Whether you are buying your first home or selling your fifth, you probably have questions about the home inspection. Here are straight answers to the 10 questions we hear most often from buyers, sellers and real estate agents across Fargo-Moorhead.
1. What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of a home’s condition by a trained inspector, usually done after an offer is accepted and before closing. Its purpose is to give you a clear, unbiased picture of the home, including safety issues, needed repairs and maintenance items, so you can make an informed decision.
2. What Does a Home Inspection Include?
A home inspection covers the home’s major systems and components from the foundation to the roof:
- Foundation, structure, grading and drainage
- Roof, gutters and downspouts
- Exterior siding, windows and doors
- Attic insulation and ventilation, and crawlspaces
- Plumbing, water heater and visible piping
- Electrical panel, wiring and outlets
- Furnace, air conditioning and ventilation
- Interior walls, ceilings, floors and stairs
Every Nordic inspection also includes a visual mold inspection and moisture scanning. Add-ons such as radon testing and a sewer line camera inspection are available.
3. How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
Most home inspections take roughly 2 hours. Larger, older or more complex homes, and homes with more issues to document, can take longer. We encourage you to attend so you can see what we find and ask questions along the way.
4. How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
The cost of a home inspection depends on the home’s size, age and location, plus any add-on services like radon testing or a sewer camera inspection. Every Nordic inspection includes a mold visual inspection, moisture scanning, an on-site walkthrough with your inspector and a same-day photo report. For an exact price, call us at (701) 566-1446 or book online. Want to know why prices vary between companies? Read Why Home Inspection Prices Vary.
5. When Will I Get the Inspection Report?
With Nordic Inspections, you receive your report the same day as your inspection. It is a detailed, computer-generated report with photos and explanations of what we found and what can or should be done about it, and advising the most urgent issues.
6. If the House Looks Good, Do I Really Need an Inspection?
Yes. Many of the most expensive problems are not visible during a showing, including foundation movement, roof and attic issues, hidden moisture, outdated electrical and failing sewer lines. Fresh paint and new flooring can make a home look great while covering up problems underneath. An inspection is a small cost compared to the price of the home. See Is a Home Inspection Worth the Cost?
7. Do I Need an Inspection on a New Construction Home?
Yes. Even new homes can have construction defects, installation mistakes and items that were missed. City inspections check for code minimums, while a home inspection looks at the overall quality and function of the home. For the best protection, consider a pre-drywall inspection during construction, a new construction inspection before closing and a builder’s warranty inspection before your warranty ends. Learn more in Do New Construction Homes Need Inspections?
8. What If the Inspection Report Reveals Problems?
Don’t panic. Every home has findings, even new ones. Review the report carefully, focus on safety issues and major systems like the foundation, roof, electrical and HVAC, and talk with your real estate agent about your options. Depending on what is found, you may ask the seller for repairs, request a credit or price reduction, get estimates from contractors, or in some cases walk away. Our inspectors are happy to answer follow-up questions about your report.
9. Should I Get a Home Inspection on a House I’m Selling?
A pre-listing inspection is often a smart move for sellers. It helps you find and fix problems on your own schedule, price your home accurately and avoid surprises that can derail a sale after the buyer’s inspection. Learn more about our seller pre-listing inspections, or read Seller vs. Buyer Home Inspections: What’s the Difference?
10. How Do I Find a Qualified Home Inspector?
Start by asking your real estate agent, friends and family for recommendations, then check online reviews. Before you book, ask a few questions:
- How long have you been inspecting homes, and what is your background?
- Are you insured, and what certifications or training do you have?
- Do you go into attics and crawlspaces?
- What does your report look like, and when will I receive it?
- Can I attend the inspection?
- Will you answer my questions after the inspection?
Keep in mind that Minnesota does not license home inspectors, so it is especially important to check an inspector’s experience if you are buying in Moorhead or elsewhere in Minnesota.
Have Another Question?
Visit our full Home Inspection FAQ, call us at (701) 566-1446, or schedule your home inspection with Nordic Inspections today.