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Reliable Home Inspection Service is here to bring you over 30 years of experience so you know exactly what you're buying.
Helpful Hints about the Home Inspection & You!
What's included in a Home Inspection?
At Reliable Home Inspection Service, our ASHI Certified Inspectors cover the mechanical systems of the home including your HVAC unit as well as the structural condition including your foundation basement, crawl space and attic. All general interiors are inspected including the ceilings, walls, floors, doors and windows.​ Plumbing and electrical systems are also inspected including piping, the water heater and the fireplace and chimney if present. We perform an extensive inspection of the exterior of your home and roof which other companies may not.
We inspect the siding, drainage, grading, gutters and roofing. All inspectors carry 32 foot ladders to inspect and walk the roof. In the event the roof cannot be walked due to pitch or building materials, the roof inspection will be performed via drone. We also inspect the framing, roof and attic, foundation, walls, electrical system, plumbing system, heating and air conditioning systems, kitchen, bathrooms. We can also inspect additional items and systems unique to your home.
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How long does a Home Inspection take to complete?
​A general home inspection typically takes between 2 1/2 to 3 hours, depending upon the size of the home. Homes over 3,500 square feet, those with additional HVAC units and older homes may take longer to complete. Our staff will be able to provide you a more exact home inspection length upon booking your home inspection. Please note that some additional services i.e. Mold Testing also may increase the length of the inspection.
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What's included in a Home Inspection?
At Reliable Home Inspection Service, our ASHI Certified Inspectors cover the mechanical systems of the home including your HVAC unit as well as the structural condition including your foundation basement, crawl space and attic. All general interiors are inspected including the ceilings, walls, floors, doors and windows.​ Plumbing and electrical systems are also inspected including piping, the water heater and the fireplace and chimney if present. We perform an extensive inspection of the exterior of your home and roof which other companies may not.
We inspect the siding, drainage, grading, gutters and roofing. All inspectors carry 32 foot ladders to inspect and walk the roof. In the event the roof cannot be walked due to pitch or building materials, the roof inspection will be performed via drone. We also inspect the framing, roof and attic, foundation, walls, electrical system, plumbing system, heating and air conditioning systems, kitchen, bathrooms. We can also inspect additional items and systems unique to your home.
How long does a Home Inspection take to Complete?
​A general home inspection typically takes between 2 1/2 to 3 hours, depending upon the size of the home. Homes over 3,500 square feet, those with additional HVAC units and older homes may take longer to complete. Our staff will be able to provide you a more exact home inspection length upon booking your home inspection. Please note that some additional services i.e. Mold Testing also may increase the length of the inspection.
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ASHI recognizes FOUR TIERS of Defects in the Home Inspection Report:
1. Major Defect - These are big-ticket items, most contracts will require the seller to fix these before closing. ASHI definition: An item that is broken and will have a substantial monetary value to repair, or needs evaluation to determine the cost of a likely expensive repair.​
2. Safety Concern - These May or may not be expensive to fix, but they could be the cause of injury or harm. The seller is also required to fix these. ASHI definitions: An item that affects the safety of the occupants of the home, and is in need of immediate repair.
3. Service and Repair - These are smaller ticket items in need of repair. The seller is not required to fix these. ASHI definition: An item in need of repair or maintenance, the expected cost of which should be at a level less than that of a major defect, at the time of inspection. Also noted, may be some inaccessible items or items not working.
4. Monitor and Maintain - Keep an eye on these, they're not broken yet, but they could use a little TLC. The seller is not required to fix these, ASHI definition: An item that will require immediate maintenance and should be carefully monitored to avoid larger problems.
ASHI recognizes FOUR TIERS of Defects in the Home Inspection Report:
1. Major Defect - These are big-ticket items, most contracts will require the seller to fix these before closing. ASHI definition: An item that is broken and will have a substantial monetary value to repair, or needs evaluation to determine the cost of a likely expensive repair.​
2. Safety Concern - These May or may not be expensive to fix, but they could be the cause of injury or harm. The seller is also required to fix these. ASHI definitions: An item that affects the safety of the occupants of the home, and is in need of immediate repair.
3. Service and Repair - These are smaller ticket items in need of repair. The seller is not required to fix these. ASHI definition: An item in need of repair or maintenance, the expected cost of which should be at a level less than that of a major defect, at the time of inspection. Also noted, may be some inaccessible items or items not working.
4. Monitor and Maintain - Keep an eye on these, they're not broken yet, but they could use a little TLC. The seller is not required to fix these, ASHI definition: An item that will require immediate maintenance and should be carefully monitored to avoid larger problems.
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What is the Average Cost of a Home Inspection?
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The average cost of a home inspection is between $425 and $550 in most cases. Additional fees apply for environmental services and inspections. Every home is unique and we highly encourage reaching out to our office via phone or email to receive your personalized quote. Our office staff will review the property, discuss unique features of your home such as age, additional structures, size and more. We'll also go over any and all current promotions and discounts with you. Please let our staff know if you'll be needing additional add on environmental services and inspections such as Radon Testing, WDI, Mold etc.
Can I attend the Home Inspection?
Not only can you attend the home inspection, we highly encourage it! That way you're able to discuss with the inspector one on one, see the defects in real time and learn the ins and outs of your new home. We do ask that you limit the number of people joining you at the home inspection to one additional person not including the buyers and agent. Read more about the value of attending your home inspection and other helpful hints here!
If you're unable to attend the home inspection due to travel, work schedules, etc, that's not a problem, and we can still complete the inspection. In that case, your home inspection agreement and invoice for the total cost of your inspection services will be sent to you the day of booking. These items are to be completed in full before the start of your home inspection so we may release your report to you immediately. Upon release of the report, the home inspector is happy to answer any and all questions via phone or email.
Your Home Inspection Report
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The written report is the 'deliverable' of the home inspection experience. It's the artifact you can bring to the sellers to negotiate for lower costs or it's something you can present to your buyers for peace of mind and an idea of the needs of the home before the buyer moves in.
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The report is written, but a lot of the value comes from the photographs of defects in the home. Particularly photos of hard to reach places like inside crawl spaces, the attic, or on the roof.
Helpful Resources for First Time Buyers
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Interfaith Housing: http://www.ichde.org/
They offer homebuyers and first-time homebuyer education opportunities. Going through their First-Time Homebuyer Group Education Workshop and gaining a certificate can help you qualify for down payment and settlement assistance. Group courses will be available for registry in 2023.
The online course takes 3 -4 hours in one sitting but can be taken at leisure over multiple sittings.
If you choose to attend one of their first-time homebuyer seminars you may see John Kerrigan, the owner of Reliable Home Inspection Service teaching! If you do, ask him questions, he loves answering questions!
NeighborGood Partners (formerly known as NCALL Research): https://www.neighborgoodpartners.org/
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They were founded 46 years ago and started in research, but re-branded recently to better showcase their strong community involvement. We also offer free first-time homebuyer seminars with NeighborGood. They also find grant money for potential homeowners and offer assistance with navigating home loans.