Home Inspections

You love the neighborhood and the home looks great, but what about the roof? How old is the furnace? Is the garage door opener adjusted properly? Now, it is time to schedule a home inspection in Virginia.

What is a home inspection?

This inspection is a comprehensive look at your potential home. The home inspector will evaluate all aspects of the home – roof, gutters, downspouts, decks, electrical panel, outlets, plumbing, water heater, furnace, condenser, duct work, disposal, counter tops, sinks, cabinets, lighting fixtures, interior doors, exterior doors, windows, hardwood flooring, ceramic flooring, vinyl flooring, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and garage door openers to name just a few. A home inspection in Virginia is the best way to gain a complete understanding of the condition of each system in the home.

When do I schedule a home inspection in Virginia?

The process starts when you find a home in the Virginia in which you are interested. After reaching an agreement with the seller, you will have an inspection contingency period – typically 10 days. During those ten days, you will need to schedule an inspection and have the Virginia home inspector complete the report in time to decide whether or not to move forward with the purchase. Your home inspector will not only point out serious defects, but also the smaller and sometimes inconsequential items. As the potential buyer, you have the right to know about any possible concerns with your potential home. A Virginia home inspection will uncover these concerns and condense them to an easily understandable home inspection report.  Email me or call 571.238.6013 to schedule your inspection!

Why do I need a home inspection in Virginia?

Did the seller have children? Do you? Many typical homes present dangers that may not be apparent. These safety concerns are a top priority during your inspection. These items – smoke detectors, guard rails, stairs, GFCI's – can be very easy to repair or replace but the consequences of improper installation can be significant.

Your home inspector will provide you with the information you need to make a good decision based on complete, accurate information. The inspection report will include pictures of any observations as well as detailed text describing the concern and a suggested solution. The inspection report is typically sent to the seller with requests for repairs before you settle on the home. A thorough home inspection in Virginia will save you the cost of repairing these items!

How long will my Virginia home inspection last?

Typically, your home inspector will meet with you face to face and at the home. The meeting, on average, lasts about two hours. Your home inspector will conclude the visit with a walk through to illustrate any items that are identified on the report. This provides a great opportunity to ask the home inspector any questions you may have about these items. The support doesn't end here, however! After your Virginia home inspection, if you have any further questions, you can call or email. We are happy to help!

What items are includes in the home inspection?

How do you winterize the hose bibs? What are the maintenance requirements for a water heater? Beyond the standard home inspection in Virginia, your home inspector will also include a full walk through detailing maintenance tips and suggestions and guidance on how to operate the home. In addition to the inspection report, you will receive an indexed and cross referenced guide to answer all of your home maintenance questions! If you think of more questions after you move in, just call! Your inspection includes support via phone or email after the initial meeting.

Do I need a home inspection in Virginia on an “as-is” or handyman's special?

The foreclosure and distressed sale market is chock full of great deals! Often times, these homes have simple cosmetic defects and can be repaired relatively easily. Just because a home is purchased “as-is” doesn't mean that you don't need an inspection. “As-is” purchases are the homes that are in the greatest need of a thorough inspection. You will need a Virginia home inspector who is aware of the specific concerns related to foreclosures and short sales. Simple cosmetic items will be found during the inspection. More importantly, the home inspector will also find any serious defects. If the roof needs to be replaced, the HVAC replaced, or the home rewired, the inspection will reveal those defects to allow a fully informed decision.

A home that seems like a great deal is not as great of a deal if it contains serious defects. If any serious defects are discovered, you have the ability, as the potential buyer, to revise your offer or withdraw your offer altogether.

Communication is Key!

A home inspection in Virginia should not scare you away from a great home if the concerns are minor. The crucial consideration is that what is a major concern to some people may be a minor concern to others. The ONLY way to determine this is to communicate! Too many home inspectors do not inspect the home with their clients present or are not able to communicate the issue in plain English. An inspection that concludes without a complete understanding of the home and its systems is worthless. A home inspector who creates a report that is not understandable and doesn't explain potential resolutions is meaningless. Don't short change yourself when it comes to your inspection.

Home Inspections inVirginia
• Leesburg
• Ashburn
• Sterling
• Herndon
• Fairfax
• Reston
• Chantilly
• Manassas
• Arlington
• Centreville
• Gainesville
• Woodbridge