Certified Home & Building Inspection of New York

Comprehensive pre-purchase inspection of home and building by

professional experienced engineers including verbal and written report.

Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Licensed by the State of New York, No. 16000008481

Frequently Asked Questions about

pre-purchase inspections:

Can a house "fail" an inspection?

No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house but will simply describe the condition of the house, indicate which items will be in need of immediate or near future repair or replacement, and make possible recommendations.

Is an inspection an insurance policy or warranty against future repair?

No. The home inspector will never be able to predict every repair or maintenance items needed while owning a house. Purchasing a home brings some risk and an inspection cannot eliminate this risk. Nor does an inspection give you an insurance policy or warranty. A comprehensive home inspection gives you an evaluation of the present house condition.

When do I call in the home inspector?

The best time to call the home inspector is after you've made an accepted offer on a house but before you sign the contract. This is very important. If time does not permit an inspection prior to the contract, you can ask your lawyer to include an inspection clause in the contract making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.

Do I have to be there?

It is highly recommended. By following the home inspector around the house, by observing and asking questions, you will learn about your new home and get some tips and recommendations that will be of great help to you after you've purchased the house.

What if the report reveals problems?

If the inspector finds problems in a home, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to renegotiate the purchase price because of significant problems discovered during the inspection, or may be willing to rectify the problem himself prior to closing. If your budget is very tight or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the house for you. The choice is yours.

If the report is good, did I really need an inspection?

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the house and all its equipment and systems. You may also have learned a few things about your new home from the inspector's report, both verbal and written. You will want to keep the report for future reference. Above all, you will feel assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision.

Can I do it myself?

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his career. An inspector is equally familiar with all the elements of home construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and interrelationship of these elements. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want. This may lead to a poor assessment and evaluation of the house.

What will it cost?

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house is based on the building's floor size, including the number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, attached or detached garage, etc. Other special features taken into account are such items as central air conditioning, central vacuum system, in-ground sprinklers, etc. Whether the same home is located in one area or another should not change the inspection cost. However, cost should not be a factor in the decision of whether or not to have a home inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to renegotiate the purchase price based on significant problems revealed by the inspector or to have the present owner correct the problems. Consult your lawyer for guidance.

CERTIFIED HOME & BUILDING INSPECTORS, Inc.

75 Willets Road, Glen Cove, New York 11542

Toll free: 1-800-244-5566 Business and Fax: 516-759-7020

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