A home inspection is an objective, non-evasive visual examination of a property’s physical structure and major systems, from the roof down to the foundation. A standard home inspection report will include an assessment of the heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems, as well as the roof, attic, visible insulation, wall, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement, and observable structural elements. The report also includes an evaluation of the paving and grading in the areas immediately surrounding the home.

When purchasing a home, insurance providers typically require a Wind Mitigation and a Four-Point Inspection. However, we strongly recommend a Full Inspection to give you a more complete understanding of the property’s current condition. This comprehensive evaluation can help you negotiate more effectively and make a more informed purchasing decision. As part of our Buyer’s Inspection Service, the Wind Mitigation and Four-Point Inspections are included at no additional cost when bundled together as a package.

Buying a home is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. A home inspection helps you understand the property’s condition before you buy, reducing the risk of unexpected repairs or surprises later. An inspection highlights both concerns and positive features, along with routine maintenance needed to keep the home in good shape. With this information, you can move forward with greater confidence. For current homeowners, an inspection can reveal developing issues early and recommend preventative measures to avoid costly future repairs. Sellers may also choose a pre-listing inspection to identify issues a buyer’s inspector may discover, allowing time to make repairs and present the home in its best possible selling condition.

A typical full home inspection takes approximately 2 to 4 hours on site for most standard properties. For a single-family home between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet, the inspection usually lasts about 2 to 3 hours. The actual duration can vary based on several factors, including weather conditions and accessibility. Heavy rain may limit certain exterior or roof evaluations, and restricted access to areas due to stored items can extend the inspection time.

The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on factors such as the home’s size, age, and any additional services requested. While price is important, it should not be the deciding factor when choosing to have an inspection or selecting an inspector. The insight gained from a professional inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest price does not always mean the best value. A home inspection is an investment that can save you money and stress in the long run, helping ensure that your home purchase is a decision you can feel confident about and not one you’ll regret.

For your convenience, your inspection confirmation email will include a link to a secure, third-party online payment portal. Payments made by credit or debit card through this portal are securely processed and allow you immediate access to your inspection reports as soon as they are uploaded.

We usually have next-day availability or at the most, one to two days out. You can click here to view our availability based on the home’s characteristics and services requested.

The inspection agreement must be reviewed and signed before the inspection can take place. Please use the link provided in your inspection confirmation email to access and complete the agreement. If the agreement is not signed in advance, the inspection may need to be rescheduled.

The inspection report will be sent to you within 24 hours of the completed inspection unless the inspection is completed on Saturday, in which case it will be issued Monday.

For a four-point inspection, most insurance companies require a “clean” report before they will issue coverage. If any deficiencies are identified and the seller completes the required repairs, an inspector must return to the property to confirm that the work has been properly completed. An updated four-point inspection report is then provided to submit to your insurance company.

For a full home inspection, you may choose to schedule a repair verification inspection to confirm the seller addressed specific items noted in the report and that the repairs were completed professionally. While this additional inspection is optional, it can provide added peace of mind.

In either instance, a return visit to the property for repair verification is subject to a trip charge.

Even the most experienced homeowner may not have the same level of knowledge, objectivity, and expertise as a professional home inspector who has evaluated thousands of properties. Home inspectors are trained in all aspects of residential construction, including proper installation and ongoing maintenance. They understand how a home’s systems and components are designed to work together and can recognize when and why problems occur. Buyers can also find it extremely difficult to remain fully objective when evaluating a home they are excited about, which may influence their decision making. For the clearest and most reliable understanding of a property’s condition, it is best to rely on an impartial, third-party inspection by a qualified professional.

A home inspection does not result in a pass or fail outcome. A professional home inspection is an evaluation of the current condition of the property, and the report provides a clear description of the inspector’s findings so you can make an informed decision. It is not the same as an appraisal or municipal code inspection. An appraisal determines the market value, and a municipal inspection verifies compliance with local building codes.

A home inspector is usually contacted shortly after the contract or purchase agreement is signed and can often schedule the inspection within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure to confirm it includes an inspection clause, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection. This clause should outline the responsibilities and options for both the buyer and the seller.

• Secure pets in a kennel or pet crate. Our inspectors are happy to work around pets; however, to ensure a complete and thorough evaluation of all systems, we recommend that pets be kept away from the home or safely secured in a crate located in a non-essential area. Most inspections take approximately three hours. Please avoid confining pets to rooms, yards, basements, garages, or other areas that may limit the inspector’s ability to fully access and inspect the property.

• Leave a clear space around the HVAC, electrical panels, and water heater. Your inspector will need room to stand and kneel around your HVAC, electrical panels, and water heater. You’ll want to clear the floor around these areas, leaving an area of three to four feet for the inspector to work.

• Leave utilities connected. Your inspector will be checking your water, electricity, gas, and any other appliances that may be connected, so leave all utilities on. If utilities are not turned on, the inspector will need to reschedule the inspection and return later.

• Ignite all pilot lights. Inspectors are not permitted to ignite pilot lights for liability reasons. In order to test your water heater, furnace, and gas stove, you’ll need to leave all pilot lights ignited.

• Leave behind any important keys with clear directions. Your inspector will need access to all garages, sheds, and the exterior electrical panel. Please place all keys and garage door openers in an easy-to-find location, clearly labeled with any necessary directions. Be sure to include any special instructions to help ensure a smooth and efficient inspection.

• Provide access to the crawl space, garage and attic. Please ensure clear, unobstructed access to crawl spaces, garages, and attics, and unbolt any permanently locked doors ahead of time. If these areas are used for storage, move items at least two feet away from the walls to allow proper inspection. We also recommend removing cobwebs and checking for any signs of rodent activity prior to the scheduled inspection.

• Catch up on yard work. To allow your inspector to properly evaluate the foundation, please clear the area around the perimeter of your home. Remove leaves, brush, snow, and any other obstructions, such as garbage cans. If tree branches are contacting the siding or roof, the inspector will note this in the final report, so we recommend trimming branches away from the home in advance whenever possible.

We strongly recommend you attend the home inspection, even if you are only able to be there at the end to hear the inspector’s summary. While our written reports are detailed and include clear photos, seeing things in person allows you to better understand the findings. Being present also gives you the opportunity to ask questions, gain helpful explanations, and feel more confident about the condition of the home.

No home is perfect. If an inspection uncovers issues, it does not automatically mean the home is a bad purchase. Instead, it helps you understand what to expect before you move forward. In some cases, sellers may be willing to adjust the purchase price or contract terms if significant concerns are identified. If you are working within a tight budget or prefer to avoid future repair projects, this information can be especially valuable in helping you make your decision.

Absolutely! A pre-listing inspection helps identify potential issues before your home goes on the market, giving you the time to make repairs or address concerns in advance. This can prevent unexpected findings during the buyer’s inspection. When issues come up following a signed purchase agreement, they can often feel more stressed or seem larger than they really are due to tight timelines and negotiations. A pre-listing inspection allows you to handle concerns calmly and on your own schedule, helping create a smoother process and increasing the chances of a successful sale.

Absolutely not! If the inspection shows the home is in good condition, it confirms you are making a sound investment and provides valuable peace of mind. You can move forward with your purchase feeling confident about the condition of the property and its major systems. The inspection report will also provide significant insight into your new home and serve as a useful reference for future maintenance. Most importantly, you can feel assured that you are making a well-informed decision and can enjoy your new home without unnecessary worries.

Even though new homes come with a builder’s warranty, it is the buyer’s responsibility to identify any issues that need to be addressed. Builders typically offer a walkthrough before closing, but this review is usually limited to visible or cosmetic items. A professional new construction inspection goes beyond what you can easily see and focuses on how the home’s major systems function. This can include checking attic insulation, electrical outlets and safety protections such as GFCI receptacles, plumbing and drainage, roofing components, structural elements, and other critical systems. Identifying these issues early allows you to have them corrected under the builder’s warranty, helps you avoid costly repairs down the road, and provides peace of mind both after you move in and if you decide to sell the home in the future.

You will receive an email notification that your inspection reports are ready to view and download. Please note that payment is required before the report can be released.

If you have questions about your inspection report, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our inspector is available to review the findings with you, explain any concerns, and help you better understand the report. We want to ensure you feel informed and confident about the results of your home inspection.

We recommend checking with your insurance agent to confirm which inspection reports the underwriters will require. Typically, homes older than 10 years need both a Four-Point and a Wind Mitigation Inspection, while newer homes usually require only a Wind Mitigation Inspection.

A four-point inspection is typically valid for the life of the insurance policy issued by the insurance company unless the insurance underwriter requests an updated inspection, which is uncommon. However, if the home is sold, the insurance company may require a new four-point inspection, even if the seller has a previous report available.

• HVAC System: Full functionality of the heating, cooling, and ventilation is accessed including inspection of devices along with temperature and humidity readings. The existing condition of the units, proper maintenance, signs of leaks, water damage, etc. will be noted. The age and life expectancy of the HVAC units will be reported.

• Electrical System: The entire electrical system from the main service entrance outside the home to all service branches inside the home are evaluated to determine functionality, age, and note any safety concerns. Safety items the inspector will look for include aluminum branch wiring, fuse boxes, cloth and sheath wiring, double-tapped circuit breakers, and knob-and-tube wiring.

• Plumbing System: The inspector will examine the plumbing system with focus on the pipe materials, age of the drainage and supply lines, signs of past or present water leaks, and the condition of the water heater. Common issues the inspectors report include are leaks, rusted fixtures and drains, cracked or loose toilets, and faulty or improperly installed sinks, tubs, and showers.

• Roofing: The roof covering, sheathing and framing is essential to your home’s safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency. Elements that are commonly evaluated are the estimated remaining lifespan of the roof covering, visible damage or deterioration, present or past leaks, and any previous repairs and their condition.

The duration can vary depending on the home’s age, size, and overall complexity. In most cases, a four-point inspection is completed within approximately one to one and a half hours.

A wind mitigation inspection is an evaluation of a home’s construction features that help reduce damage from high winds and hurricanes. During the inspection, the inspector looks at items such as the roof covering, roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, secondary water resistance, and the protection of openings like doors, windows, and garage doors.

The primary purpose of a wind mitigation inspection is to document these features for your insurance provider. Homes with qualifying wind-resistant features may be eligible for insurance discounts, which can help lower your homeowner’s insurance premium.

A wind mitigation inspection typically takes about 30 minutes to one hour. During the inspection, the inspector will walk the exterior of the property, access the attic, and evaluate the home’s openings to document wind-resistant features.

The state verification form is generally valid for up to five years, provided no significant changes have been made to the structure. If upgrades or improvements are made to the home during that time, it may be beneficial to consult with your insurance agent to determine whether the home qualifies for additional insurance credits.

In rare cases, homeowners may lose insurance discounts if a previous wind mitigation form was completed incorrectly. This can occur when certain home features were reported that were not actually present. While this situation is uncommon, most homeowners benefit from accurate inspections and continue to receive insurance savings on their premiums year after year.