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FAQs
At Sense Inspections LLC we do our best to answer all of your questions. Below you will find a list of what we believe are the most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that have not been answered below, do not hesistate to contact us.
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A typical inspection should take three to four hours to complete. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be informed of the time frame by the potential buyers in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.
We inspect the major systems of the house. These include the Roof, Exterior, Foundation, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase.
Our typical fee for an inspection is $300 - $400. However, some factors will affect the fee. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of a home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best price.
- Complete home inspection conducted by an experienced professional.
- Comprehensive written home inspection report.
- Relevant educational information and articles explaining the systems in your home.
Definitely. We encourage you to attend. The inspection is a valuable learning experience for most home buyers.
You don't have to take notes during the inspection. We will document everything in a written report. It's much better to follow the inspector through, listening to his comments to make sure you understand. It's also a great opportunity to ask questions and to clarify anything that confuses you.
Absolutely! You may even want to jot down some questions ahead of time that you have regarding the home. You should also feel free to stop the inspector and ask questions as you go. If the inspector's comments or explanations are not clear, please ask for further explanation.
You should dress comfortably and be prepared to spend roughly two to two and a half hours walking through the home with the inspector. You won't have to climb on the roof or go into the attic, so your clothes won't get dirty.
We recommend that you not bring your family, specifically small children. This is a technical evaluation and it is in your best interest to focus on the inspector's comments. This is a big decision, and the fewer distractions, the better.
You do receive a written report. It would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things we cover during a home inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is delivered electronically after the inspection.
No. Our goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs and other expenses that might be necessary. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the home. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play.
A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information. It's a little like getting a check-up from your doctor: It improves your odds of good health, but there is no guarantee or warranty.
Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house - they cannot be discovered during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. As such, we cannot and do not offer a warranty on the house.
Home warranty programs are available from others. We would be happy to help you contact a warranty company.
Our team of inspectors is ready to serve you quickly. However, when the sale of a home is conditional on the results of a home inspection, we recommend that you allow at least three days to arrange for a home inspection.
We currently have a team of two professionals who will perform your inspection together.
John is 30 year veteran of the HVA/C and refrigeration industry, licensed in the state of Iowa. He is also a graduate of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) School.
Becky is an inspector-in-training and will publish your inspection results in Horizon Home Inspection Report Software. She will help you understand your report, educating you towards owning a safe and healthy home.
Both John and Becky possess excellent communication skills and have hands-on experience. Their knowledge and experience are reinforced with continuing education programs both through the company and on their own.
Our inspectors are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI.)
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Got More Questions?
Send us your questionsIf you would like to write us a question, send us a note through our online contact form.