Will the General Inspection Agency home inspector do my termite inspection if needed?
General Inspection Agency Inspectors do NOT perform termite inspections. However, General Inspection Agency does have a termite inspection that they recommend to provide the highest quality termite inspection possible. Tip: Some home inspectors who perform a termite inspection along with the general home inspection, may only have minimum experience and working under the license of another company. If you do would like to hire your own termite company make sure to hire a company who is licenced and certified to perform termite inspections.
WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?
We follow the stringent guidelines and Inspection Standards of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). The inspector typically spends 2 1/2 to 3 hours performing a thorough, visual, functional and operational inspection of the many mechanical and structural components of the home. The inspection includes an evaluation of such important elements as: Grounds, Foundation, Structural, Attics, Roofs, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating, Air Conditioning, Appliances, etc. Additional services include items such as Pools, Private Water or Sewage (Septic) Systems, Radon, etc. A detailed report written in language that you can understand, will be furnished at the time of the inspection. We feel that a verbal consultation is a part of the inspection process, and we are also available for additional consultation.
CAN A HOUSE "FAIL" ITS INSPECTION?
No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of major repair or replacement immediately or near future.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
We feel our primary purpose is to educate our clients so they can make informed decisions. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND THE HOME INSPECTION. By attending, you will learn first hand about how the various components and systems of the house work together to create a safe and secure shelter for your family and where possible repairs may be done to make it even better .
IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, WAS THE COST OF THE INSPECTION JUSTIFIED?
Absolutely. Now you can go forward with the purchase of your home confidently and with peace of mind. You will have a better understanding of your home and how best to schedule and budget any future repairs or renovations. The inspector's written report will prove invaluable in planning and working with contractors and vendors.
WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME INSPECTOR?
A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the purchase contract, specifying that your purchase obligation is contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated with respect to the findings of the inspection.
CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?
Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance. The inspector understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.
