Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose a Home
or Building Inspector?
A: Call up and ask about their credentials and
experience. If for some reason, you don't feel comfortable asking
this of the inspector when speaking with them on the phone then, how
will you feel asking questions at the inspection? You must feel that
the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive of your needs.
Q: What qualifications or
credentials should a home inspector offer?
A: The very best qualifications and credentials consist of a
combination of a PE (Professional Engineering License) and association
with groups such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) and
NSPE ( National Society of Professional
Engineers), as well as extensive field experience.
In order to obtain the PE
License, an individual must satisfy, at minimum all of the following
requirements:
-
Four Years of
engineering at college level
-
Four years of
professional engineering experience
-
Pass a 2-day (16 hour)
nationwide, technical examination in which the candidate demonstrates
he/she has mastered all aspects of Engineering. The exam is
administered by each state and is
the equivalent of taking final exams
for 12 different engineering topics/courses at the same time.
These topics cover, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry,
Physics, Statics and Dynamics, Calculus and Differentials, Strength
of Materials, Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics
Possessing a P.E. License
from New York State means that the individual has mastered all aspects of engineering and
based on that criteria, has been awarded
a State license to practice Professional Engineering in New York
State.
However, education is always
an ongoing process and association in groups such as ASHI and
NSPE (National
Society of Professional Engineers) ensures that the engineer
continues to take classes and is always on the cutting edge of his/her
business. A good inspector will take 15 to 20 credits of continuing
education each year to ensure that he/she is always up to date.
Q: What will the
inspection cover?
A: A thorough Inspection covers everything from the roof to the
foundation.
Items that are
included in the Inspection are as follows: |
- Attic
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Roof & Flashings
- Gutters
- Basement
- Crawlspace
- Foundation
- Grading
- Retaining Walls
- Siding & Trim
- Driveways & Walks
|
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Walls
- Doors & Windows
- Chimney
- Fireplace
- Major Appliances
- Electrical System
- Water Heater
- Plumbing System
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
|
Q: How long will the Inspection take?
A: Most Inspections take about
three to four hours. These times may vary depending on
the size, age, and condition of the home.
Q: Should I be present during the
Inspection?
A: We recommend that you be
present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish if possible.
Q: Why use our Services?
A: The purchase of a new home is one of the single most
costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra
stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, "Will
This Home Stand The Test of Time?" It is also important to
know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money.
A home inspection is an excellent tool
for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of
the home, but to also help foresee any unanticipated costs that may go unnoticed without the help of a home
inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future
performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.
Q: Why can’t I have someone in my
family, who is very handy or a contractor, inspect my new home?
A: This is the biggest mistake
many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although
the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not
trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional
home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional
inspectors get what we call an inspector’s instinct for problems.
That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing
inspections to develop. Many contractors and other trade
professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their
homes when they make a purchase.
Q: What if I have questions after the
inspection?
A: You can call us and discuss
all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a
long-term investment.
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