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FAQs
At Porter Professional Home Inspection, LLC we do our best to answer all of your questions. Below you will find a list of what we believe are the most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that have not been answered below, do not hesistate to contact us.
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A typical inspection usually takes about 3 hours to complete. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be informed of the timeframe in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.
We inspect the major systems of the house. These include the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase.
Current Chicago market area home inspections average between $400-600 for an inspection. However, some factors will affect the fee such as the size of the home, age of the home and distance traveled. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best price. Call me for a fair quote!
- Complete home inspection conducted by an experienced professional.
- Comprehensive written home inspection report.
- a free 460+ page digital home reference library and average repair cost links.
- Technical support for as long as you own your home.
Definitely! I want you there asking questions and being a part of the process! The inspection is a valuable learning experience for most homebuyers.
I encourage you to take notes and as many pictures as you need, but you don't have to take notes during the inspection. I will document everything in a written report. It's much better to follow the inspector through, listening to his comments to make sure you understand. It's also a great opportunity to ask questions and to clarify anything that confuses you.
Absolutely! You may want to bring some questions that you have regarding the home. You should also feel free to stop me and ask questions as you go. If my comments or explanations are not clear, please ask for clarification.
You should dress comfortably and be prepared to spend roughly 3 hours walking through the home with me, but that is completely optional.
I recommend that you not bring too many people, but anyone you want to be there I will welcome. This is a technical evaluation, and generally the fewer distractions, the better.
You do receive a written report. It would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things I cover during a home inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is typically delivered within 24 hours after the inspection.
No. A home inspector does not issue a "pass" or "fail". Our goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs and expenses. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play. Your real estate professional can help you here.
A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information. It's a little like getting a check-up from your doctor. It improves your odds of good health but there is no guarantee or warranty. Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house; they cannot be discovered during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. As such, I cannot and do not offer a warranty on the house. Home warranty programs are available from others. I would be happy to help you contact a warranty company.
I was trained and certified by American Home Inspector Training (AHIT). I am a state licensed and fully insured home inspector in Illinois, and perform approximately 3-7 inspections per week. I've owned three homes in three different states, have rehabbed and finished basements and have personally experienced many major problems a home can have. If any home inspector tells you he or she has seen it all, you should raise an eyebrow, because every home is unique and different, and I continue to learn every day. I believe in communication and working through every issue with you and your Realtor. We're a team, and both I and your Realtor want you in the house you feel confident in.