FAQ

A home inspector will look at things like a home’s foundation, structural components, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, then provide a written home inspection report with results.

A home inspection is not a pass or fail. It is an identification of problems found with a home’s systems.  Most common issues are:

  • Rundown roofing materials greater than 20 years old
  • Drainage issues
  • Faulty foundations
  • Plumbing problems
  • Pest infestations
  • Hidden microbial growths
  • Failing HVAC system
  • Electrical wiring
  • Structural damage
  • Poorly maintained condition

The short answer is: the moment the inspector walks out the door, the inspection is old and invalid. Home inspection reports are written in the past tense as anything can change once the inspector leaves the property. For instance, the same evening after a home inspection, a storm could roll through causing flooding and water damage, roof leakage, or even structural damage.

It depends upon the size of the home and the number of rooms. An average inspection for a 2,000 square foot home takes about 2-2½ hours. The time is well-spent considering there are more than 500 components in the average home.

No. Home buyers will need to pay their own appraisal, home inspection, and title search fees to ensure their home is valued correctly and has no major issues before the transaction is final.

In short, no – not at this time. There is no law that requires a buyer or a seller to conduct an inspection when purchasing or selling any home.

Home inspections are now a valuable part of the home buying process. Rarely do transactions occur without them, and any experienced real estate professional will advise you to find a reputable home inspector once a sales price has been agreed.

A home inspector’s checklist is exceedingly thorough:

  • Water Damage – The three biggest things that are bad for a house are water, water, and water.
  • Your Home’s Structural Integrity – Foundations are meant to stay in one place but, over time, water can cause the soil around the foundation walls to expand.
  • Damage to the Roof – A strong roof is necessary to protect a home from weather elements, so a damaged roof could seriously affect the sale price of your house.
  • Problems with Your Home’s Electrical System – Electrical distribution or lighting equipment in the home remains the 4th leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Prevention Association.
  • Plumbing Related Problems – As previously mentioned, water is a homeowner’s worst enemy. It can be hard to notice major plumbing issues until an inspector comes in. Redoing a house’s plumbing can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and minor leaks or rusted pipes could be a sign of bigger plumbing issues.
  • Insect and Pest Infestations – Carpenter ants, certain types of beetles, and termites are amongst the common wood-destroying insects that severely damage a home.
  • Trouble with the Home’s HVAC System – Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems control the heating, cooling, and airflow in your home. They require regular maintenance in order to perform efficiently, in turn assuring the air quality in your home is healthy.

All real estate agents should attend home inspections!

A buyer is usually responsible for paying for their own appraisal and home inspection. However, there are times when a seller could choose to pay for either or both of these costs.

As a buyer, you should be present for the inspection to get a firsthand explanation of the inspector’s findings and, if necessary, ask questions. Also, any problems the inspector uncovers will make more sense if you see them in person instead of relying solely on the snapshot photos in the report.

Yes. I do work some weekends, but those slots tend to go very quickly, so I wouldn’t count on it.  Also realize we have to work around the seller’s schedule, and many people do not want to leave their house on a weekend.

Yes! Actually, it’s often beneficial for us to perform a home inspection in the rain, because we can see firsthand things like roof leaks (especially new leaks), clogged rain gutters, flooding yards, and other issues that may not be as readily apparent during a very dry spell.

E.P.I.C. Inspections

Ethics, Professionalism, Integrity and Commitment — this is my motto.

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Proud Louisiana Home Inspector

A&D Home Inspections provides residential home inspections to Baton Rouge and surrounding Louisiana parishes.

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

Benjamin Franklin

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