.
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When should I expect to receive the report?
A professional home inspector should at least be able to provide you with the inspection on the same day. Some inspectors can print the report on site or email it to you shortly after completed inspection.
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A professional home inspector should at least be able to provide you with the inspection on the same day. Some inspectors can print the report on site or email it to you shortly after completed inspection.
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Could I bring friends and family to the home inspection?
Yes. If you can bring someone handy that you trust, that can help you ask the inspector the questions you might never think of asking.
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Yes. If you can bring someone handy that you trust, that can help you ask the inspector the questions you might never think of asking.
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How should I prepare for the home inspection?
If you have any questions or concerns before the inspection, write them down and address it to the inspector before the inspection. This is your time with a knowledgeable person in your new house, if there is things you don't know how to operate or maintain, be sure to address that as well.
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If you have any questions or concerns before the inspection, write them down and address it to the inspector before the inspection. This is your time with a knowledgeable person in your new house, if there is things you don't know how to operate or maintain, be sure to address that as well.
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What if the home inspection report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
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No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
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If the house to be in a good condition, did I really need the home inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.
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Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.
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