Providing professional home and building inspections Since 1989
573-431-7197 OR 1-800-246-6564
We offer a 5% discount when you order on-line
Common Questions
WHAT IS A "BUILDING INSPECTION"?
A building inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home or building. If you are thinking of buying a house, condominium or commercial property, you should have it properly inspected before the final purchase by an impartial, experienced and professional home inspector.
WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?
Exterior: grading, walls, coverings, patios/decks, patio covers, sidewalks/driveways, soffits/fascias, doors/windows/trim, gutters/downspouts, retaining walls, fences/gates. Structure: foundation, crawlspace, footings/columns, floors, walls, chimneys. Roofing: structure, coverings, flashings, skylights, vent/stacks. Electrical: Service entrance, grounding, panel/sub-panels, branch circuits, outlets, gfci's, circuit integrity. |
Heating and A/C: description, combustion system, a/c components, supply/discharge lines, venting, ductwork/registers, controls/thermostats, Carbon Monoxide testing is also available. Plumbing: main supply lines, distribution lines, fixtures, vents/traps/drains, functional flow. Insulation: attic, walls, crawlspace, floors, lines, ductwork, air/vapor barriers. Interior: walls, ceilings, windows, floors, doors, stairs, fireplaces, smoke detectors (test buttons) |
WHAT ELSE DO INSPECTORS DO?
In addition to performing pre-purchase building inspections, Heartland inspectors help homeowners with analysis and solutions of specific problems, such as wet basements, energy conservation and cracked foundations and are also called to review restoration and home improvement plans as well as specifications for maintenance. They can also inspect work upon completion to ensure that a contract has been properly fulfilled.
HOW LONG WILL THE INSPECTION TAKE?
In most cases, the average inspection takes approximately 3+ hours depending on the size, age and the conditions found at the property. A comprehensive computer generated report is provided to the client the day following the inspection.
WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?
If the inspector finds fault 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.
WHAT IF A BUILDING "FAILS" INSPECTION?
A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective property. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A building inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a property, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of immediate or near future major repair or replacement.
WHAT 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 property and all its equipment and systems. You may also have learned a few things about your new home from the report and will want to keep that information for future reference. Above all, you can feel assured that you are making a well informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy your new home the way you want to.
WHAT WILL AN INSPECTION COST?
WHEN DO I CONTACT AN INSPECTOR?
The best time to call in the inspector is after you've made an offer on the building and before you sign the contract. Or you can ask your realtor to include an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection.
WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect - both indoors and out - in terms of repair and maintenance and their costs. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Water marks in the basement may indicate a chronic seepage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The home inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents his professional opinion as to the condition of the property before you buy, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterwards. Of course, an inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the type of maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape.
WHY SHOULD I CALL HEARTLAND BUILDING INSPECTORS, CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds of homes in his career. An inspector is equally familiar with all the elements of home construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and interrelationships of those elements. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want and this may lead to a poor assessment.
