What is a Home Inspection?
Why do I need a Home Inspection?
Buying a home is big. Huge. It’s probably one of the largest purchases you will ever make, so playing it safe is a good idea. Hire JCP to do a thorough home inspection. The home may look perfect and ready to move into…but see what the experts say before you do. There may be some problems lurking where you can’t see! A home inspection will save you from unpleasant surprises down the road, and could even save you thousands of dollars!
What does a Home Inspection include?
JCP prides itself on being as thorough as possible. Our Home Inspections are going to cover:
Structure (the home’s skeleton)
Exterior (sidewalks, driveways, windows and doors, etc.)
Roofing (includes roof draining systems, gutters, chimneys and skylights)
Plumbing (all visible water supply and drainage systems)
Heating (the entire home’s heating system, including fireplaces)
Electrical (service entrance wires, service panels, breakers, fuses, outlets, etc.)
Interiors (walls, floors, ceilings, steps, cabinets, countertops, railings)
Ventilation/Insulation (ventilation in attic, crawlspaces, and all unfinished areas)
Do I need to be there during the Inspection?
The buyer should absolutely tag along during the home inspection, it’s a huge investment, so be there every step of the way. You also will learn a lot about the house, perhaps some things you never even knew about!
How long will the Inspection take?
Most inspections take 2 to 3 hours. The time can vary due to several factors, including the size of the home, the age and condition of the home, number of systems (HVAC, water softeners, etc.), weather conditions and state requirements.
Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?
Oh yes, and then some! New construction homes can have all sorts of problems, mainly due to the fact that there’s numerous different subcontractors each working on a different part of the house…and usually without regard to what the other is doing. It can be almost impossible for the builder to catch everything. But we will.
Why can’t I do the Inspection myself?
You have your area of expertise, but leave the home inspection to us. We are familiar with all the elements of home construction, home safety, maintenance, and proper installation. We also have the luxury of being completely objective and unemotional about the house. The report you get from us will be accurate, and unbiased.
What if the Inspection uncovers problems?
Our report will give you a complete run-down and condition of the house, and this will include needed repairs and any other expense. We always remind folks – no house is perfect. (just like people) It’s up to you, the buyer, to decide how to proceed with the report, and how it will affect the decision to purchase. If the problems are more extreme, it may be time to try and negotiate with the seller. But the good news is – you KNOW ahead of time!
Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?
Most sellers will fix items found on the inspection report if the cost isn’t too high. (examples, caulking, broken bathroom fans, weatherstripping) Repairs that are practical or essential can be easier to convince a seller to fix.
