FAQ

1.) What is involved in a typical home inspection?

We will progress through the house in a planned sequence, systematically
operating and observing the equipment and systems. Specifically, the
inspection and report cover: Structural Components, Exterior surfaces,
Roofing, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air Conditioning, Interiors (Walls,
ceilings, floors), Insulation, Ventilation, plus numerous other items, including
siding, appliances, fireplaces, windows and doors. We will enter the attic and
crawl space if reasonable access exists. We can discuss any concerns you
have about environmental or safety issues or plans you may have for
remodeling or additions. We will encourage you to ask any questions related
to the house.

2.) Do I need to be present at the inspection?

We feel that you do and encourage you to come along on the inspection and walk along with
the inspector (except where potentially hazardous, such as the roof, attic or crawl space).
This gives you the opportunity to see everything the inspector sees and ask any questions
you may have. The inspector will show you important maintenance items, such as the
location of main switches and valves, furnace filters and how to operate the systems and
equipment. The inspection will be an educational experience for you.

We will provide you with a professional, detailed and thorough narrative style printed report
customized for that particular house. Of course, we will give you a comprehensive verbal
report at the end of our inspection and give you all the time you need for questions or
explanations. Many inspectors use preprinted, multi-part carbonless checklists or "canned
reports" which they purchase in bulk. They hand you a 15 or 20 page handwritten document
at the end of the inspection. By design, these reports contain hundreds of generic items,
some checked off and many which aren't checked because they don't apply. You are left
with numerous pages to wade through to decipher the real issues or try to interpret hastily
scrawled notes or summary page. We believe the quality of the information you get is more
important than the number of pages. It's much easier for the inspector to hand you a copy of
his checklist than to distill the applicable and important information into a clear and
understandable report. We believe you deserve the extra time and effort it takes to produce
a quality report. Our reports are clearly written and understandable with all the information
you need and without the additional clutter of checklist items which don't apply.

The length of the inspection depends upon several factors including the house size, age
and condition, whether there are attic or underfloor crawl spaces, etc. An inspection
typically takes between two to three hours. If you cannot be present for the entire
inspection, at least plan to come near the end so you can discuss any questions or
concerns with the inspector.

USA Building Inspections, Inc. includes a written warranty on the inspection services at
no additional cost. This is a certification that our services will comply with the
published Standards of Practice of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or
coverage for repair of defective items or conditions not reported will be provided (this is
a limited warranty - call for details). This is our way of assuring you that you will get a
complete and thorough inspection. This is not to be confused with an equipment
warranty, typically sold by real estate agents, which covers failures of house systems or
equipment during or after the sale process, such as leaking water heaters or furnace
failures.

We are not repair contractors and are not in the estimating business. Due to our many
years of experience and knowledge, we can provide you with "ballpark estimates" of
costs for significant items, based upon published data. We recommend you obtain firm
estimates from qualified contractors who are capable of doing the work before
proceeding. Firm estimates are typically needed for negotiating and budgeting. We do
not perform repairs and are not repair contractors like some inspectors. This would be
a conflict of interest and a violation of ethics. We do not refer repair specific repair
contractors. Contact your agent or a acquaintance for contractor referrals.

Yes, we offer unlimited telephone consultation for you as long as you own the home.
You can call with questions anytime, including advice on future repairs or maintenance
or equipment replacement. Take advantage of our expertise. We do not charge a fee
for telephone consultation. We only will charge a fee if you request a visit or ask for
additional services. We do offer an "Annual Maintenance Check-Up" if you would like
to care for your most valuable investment and keep it in top shape. Call for details.

We have specific expertise in materials inspections and construction standards,
including defective materials such as siding and roofing. We can perform Professional
Engineer (P.E.) inspections on specific items (e.g. structural or mechanical issues).
Testing for asbestos, radon, water quality, carbon monoxide and electromagnetic field
radiation are available. Carbon monoxide testing of heating systems and equipment
can often locate leaks or need for maintenance that develop into health problems. We
can offer assistance in identifying and filing claims for defective materials (including
siding, roofing, plumbing materials). We provide consulting services, bid review,
construction monitoring and contractor performance review for your repair or
remodeling projects.

There is no one else in the area doing home inspections with our experience and
credentials. We invite you to compare. You may find others who are cheaper or
quicker or find ways to cut corners or save their time by providing lower quality
reports. We do the inspection to protect you and provide the highest quality of
service to you. We work for your best interest, not the sellers or the RealtorsŽ
(even though it is in everyone's best interest to have a complete and honest
inspection). We are unbiased and have no interest in whether you buy the house or
not..only that you understand what you are about to buy.