Why should I get a home inspection?

Buying a home is typically the biggest investment you will ever make. Therefore, it’s important to get a home inspection because the inspector should be able to discover and document defects that may or may not be obvious to you as a prospective buyer.  Such defects can range from simple replacements or repairs, to severe damage or safety and health concerns. Additionally, most mortgage companies require a home inspection on a property before approving the home loan.

Seller’s inspections are conducted in order to identify defects or safety concerns that may hold up the process of selling your property. Identifying issues prior to closing can help expedite your sale, and encourage offers closer to your actual asking price.

How long does a home inspection take?

Depending on the home’s age, size, and location, as well as the home inspector’s own work protocols and ethic, your home inspection may take up to three hours. Adding square footage, outbuildings, and/or ancillary services (such as mold or radon testing) will increase that time. It may be necessary for your inspector to bring in a helper for a very large property. If your general home inspection takes significantly less than two to three hours, it may indicate that the inspector was not thorough enough.

What happens if the inspection reveals problems?

If your home inspection reveals any problems, it is important to understand the severity of the defect. For example, a missing shingle or dirty air filter can be easily fixed at a low cost. However, if the defect is more extreme, such as a major foundation crack, wood-destroying organism infestation, or evidence of mold, you should find out how these problems can be addressed, and whether you can negotiate their cost with the seller.

Can the home inspector also repair any defects he or she finds?

Elite Vision follows the InterNACHI code of ethics where members shall not perform or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs or associated services to the structure for which the member or member’s company has prepared a home inspection report for a period of 12 months. This provision shall not include services to components and/or systems that are not included in the InterNACHI Standards of Practice. If an inspector financially benefits from finding any defects, this can impact the accuracy of the report (whether intentional or not). Make sure the inspector you hire abides by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

At what point in the real estate transaction should I schedule a home inspection?

A home inspection is usually scheduled after an offer has been made and accepted, but before the closing date. That way, the inspector can rule out any major defects that could be dangerous or costly. In rare cases—due to timing or contractual issues—the inspection can be scheduled after the closing date. If this is the case, the home buyer should schedule the inspection for the earliest possible date after closing.

How can I be sure that a home inspector is qualified?

It is important to choose a home inspector who is qualified and holds a license or certification in the field. Many jurisdictions do not regulate home inspections, meaning that anyone could call themselves a home inspector. However, just because someone performs home inspections doesn’t mean that they’re actually qualified to do so. If you are buying or selling a home in an unregulated jurisdiction, make sure to look for a home inspector with the proper certifications. If you are located in a state or province that does require licensing of home inspectors, you should hire only a licensed professional.

Contact your state by phone or online to find out whether they license home inspectors, and what qualifications they’re required to have.  License numbers in licensing states may vary in appearance, but you should be able to independently verify it. If your state doesn’t require licensing, find out what qualifications and certifications your home inspector has. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors-InterNACHI is the largest and most trusted home inspector association in the world.  Its members undergo rigorous training to become Certified Professional Inspectors (CPIs).  They also follow company Standards of Practice and adhere to a Code of Ethics.

Does Elite Vision Property Inspections offer military discounts?

Yes

Let me start by saying choosing Elite Vision Property Inspections was the best decision I ever made. John was awesome. He is very thorough and explains everything he is doing step by step and answers all questions without hesitation. John is punctual and very professional. I had 10 days to due inspection and when I contacted Elite Vision they got back to me same day Very responsive company. I had my appointment for next day and within 24hours I had my full report. Home owners tried to hide a lot of things but there was nothing they could hide from John. Johns findings help me from making a huge mistake and costing me thousands. I recommend Elite Vision and John to everyone In search of home inspection. So now I’m still in the process of home buying and with Elite Vision I have no reason to stress.
Thank you John and Elite Vision!!!!!!

Jay Pabon

I’m grateful that I found Elite Vision Property Inspections. John was prompt, professional and helpful. Nothing but good things!

Kay Hudson

Professional and effective, John was able to help us get a great idea of what to look out for and considerations to make with the things we need fixing in our new home, and we all got to share some laughs during the inspection. All in all, I definitely recommend their service.
To be honest, I’d give them 10 stars if I could. The whole process of getting into our house has been a pain, and John and the whole team have made everything so much easier on us and have gone above and beyond to ensure we’re all set and totally covered for our house. So cheers to them, and I’ll recommend them to everyone I know who’s getting a new home or selling their home in the area!

Aaron Glogowski

Buyer’s home purchase inspection. John performed a very thorough inspection of my under contract property. His report was detailed, easy to read, and released within 48 hours of completion. Veteran/military discount was a plus.

Nicholas Mollenhauer

John did an amazing job! He was very thorough and went into great detail with the report. We would use John again!

Maureen Simpkins

Talk about a quality inspector! I’m a maintenance electrician by trade, so I was able to somewhat feel out his knowledge. John knows his stuff.

We spent over three hours together combing through the house. He went above and beyond making sure everything was in working order. He even had specialty equipment like a radiation detector to see if the microwave was properly sealed and a high-end drone to reach inaccessible places on the roof.

John was able to identify and address several problems. He also provided answers to all my questions. Here’s a guy who isn’t afraid to sweat or crawl through an attic. I’m very impressed!

I feel pretty good about buying this home.

Robert R.