Inspecting More
Than Meets The Eye

What to Look for in a Home Inspector

Let’s begin with the statement, Every Home Should Be Inspected! As a future home buyer, you may be tempted to by-pass the home inspection to save yourself $300-$600. The reality is, that is a very small investment when you look at the overall picture. Consider the cost of a roof that needs to be replaced, a hot water heater that is not working properly, a furnace that does not properly function, issues with a sewage pipe, etc. In all reality you as the future home buyer may not catch many of the potential issues of the home you are looking at, the seller may not be aware of some of the issues or their initial inspector may have missed some items. As the future buyer it is always a wise investment to find the home inspector who will be thorough and give you the best picture of the home you are wanting to invest in. With that said remember, a cheap home inspector is not the best choice either. Your home purchase is an investment that will cost you thousands of dollars. A thorough and professional home inspection is what is necessary to help you make a sound decision on the purchase of the home.

So how do you know what home inspector will provide you with the best assessment? Your real-estate agent may suggest home inspectors. This is a good place to start. Take time to review websites, call potential inspectors and talk to them, check reviews, check with mortgage companies, family members and friends. With that said there are several considerations which you will want to make. Let’s begin with important questions to ask when looking for your home inspector.

1. What professional group do you belong to? Keep in mind that just because they belong to a professional group does not mean that they are quality inspectors. Ask further questions about:
a. Experience and Certifications. How long has the inspector been in business? How many inspections have they done? Is this their full-time job? What other background experience do they have that provides them with the knowledge that is necessary to do a quality inspection? A home inspector who has had a background in home building will have a better idea of what to look for and how to access the overall quality of the home.
b. What leading technology is your home inspection service using?

2. Ask what will be included in the home inspection. A typical home inspection will take 2 – 3 hours. The amount of time will depend upon the square footage of your home and the age of the home.

3. Ask what will NOT be included in the home inspection.  A solid roof inspection may not be possible if there is snow on the roof or if it is wet or raining. Also keep in mind that radon and mold inspection may be offered as an additional cost. Several areas in the United States, as well as Nebraska, have high radon levels. You owe it to the safety of your family to protect them if that is a possibility. Remember, your home inspector does not have a crystal ball that will look into the future and tell you what will happen to the water heater, dish washer, or any other major system of the home in six months, one year, or five years from now. Be sure you have also done your homework and know when the roof was replaced and what storms have been in the area the last few years; how old the major appliances and utilities of the home are (example water heater, furnace, air conditioner, etc.), what service and repair has been done to it and how long you can expect them to potentially last.

4. Ask what licenses and insurance they have. Keep in mind that not all states and cities require either.

5. What type of inspection report do they offer? Most home inspectors will provide a report within 24 hours. Be sure that the report they offer meets the requirements of your lender as well as your own needs. Look for a report that will:
a. Describe the facts of the inspection
b. Disclose the situation or problem of the home system
c. Direct or analyze potential recommendations

6. How will the report be reviewed with me, the home buyer? Be sure the home inspector will review the report with you so you have a complete picture of the various home systems that were inspected and what the potential issues are. This provides you the opportunity to also ask questions about what was reviewed and what the exact problem may be.

7. Can I attend the inspection? A refusal to allow you, the potential homeowner, to do so is a definite red flag.

As I stated earlier cost should not determine the inspector that you hire. Cost becomes a determining factor ONLY when you have found two inspectors who are both equally qualified and will provide you with the type of inspection you not only want but need. Remember the statement, you get what you pay for. Find the home inspector that will provide you with a complete evaluation of your potential home investment. A quality home inspection will give you the information you need to make a sound evaluation on whether to move forward on the purchase of your home or negotiate with the seller.

At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we combine knowledge, experience and science to provide you with the highest level of inspection service. Corspect Advanced Home Inspections uses the latest technology to assess every detail of the homes systems. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we also have the unique ability, through Drone equipped HD Cameras, to inspect and photograph roof components. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections it is our mission to make the home buying experience rewarding, informative and enjoyable for all. Contact Bob at Corspect Advanced Home Inspections to set up your home inspection.

Buying a home is a major financial commitment. A commitment that you want to make with confidence. A Home Inspector can assist you in identifying structural issues, aging systems, and every detail of the home’s condition. The inspection can help you predict problems you might have and if it is a top functioning home for you. An inspection can require the seller to fix what issues are uncovered in the inspection before you purchase the home if you make your purchase contract contingent on a satisfactory inspection. You may also uncover issues that you did not see that cause you to not purchase the home. As the home’s seller, an inspection can assist you in identifying problems before you place your home on the market.

What does the typical home inspection cover?
• Major Mechanical Systems
• Structural Integrity of the Home
• Cosmetic Features
• Heating and Cooling Systems
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Interior and Exterior
• Garages
• Baths
• Kitchen
o Cabinets, counters, sinks, faucets, garbage disposals, built-in appliances
• Insect Damage
• Chimney
• Foundation
• Slabs
• Basement and Crawl Spaces
• Attic Examination
• Roof Examination
• Additional Inspection may Include:
o Radon Inspection
o Mold
o Septic Systems
o Foundation
o Wood-destroying Insects/Organisms

How long does the typical home inspection take?
• Inspection time will vary, depending upon the complexity of the home itself. Typically inspection should take two to four hours.
• A walk through of the home and what the inspection uncovered will follow.
• As the potential buyer you will receive the report of the inspection. This report can be expected in a timely manner – typically within 24 hours of the inspection.

What to look for in a Qualified Home Inspector.
• Look for a Home Inspector with a broad knowledge of a home’s systems and structures.
• Make sure your Home Inspector is objective, independent and does not have any affiliation with mitigation work or other repair services.
• Be sure your inspector is familiar with construction, building materials, homes of different ages and designs, local requirements and building codes.
• Select a Home Inspector who will deliver a completed report and will take time to review the report and inspection with you.

Contact Corspect Advanced Home Inspections of Omaha and Lincoln.  Corspect Advanced Home Inspections performs the most comprehensive home inspections in the industry.  With over 25 years in the residential building industry, Bob Corsini and the Corspect Team will provide the latest infrared diagnostic technology to evaluate every aspect of your home.  At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we combine knowledge, experience and science to provide you with the highest level of inspection service.   At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections it is our mission to make the home buying experience rewarding, informative and enjoyable for all. Contact Bob at Corspect Advanced Home Inspections to set up your home inspection.

Yes, New Construction Needs a Home Inspection

You’ve decided to purchase a newly constructed home thinking that the city or local government will inspect it in order to issue necessary certificates of occupancy.  Keep in mind that although local government may do certain inspections, those inspections do not guarantee the quality of the work on the home or verify that everything has been built to the plan.  Typically speaking the new home inspection, which is given by local government, only checks for “minimum” standards.  When you have several hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in the purchase of this new home “minimum” standards is not what you want to see in the construction of that home.  Keep in mind:

1. Building Codes are a Bare Minimum Standard
2. Construction Varies Throughout the United States.  Requirements for building a home in Nebraska are not the same as California.  Wind, environmental issues, materials, techniques all contributes to the requirements for the area that you live in.
3. Houses are very complex systems that have many components that are installed by many different contractors.  A fresh set of eyes that look at the home can reveal potential issues that you may not see from a simple walk through of the home.

Although this new home will not have the potential issues that an older home may have – mold, heating and cooling systems failing to work correctly due to age, old wiring, and a roof that needs replaced. It may have issues that may show up after you have moved in and become aware of as you live in the home – warped floors, leaky plumbing, drainage problems around the foundation, and a list of other issues that result in poor quality workmanship.  Building code inspections may have been missed, proper insulation may not have occurred, drywall may not have been properly installed, plumbing may not be functioning correctly, kitchen cook tops may not be properly installed, siding may not have been properly installed, etc.

The sale or construction contract on a new home allows you the right to an inspection.  Home Inspection costs of $500 is a small investment to make before you finalize the sale of your home.  Builders who have nothing to hide will have no issue with your desire to have a Home Inspection before the final signatures are placed on the purchase of your home.  The Home Inspector will make sure that the house and systems of the home are sound.  If you follow-up at the conclusion of the inspection the Home Inspector will walk through the home and teach you how to operate and maintain your new home.  Keep in mind that the Home Inspector has a trained eye to look for details that you may miss.

Contact Corspect Advanced Home Inspections of Omaha and Lincoln.  Corspect Advanced Home Inspections of Omaha and Lincoln performs the most comprehensive home inspections in the industry.  With over 25 years in the residential building industry, Bob Corsini and the Corspect Team will provide the latest infrared diagnostic technology to evaluate every aspect of your home.  Our mission at Corspect Advanced Home Inspections is to make the home buying experience rewarding, informative and enjoyable for all.