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Member | Question: | What is involved in a typical inspection? |
| Answer: | A home inspection involves a systematic evaluation of all mechanical systems within the home. This includes the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and roofing systems, and the interior and exterior of the home. |
| Question: | Does the buyer really need to be there? |
| Answer: | The home inspection process is most valuable for the prospective buyer if he or she attends the inspection. The buyer is encouraged to follow the inspector around through the course of the inspection and ask questions as the inspection proceeds. The objective is for the buyer to have as thorough an understanding as possible regarding the mechanical condition of the home at the end of the inspection. |
| Question: | How long does the inspection usually take? |
| Answer: | A typical home inspection takes approximately 2 hours, although the inspection will continue as long as the buyer has questions. Once again, the objective is for the buyer to leave the house with a good understanding of its mechanical condition. This information is vital for the buyer to make an informed purchasing decision. |
| Question: | Will I receive a written report? |
| Answer: | At the end of the inspection you will be presented with a completed Building Analysis Report (BAR). This report is a combination of checklist and narrative styles, and will contain the results of the inspection. A typed report will be generated within 24 hours and mailed to you, along with a termite inspection report if a termite inspection was performed with the home inspection. |
| Question: | Is there a warranty or guarantee included with the inspection? |
| Answer: | The purpose of this inspection is to provide the prospective buyer with a snapshot of the mechanical condition of the house on the day of inspection only. The inspection is limited to readily accessible areas of the house and to visual observations of apparent conditions existing at the time of the inspection only. Hidden/inaccessible conditions or conditions which become apparent after the inspection are not within the scope of the inspection. The inspection and report are not intended to be used as a guarantee or warranty regarding the adequacy, performance or condition of any inspected item or system. This company is not an insurer of any inspected conditions. |
| Question: | Are repair/replacement estimates given for broken or outdated items? |
| Answer: | Ballpark estimates are given in some cases for specific pieces of equipment or repairs for basic planning purposes only. Buyers are encouraged to get estimates from licensed contractors for specific work to be performed, as these quotations represent the real price of the repair or replacement. |
| Question: | What are the payment terms for the inspection? |
| Answer: | The fee for the inspection is due at the completion of the inspection and can be paid in cash or by personal check. You will receive a receipt for your payment, as well as the completed Building Analysis Report. |
| Question: | What are the Inspectors experience and credentials? |
| Answer: | David Mielke is a member of the national American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the Long Island Chapter of ASHI. He is a New York State certified Pest Control Operator (PCO) and an EPA certified Lead Paint Inspector. He has been performing home and termite inspections in the New York area for the past 5 years. Previous engineering positions include Senior Process Engineer, Alcatel Telecommunications Cable and Chemistry and Radiological Controls Assistant, USS Enterprise (CVN 65). He has completed graduate level engineering courses sponsored by the US Navy, and graduated magna cum laude from Rensselaer Polytechic Institute (RPI) with a B.S. in Physics. |
| Question: | Why insist on an ASHI Inspection? |
| Answer: |
In order to become a certified member of ASHI,
candidates must pass the National Home Inspector Examination, sponsored
by the Examination Board for Professional Home Inspectors. They
must also perform a minimum of 250 paid inspections and have their
reports reviewed by national ASHI to ensure compliance with the
ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Compliance
with the Standards ensures a complete and thorough inspection
for every buyer, while adhering to the Code of Ethics ensures
impartial inspections. ASHI members also must fulfill continuing
education requirements, ensuring they remain current on the latest
developments in the home inspection field.
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| Question: | Does the company have insurance? |
| Answer: | Although not required, the company does carry errors and omissions insurance and general liability insurance in case the unforeseen occurs. All inspections are performed with written pre-inspection agreements that specifically explain the scope and limitations of the inspection. This agreement can be faxed to you on request before the inspection. Once again, the inspection does not carry any guarantee or warranty - it is a snapshot of the readily observable mechanical condition of the house on the day of inspection. It is essential that you complete any followup for issues raised during the inspection and that you perform a thorough final walkthrough before the closing. |