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›Getting Started

Getting Started

  • Introduction
  • What is a Home Inspection?
  • What is Covered by an Inspection?
  • Components / Testing Not Covered by a Home Inspection
  • How Long Should an Inspection Take?
  • Goal of the Home Inspection Service
  • Attending the Inspection - Who's Invited?
  • What Does the Buyer Need to Bring to an Inspection?
  • What Should be Expected from the Inspector?
  • How Much Should a Home Inspection Cost?
  • When Should You Pay the Inspection Fees?
  • What Should the Home Inspection Report Look Like?
  • Understanding Inspection Reports
  • What Happens After the Inspection?

Buyers Guide

  • Buying a Home "As Is"
  • Inspecting Old vs. New Homes
  • Should I Be Concerned About Chinese Drywall?

Sellers Guide

  • Today's Sellers
  • Home Inspections & The Seller's Responsibilities
  • What Defects are the Seller's Responsibility?
  • Does the Inspector Come Back to Inspect Repairs?
  • Should Repairs or Building Updates be Permitted?
  • I am the Seller – Should I Have My Home Inspected Before I Sell?
  • Communicating with the Inspector (for Sellers)

Inspection Companies

  • A Typical Menu of Inspection Services
  • Comparing Inspection Companies

Additional Info

  • Deciding on a Home Warranty
  • The Inspector Missed Something. What Should You Do?
  • How Do I Choose My Termite Inspector?
  • Do I Really Need a Real Estate Agent?
  • Buying a Newly Constructed Home
  • Elements of a New Construction Inspection
  • Roof Covering and Installation Date
  • Roof Deck Attachment
  • Roof to Wall Connection
  • Roof Shape
  • Secondary Water Resistance
  • Opening Protection
  • Hurricane Mitigation 101 Summary
  • Are There More Risks with Short Sales than Foreclosed Distressed Homes?

Sinkholes

  • Should I Be Concerned About Sinkholes?
  • What is a Sinkhole?
  • Sinkhole Inspection

Components / Testing Not Covered by a Home Inspection

The following items are typically excluded from a standard home inspection, but most of them can be included for a modest additional fee:

  • Radon
  • Water testing
  • Septic systems
  • Private well and equipment
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Pools and spas
  • Asbestos
  • Insect infestation
  • Water softeners
  • Security systems
  • Wind mitigation inspections
  • Four point inspections
  • Chinese Drywall
  • Mold/microbial testing
  • Infrared evaluation

Since many home inspection companies differ widely in the size of their staff, their equipment and the extent of the contracted service they provide, it is important for Buyers and Sellers to engage in a thorough discussion beforehand of the scope of service offered, needed and the nature of any exclusions. See the section in this booklet titled, "What Inspection Services Are Needed", for an overview list of the major elements of an inspection.

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