A. A home inspection is an important step in the home buying process.
Professionally trained home inspectors assist in maintaining the health of your home and a property inspection makes home maintenance easy by catching minor problems before they become big projects.
In just a few hours you'll have a detailed report of the condition of your home so that you can plan for needed repairs and upgrades when it's time to make them. When purchasing a home, many homebuyers have saved literally thousands of dollars through information provided by the home inspector.
Homeowners who have owned their homes for several years can even benefit from a home inspector's knowledge of maintenance and repairs, and experience to avert potential problems.
Many independent and nonprofit organizations exist to promote ethical practice and professional standards throughout the home inspection industry.
We don't print our reports on site, so the inspector has a chance to think about the words used to document the defects observed.
A. Yes depending on the state. Idaho has no licensing at this time, however, Washington has some of the strictest licensing standards in the country and was the first state to include a code of ethics within their Standards of Practice. See STANDARDS OF PRACTICE of Washington State. Regardless of which side of the state line you live on, hiring a WA state licensed home inspector insures you the highest quality inspection available. INHI is licensed in the State of Washington. INHI is also a fully insured company. Regardless of who you hire it is very important that the home inspector is insured for errors and omissions as well as general liability.
A. When buying a new home, new construction home or a pre-owned home, you need an inspection for your peace of mind. Sellers also benefit from home inspections by knowing the condition of their home before listing. They are spared the embarrassment of the buyer's home inspector finding major defects with their home that they were not aware of and possibly will hold up the real estate transaction. If your new home still has a home warranty through a builder it is smart to have a home inspection before it expires.
A. Home Inspectors have the training, experience and competence that comes with being in the industry and inspecting hundreds of homes. We know what to look for and what to look at. Considering the average home, there are literally hundreds items that should be inspected.
While you or someone you may know can examine the home and roughly determine the overall condition of it, inspectors inspect homes daily, each and every week throughout the year and know exactly what to look for in a home. We detect minor/major flaws, defects in workmanship, improper installation and construction parameters and unsafe conditions that the general public would miss.
A. INHI is different from the competition in multiple respects. Being a great home inspector not only relies on education and experience but communication. Chip Kenny not only has hundreds of classroom hours and has performed thousands of inspections but has over 30 years experience in the construction industry. Where Chip is different is how communicates to the customer. Chip spends whatever time that is needed at the end of each inspection to go through the house and answering all questions so his customer fully understands the inspection and its results.
A. A typical inspection starts at around $325 for up to 3000 SQFT. The cost of a home inspection is somewhat standardized but is based on the size ( square footage) of the home. Other variables, such as age, multiple mechanical systems, multiple kitchens and additional out-buildings can increase the cost of the inspection. (Testing for Radon is additional.)
A. Most home inspections will take a minimum of 3 -3.5 hours.The inspection process depends on the size of the house and the number of systems. The condition of the house and whether it is vacant or occupied can be determining factors as well.
A. A completed inspection report is about 15-20 pages including graphics and based upon the state of the home inspected, the more things found in the home that are deficient, the more the report contains.
A. Being present during the inspection is not required nor is it recommended. The home inspector has hundreds of items to look at in a short period of time. Being distracted by the customer can cause the inspector to lose track and possibly miss something. INHI recommends that both the customer and their realtor be present during the last 30 minutes so the inspector can review the inspection in detail and answer any questions. Inspections are scheduled so there is always enough time to answer any and all questions. (NOTE: The Lewis-Clark Association of Realtors requires written permission from the property owner if the customer is to be present without being accompanied by their realtor)
A. Yes, feel free to call anytime.
