I have flat-rate prices so you know right now the complete price. No questions about the home to determine the price you pay: “What is the sales price?” or “What is the square footage?” or “What is the city or zip code?” The sales price and city should have nothing to do with the price. You just pay the flat rate price and no more. After the inspection, I guarantee you will say: "I learned a lot. You were very thorough."
All Single/Detached Homes:$350Inspection Time: 4 Hours
All 3 Level Townhomes: $310Inspection Time: 3 1/2 Hours
All 2 Level Townhomes (no basement): $290Inspection Time: 3 Hours
All 1 or 2 Level Condos : $270Inspection Time: 2 1/2 Hours
Inspectors check "everything they can see and everything that is visible to the eye." They check the slope of the land, the outside of the home, the structure and foundation, the roof and gutters, the chimney, the basement, the plumbing system, and the electrical system. They also check the heating system, the air conditioning system in summer, crawl spaces, the attic and attic insulation. Finally, they check all doors, bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, and the kitchen with its appliances.
When you want to buy a used car, you take the car to a mechanic to find out "the current condition of the car." The mechanic will tell you what kinds of problems the car may have. Home inspectors do the same thing. Inspectors tell you about leaks and plumbing problems, window and door problems, or about outlets that don't work properly. You will also be told about any safety problems, and the condition and life expectancy of major replacement items like the roof, the furnace, and the air conditioning compressor. Once you know the problems the home has, your agent can "sometimes" use this information to have the seller fix the problems, or pay you at settlement so you can fix them.
Inspections also are important to lessen the chance of having any "unpleasant surprises" after you move in. So you need an inspection 1) to know the problems the home has before settlement 2) to be compensated by the seller monetarily for any problems found 3) and to have peace of mind and feel confident about your purchase - that you are making the right decision. It is always wise to have a home inspection.
Single homes will take about 4 hours, townhomes will take about 3 1/2 hours, and all condos (one level and two level) will take about 2 1/2 hours. These times include the 35 minutes that it takes to type the inspection report in the home following the inspection.
When Will I Get the Inspection Report and Pictures?
When I first arrive at the inspection home, I will setup my laptop computer and laser printer in the kitchen. Then after the inspection is finished, I will immediately type up the report and download the digital pictures from the camera. In just 35 minutes, you and your agent will each have a bound, "hard copy" of the report to read. The most important part of the report is the "Summary" page that lists all of the problems found outside and inside the home. After you have your report, we will review all the problems and talk about which ones will be most appropriate to ask the seller to fix. Once I get home, I will send you a "soft copy" in PDF of the report and all of the pictures taken that day. I usually take around 100-130 pictures of maintenance items, data plates of the furnace and A/C compressor, the inside of the electric panel, the attic, and pictures of the various problems observed. Your agent will also receive the same PDF of the report and pictures.
In Virginia, I inspect in the following counties: Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William, Loudoun, Fauquier, and Stafford. In Maryland, I inspect in all of Montgomery, and Prince George's Counties. In addition to Virginia and Maryland, I also serve Washington D.C.
