Home Inspection FAQs

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. We want to provide information to make the best decision for you and your family.

The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system (temperature permitting); central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior and exterior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.

The International Association of Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines the minimum standards for a home inspection. As a home inspection company that strives for excellence, we go well beyond these minimum standards.

It depends who you hire. Some home inspection companies may upcharge based on the location and/or selling price of the home. In addition, many home inspection companies advertise the national average instead of their average.

We use a home inspection pricing calculator and price based on:
1) Type of home - single family, townhouse, condominium
2) Age of home - older homes generally have more deficiencies/issues/concerns
3) Square footage - including unfinished square footage and garages

We strongly advise not basing your home inspection based on cost. Saving $50 on a home inspection may cost you more after you move in!

It depends on the size and condition of the home. A typical home inspection should take 2-2.5 hours for a condo, and 3 - 3.5 hours for a townhouse and 3 - 4 hours for a single family home.

Yes, at the end of the inspection. This allows the Inspector to focus on the inspection without distractions, but also being mindful of your time - 45 minutes at the property vs 3-4 hours. During the walkthrough the Inspector will review all issues/concerns/deficiencies, answer any questions you have, and teach you about home maintenance.

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect.

Definitely. Home inspectors are trained to look for and identify current and potential issues/concerns/deficiencies. In addition, you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You'll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will have that information for future reference.

The state of Maryland does not require home inspectors to walk the roof, but we make our best effort to do so depending on safety, height, roof pitch, roof conditions, and weather conditions.

If the conditions prevent the Inspector from mounting the roof, we will use a drone to inspect and take pictures.

We do our best to email a full color PDF document with pictures within 24 hours.

As a small business we would appreciate a check. But we can email you an invoice so you can pay online by credit card.