Frequently
Asked Questions
- Why
do I need a home inspection?
- When
do I schedule a home inspection?
- My real estate agent wants to set up the
home inspection. Should I let them?
- My agent suggested 3 home inspectors. What
do I do?
- My
agent gave me a paper to sign suggesting what home inspection companies to
call. Should I sign that paper?
- How do I find a qualified home inspector?
- I called a home inspection company and got
an answering machine. Should I leave a message?
- The XYZ Inspection Company is giving free
home repair guides, coupons or fancy binders for the report. Is this a
good deal?
- Do I contract a large company or a small
owner operated company?
- How much should a home inspection cost?
- How long should the inspection take?
- Should I attend the inspection?
- Who
should I bring to the inspection?
- When should I get the report?
- How many pages should the report be?
- My real estate agent said the inspection
time is not a good time for them. What do I do?
- I
got a quote of $99.00 for a home inspection. Should I use that company?
Why
do I need a home inspection?
Answer. Would
you buy a car without a test drive? The home you have an interest in costs a lot
more than a car. The average price of a home in the State of New Jersey is $307,000.
Now is not the time to "be penny wise and dollar foolish". You need to
know what you are paying for and its condition. Have that home inspected by a
independent professional.
When
do I schedule a home inspection?
Answer. As soon
as your Attorney tells you
that its time. There is a process called attorney review where the attorney
examines the contract of sale. Typically this is 3 days. When this period is up you should schedule the
inspection. Absolute Home Inspections is sensitive
to the schedule you must meet. We conduct home inspections 7 days a week.
My
real estate agent wants to set up the home inspection. Should I let them?
Answer. NO!
Some real estate agents are required to use a favorite or "preferred" home inspector! Some of
these "preferred" inspectors may hold back information about the property or minimize the
importance of a defect in order to get more work from the agent or the agents
office. In some cases, the large inspection firms pay a commission to, or in some
other way compensates the real
estate office or even the agent for the referral. This is not in your best interest. Now
is when you need an independent inspector. Absolute
Home Inspections of New Jersey will be there to protect you and your investment. I work for my client only and no one else. I do not solicit real
estate offices or agents for referrals.
There are some excellent real estate agents
who know the
importance of a thorough, independent inspection. These agent's may suggest Absolute
Home Inspections to there clients based on past experience. I welcome these
referrals and these agent's know I still work only for my client.
My
agent suggested 3 home inspectors. What should I do?
Answer. These are
called "PREFERRED" home inspectors. You have to wonder how they became
"preferred". See above! Give them a call. See what they have to offer
you. Ask
questions. Then call
Absolute Home Inspections and talk to the
inspection firm that will work for only you!
My
agent gave me a paper to sign suggesting what home inspection companies to call.
Should I sign that paper?
Answer. NO! You have
the right to call any Inspection Company you want. Don't be bullied into using a
home inspector of their choosing! Don't sign anything unless it is approved by your
attorney. The agent may make comments like " this one is inexpensive, fast,
he's not a deal killer, he's a nice guy". These are the ones you want to
stay away from. That's why they are on the "preferred" list. Now is
when you need an independent home inspector. Someone who will look out for you're
interests. That's why more and more home buyers are calling Absolute
Home Inspections of New Jersey for there pre-purchase inspection.
How
do I find a qualified home inspector?
Answer. Friends,
neighbors, family and attorney are the best places. The ASHI web
site is a good place to find a qualified inspector. (www.ashi.com)
I
called a home inspection company and got an answering machine. Should I leave a
message?
Answer. Yes! Many
inspection companies are owner operated. Prices are kept low by minimizing
costs. Some inspection companies advertise that you will talk to a real person.
That real person is there to take messages. Most cannot answer your questions
regarding the inspection. Owners return all calls the same day. Give them a
chance!
The
XYZ Inspection Company is giving free home repair guides, coupons or fancy
binders for the report. Is this a good deal?
Answer. Do you really
think the book is free or the coupon is a discount?
Nothing is free! One way or another you are paying for it. If you
need a home repair guide buy one, It'll be a lot better then the one you get FREE. What you need is an in-depth visual evaluation of the home. Don't
pay for something you don't need or will ever look at again.
Do
I contract a large company or a small owner operated company?
Answer. When you
contract a large company your inspector will be an employee. When you contract a
small owner operated company the inspector, in most cases, is the owner. If you
have any questions about the inspection you will always speak to the owner.
How
much should a home inspection cost?
Answer. Compared
to the cost of the home, the inspection fee is a very small percentage of the
total cost. You should expect to pay between $400 and $600 for the average size
home. Don't be fooled by low cost inspections, fancy binders for the report or
home repair guides. What ever you do, this is not the
time to shop price. Remember, you get what you pay
for! It's time to hire an independent professional.
How long should the inspection take?
Answer. The average home being around
2800sf should take about 3 hours sometimes more, depending on the findings.
Should I attend the inspection?
Answer. Yes, if you can. You can learn a lot about the
home. I encourage my clients to attend. Follow me around, see how the inspection is performed. Ask
questions. It's expected!
Who should I bring to the inspection?
Answer. You the purchaser should be the only one
there.
The more people at the inspection, the more distractions the inspector and you will have.
Don't forget this is not your home! There is a chance someone may damage
something. You can always make another appointment to show the house to family
or friends.
When should I get the report?
Answer. This depends on the type of report the inspection
company is using. Absolute Home Inspections
provides a written report complete with pictures of defects and/or concerns.
This report is e-mailed to you within 24 hours. Adobe reader will be necessary
to view the report. You can get Adobe free. Just click the link on the
informational links page and down load the program.
How many pages should the report be?
Answer. Again, it depends on the type of reporting system
the company is using. Could be as little
as 10 or as many as 40 or more. It could be a checklist type report or a written
report. Stay away from any inspector that provides a hand written report. Absolute
Home Inspections provides a type written report complete with pictures and is
usually around 40 pages.
My real estate agent said the inspection time is not a good
time for them. What do I do?
Answer. When I'm the one with the money I'll decide what's
good for me! You're paying for professional real estate representation. Don't
forget their commission is coming out of the price you pay for the home. There schedule should work around you.
I
got a quote of $99.00 for a home inspection. Should I use that company?
Answer.
Remember, you get what you pay for! Read
the small print. Many things you need inspected will cost extra. That $99.00
inspection may wind up costing you $500.00 or more. Again, this is not the time
to shop price. You invested a lot of time shopping for the home of your dreams.
Now its time to bring in an independent professional.
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