Find Your
Home Inspection FAQs
The following are answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive at Greener Inspections. If you have a question that is not answered here, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Q:What is a home inspection?
A home Inspection is a complete visual examination of all of the readily accessible systems and physical structural elements of a home, conducted by a certified professional. At Greener Inspections, our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that could affect a purchaser’s buying decision.
Q:Why do I need a home inspection?
A house is the largest purchase most people will ever make. It only makes sense to find out as much as you can about a property before you buy it, to avoid costly surprise repairs and problems down the road. Our home inspection report will advise you of what maintenance is required to keep your home in top condition. A professional inspection will give you a clear picture of the many systems and structural elements that make up the property. If you are selling your home, a pre-listing inspection will point out any potential problems that might be uncovered later by the buyer's inspector. Finding issues early will allow you to address them before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale.
Q:What does a home inspection include?
Greener Inspections will provide you with a report that covers all the major systems and structural elements of a house. This includes the condition of the home's heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows, and all other visible structures.
Q:Why should I choose an inspector that also uses a thermal camera?
A thermal camera (infrared technology) will reveal many hidden issues in a home that would not be visible to the naked eye. The thermal camera can be used to detect hidden water problems, missing or failing insulation, areas of energy loss, and much more. Greener Inspections includes thermal imaging with all of our inspections in order to provide you with the information you need to make educated decisions about the condition of your home and its systems.
Q:How long does a home inspection take?
An average home inspection takes between 2 and 4 hours, though it may take more time for larger homes, or homes in poor condition. A condo inspection usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
Q:Do I have to be there during the home inspection?
No, you aren't required to be there for the inspection, but we highly recommend that you be present. It is a valuable learning experience and will help you get the greatest benefit from the inspection. If you are present, you can ask questions directly and we can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. You’ll be better able to understand the finished home inspection report, and get the most benefit from it, by having been there during the inspection.
Q:Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?
Definitely! A professional inspection of a newly constructed home is important. We can spot potential problems early on, while they are still easy to correct. It is especially valuable to arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. As building professionals, we may find problem areas where the builder has taken shortcuts or maybe just missed something. Mistakes do happen.
Q:When will I get my report?
After the inspection, we will review our findings and discuss the report with you in person. We will then provide you with a high quality and detailed report which will be sent to you electronically within 12 hours. Often, we can get the report back to you in as little as one hour. A hard copy can be provided upon request. The home inspection report will include color photographs, making it easy for you to see and remember any defects that we found. Your home inspector’s contact information will always be available in the report if you have questions immediately following the home inspection or in the months after.
Q:Can I see a copy of a sample report?
Yes. We use software designed specifically for the home inspection industry. Your inspection report comes in an easily readable format, and includes a summary section with pictures. It is securely stored online for a period of one year, during which time it may be viewed, printed, or forwarded as a link, by the buyer or seller from anywhere internet is available.
Q:Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?
No, we do not fix any problems that we find. The code of ethics that we adhere to prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This ensures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the current condition of the home.