Frequently Asked Questions About
Getting a Home Inspection in Springfield Ohio

You should check out your home inspector as you would your doctor. After all, the house inspector is checking the health of the biggest investment of your life!!! Please browse through the most commonly asked questions by home owners concerning home inspections in Springfield Ohio.

When hiring an home inspector, you should ask lots of questions, such as:

Are you a certified "ASHI" inspector?
What is your inspection experience?
What kind of background do you have to help qualify you as a house inspector?
Have you taken any training for inspecting houses?
Are you required to take continuing education?
How long have you been in the inspection business?
How many houses have you inspected since you began inspecting?
Who do you work for?
Do you go into the crawl space to inspect it?
Do you go into the attic to inspect it?
Do you inspect the roof by walking on it? And can you tell me how old it is?
Can you tell me how old the furnace, air conditioner and water heater is?
How long does it take you to inspect a house?
Do you require the purchaser to be at the inspection?
What kind of a report do you give?
Can you provide me references other than realtors?
How much is your fee?
When is the fee due?
How long does it take to get my report after the inspection?

Q. WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?

Q. WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.

Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

If you are already a home owner, a home inspection may be used to identify a problem in the making and to learn preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Q. WHAT WILL A HOME INSPECTION IN THE SPRINGFIELD METRO AREA COST?

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible additional services, septic, well, or randon testing. It is a good idea to check local prices on your own.

However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether, or not to have a home inspected. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain.

Q. CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?

Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional ASHI home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of inspection.

Q. CAN A HOUSE FAIL INSPECTION?

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need replacement. Remember, an inspector does not fail a house, the house with it's defects will determine if it meets your expectations. You are the judge, the inspector only reveals what the condition of the house is.

Q. DO I HAVE TO BE THERE?

It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended. You should be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the conditions of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.

Q. WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller negotiates the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is tight and you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

Q. IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will want to keep that in mind for future reference.

REQUEST AN INSPECTION ONLINE

Our Home Inspectors Conduct Home Inspections in the Following Cities:

Springfield, Cedarville, Troy, Beavercreek, Kettering, London
Fairborn, Urbana and Vandelia, Waynesville, Hilliard, Dayton

Al Overholser, ASHI
Home Inspector, Springfield Ohio
License #201464