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Home Inspection - Frequently Asked Questions
My Realtor says they know a good Home Inspector. Should I take their word for it and us them?
Most Realtors know a lot of Home Inspectors. A conscientious Realtor who is working as a buyer's agent would only refer a professional inspector who would work in the best interest of their clients. However, you as the buyer, should interview several Home Inspectors and chose the one you are most comfortable with.
Do I have to be there for the inspection?
The short answer is no. But, it is in your best interest to be there and we strongly encourage it. Seeing the deficiencies in person makes it easier to understand than just reading a report. Plus we will be able to answer all your questions on the spot and give you some helpful maintenance tips.
But I work all week. How can I be there?
We always work with your schedule and perform inspections when you are available. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
Do you give the seller a copy of the inspection?
You, our client, owns the inspection. We will only give copies to the people you authorize us to give it to.
Is a Radon test required.
Radon testing is not required. It is your choice whether you have it done or not. What is important to remember is if you test the house for Radon after the closing you have no recourse for remediation from the seller. It is always best to know up front what your are buying.
The house we are buying is only ten years old. Should we have a quantity test done on the well?
Absolutely. The production of a well can change very quickly. Just because it was producing five gallons a minute ten years ago doesn't mean that it still is.
We are buying a brand new house. Do we still need to have it inspected?
Yes. A builder is only as good as his subs are on any one day. The local building official does not have the time to go over the house with a fine tooth comb the way we do. You need to know of any problems before your one year warranty has expired. And the sooner the better.
My lender does not require any tests. Why should I do any?
You are making a very large investment. It makes a lot of sense to protect your investment up front and know what your are buying instead of finding out later that you have to spend a large amount of money to fix problems after the closing.
The MLS listing says that the house is in perfect condition and the buyer?s discloser says there are no problems. Can?t I take their word for it?
No. The description in the MLS is very generic. Realtors are not home inspectors. A home owner may have lived in the house for several years and not have known that there are major problems. Most home owners never open up their electrical panel or go into the attic. Once you close on the property you own it. It is best to find those problems before you close.
I have a friend who builds houses. Can?t I have him inspect the house?
You sure can. However, you need to know that the State of Connecticut is very specific in who can legally perform home inspections. If your friend inspects the house it may not satisfy the conditions of your purchase and sales agreement.
The seller had a water quality test done two years ago. Can?t I use that report?
No. Water quality can change. The Department of Health recommends that you test your water quality yearly and your lender will want a recent report.
The seller had a pest inspection done two months ago. Can?t I just use that report?
You could - but why would you want to. Don?t forget that the report belongs to the seller and not you. You have no recourse if there is a problem. It is to your benefit to have an inspection done by a inspector or your choice - not the sellers choice.
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