What to Expect From Your Inspection

Whether you are buying, selling or maintaining your home, THI The Home Inspector LLC provides professional and quality service from the moment you call us. Our licensed home inspectors will educate you about your home and inform you about areas of concern. We follow the highest Standards of Practice providing you with the very best customer experience.

After we walk through the home together, we will explain the general condition of the home and systems with you and your agent. We will talk through any major issues that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. We will also mention the items that you will want to keep an eye on for deferred maintenance. All of this will be detailed in our easy-to-read Spectora report, that will be delivered in HTML and/or PDF format. From that report, you’ll be able to see the items we discussed, with images for reference. It will give you information you need to know about the condition of your new home. Most importantly, it will help you make a wise home-buying decision that serves you and your family for many years to come.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT. GET A HOME INSPECTION.

Important Details: Before, During, and After Your Home Inspection

What's Included in a Home Inspection

THI The Home Inspector thoroughly inspects and reports on the following:

  • Structural Systems

    Foundations, grading & drainage, basements, walkways, and floor, wall and ceiling structures.

  • Roofing

    Roof coverings, drainage systems, flashings and skylights, chimneys and other roof penetrations.

  • Electrical Systems

    Service entrance and panels, branch circuits, connected devices and fixtures, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and making sure your outlets are GFCI-protected.

  • Plumbing

    Fixtures and faucets, water supply systems, drain, waste and vent systems, water heater, vents, flues and chimneys, and any sump pumps or fuel storage and distribution systems.

  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems

    Heating and cooling equipment, ducts, vents and flues.

  • Appliances

    Dishwasher, garbage disposal, range hood, range or oven, cooktop, microwave, trash compactor, bathroom exhaust fans, garage door operator, and other built-in appliances.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Home Inspection

Before

  • Please sign the inspection agreement by 6 pm prior to the day of the inspection. The inspection agreement and payment link can be found in the confirmation email you received under, “Inspection Details”. Payment is also required prior to the inspection. Cash is accepted. Please contact us if you prefer to pay with cash. (unfortunately personal checks are no longer accepted).

  • If the home is vacant we recommend confirming with your realtor that the water, power, and gas is on. Also confirm that all shut off valves and/or breakers are in the on position. Insurance coverage does not allow inspectors to activate items that are shut down.

  • If the home is occupied, the sellers will need to ensure that the attic is accessible with any personal belongings removed from access locations. Personal belongings should also be removed from areas surrounding major appliances (HVAC and Water Heaters), crawl space access, electrical panels, etc. If personal belongings are present in these areas at the time of inspection, these items and areas will be inspected as best as possible from visible portions. Personal items are not moved during the inspection.

  • You will receive a reminder email the day prior to your inspection.

During

  • You are encouraged to attend the inspection for a review of the findings. Questions can be addressed at the beginning or end of the inspection. Our inspection routine requires a high level of concentration and attention to detail so that we can provide you the best inspection possible.

  • Inspections typically last between 2.5 – 4 hours based on the age, size, and condition of the home.

  • If fungal growth (possible mold) is found during the inspection, you will be notified to determine if you would like the growth tested by a laboratory to determine if it is mold. Typically surface samples of visible growth are collected and held for 48 hours and sent to the lab for testing if directed by the client.

  • Indoor air quality testing may also be requested by the client if mold is suspected and a musty smell is present in the home. If these services are requested, a separate agreement must be signed and an additional fee paid. More information about mold testing can be found here.

After

  • You will receive your report the evening of the inspection by email. The report has tools to assist you in communicating with your realtor. A “Repair Request” builder can be used by selecting the “Report tools” button at the top right of the report.

  • The report has 3 tabs: Overview, Information, and Standards. The Overview identifies areas of concern and is usually the best place to begin.  A PDF summary and full report (accessible at the top right corner of the report) are also available for your convenience. The inspection report will typically consist of 65-90 pages and well over one hundred photos and diagrams.

  • THI is available for you. Please contact us with questions or concerns. We are glad to help!