What Is An Inspection?
An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a dwelling. If you are thinking of  buying a home, condominium, mobile home, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final  purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.

What does it cost and how long does it take?
Although there is a base price (see pricing), the exact price is determined after a few questions are  answered concerning things like type of home, square footage, age of the home, and if there are any known existing problems that may require extra time inspecting. A typical inspection on an average 
size residential home may take two to four hours.

What type of things do you inspect?
Please read the Standards of Practice and Contract and Scope pages for details. A complete  inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates  and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system,  central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that  are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.

Do you inspect Mold and Radon?
I do not do a separate inspection for mold. If, after the regular inspection, there are concerns, we  would discuss the option of specialized testing at that point. 

When do I get the report? 
The report can be printed and presented to you on site at the time of the 
inspection, mailed, or e-mailed to you, whichever way is more suitable to your needs.

Are you licensed? 
No. There is no license available or required in the State of Minnesota. In 
addition to my extensive experience with all aspects of a home, I have had extensive professional  training, and participate in on-going continuing education programs through various schools and our  professional organizations and have successfully passed tests given by nationally recognized home  inspectors organizations. See About Me

Can a residential property "FAIL" an inspection?
No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective  real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore,  will not pass or fail a residence, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be  in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.

What If The Report Reveals Problems?
Talk to your Realtor. If the inspector finds problems in a building, it does not necessarily mean you  should not buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. Most of time  the defiencies noted are typical for the vintage ofthe property. A seller may be willing to make repairs 
because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. If your budget is tight, or if you do not  wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you.  The choice is yours.

Why Do I Need An Inspection?
The purchase of a home is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should  know exactly what to expect --- both indoors and out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and  maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling  may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The  inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of  the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point  out the positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good  shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding
of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.

As a seller, if you have owned your building for a period of time, an inspection can identify potential  problems in the sale of your building and can recommend preventive measures which might avoid  future expensive repairs.

Can I Inspect The Building Myself?
Even the most experienced building or home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a  professional inspector who has inspected hundreds, and perhaps thousands of homes and buildings  in their career. An inspector is equally familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the 
proper installation, maintenance and inter-relationships of these elements. Above all, most buyers  find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the building they really want, and this may lead to a poor assessment.

Should I Attend The Inspection?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but you are certainly welcome. We will do  a complete walk through inside and out where I will explain and discuss all of the issues and  concerns I uncover, as well as answering any questions you may have. This information that will be  of great help to you after you've moved in.

 

For any further questions please call: (651) 592-7846