FAQ'S

Can I do the Home Inspection myself?

Sure. But remember, you must be able to open the electric service panel and determine whether there
are any wiring violations. You must be able to walk the roof surfaces to determine the condition of the
roofing material, flashing and drains, while noting defective conditions and any faulty methods of
installation. You must evaluate the plumbing fixtures, supply lines, waste lines and gas piping to
determine their operational condition and their compliance with accepted building standards. You must
inspect the heating system to determine its functional condition and identify any of a long list of potential
safety problems. You must also crawl under the building and through the attic, searching for and
recognizing a vast number of potential construction defects. And hopefully you can locate the hazardous
materials within the home. A complete list of likely problems could easily fill a book.

A home inspection is the process of investigative discovery. It involves a serious observation with a
trained eye, recognition and conclusive evaluation of countless related and seemingly unrelated
conditions. It requires numerous judgments and decisions as to degrees of severity, proposed means of
correction, advisements for further evaluation when necessary, warnings of inherent risks to life and
property and the likelihood of future problems.

I can recognize and identify defects in many situations within the realm of modern and not-so-modern
housing. When buying a home, it is best to engage the services of a qualified, experienced home
inspector such as myself. You will not regret it.

Why should I have my home inspected?

If you are currently a home owner and looking to sell your house, you may want to get the home
inspected before putting it out on the market for an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in
better selling condition. I will give you a better understanding of the conditions which may be
discovered by the buyer's inspector. Allow me to assist you in turning your home into a buyer friendly
home.

The house is brand new, why should I hire a home inspector?

The belief that any new product is free of defects and necessarily flawless runs contrary to common sense
and experience. The return counter at any department store provides ample evidence of this fact. When
applied to new homes, the belief that new means perfect can lead to costly mistakes.

Many home buyers feel that they do not need to employ a professional home inspector because building
inspectors regularly inspect new homes. Let me personally tell you that a municipal inspection is
definitely not enough. Home buyers need to understand that many building inspectors are seeing over
10 homes a day and are normally only inspecting to see that the builder meets the minimum code
requirements. The building inspector is not looking at specific construction practices that tend to
determine if a home is going to be a trouble-free investment.
Another interesting fact is, anyone who has worked in the construction field can tell stories of the
shortcuts and human errors that routinely occur, even on the best built of homes. Workmen have bad
days, materials can have defects, details can be overlooked, components can be omitted, and building
inspectors can have too little time to check every nook and cranny within the house.

I walked through the house, it looks fine. Why should I get a home inspection?

One of the most expensive and important purchases you will ever make will be your home. However,
unlike the guarantee a buyer receives with most purchases, there's no money-back guarantee or return
policy if you're not satisfied with your recently purchased home. Once you buy a home, you're on your
own to maintain it, repair it, anticipate problems and pay the bills. This is why it's best to know as much as
you can about potential problems before you make the commitment to buy.

A home inspection is an excellent tool for you to take advantage of. Allow me to perform a
comprehensive visual inspection of your new home before you decide to purchase. I'll determine the
components that are not performing properly as well as items that are beyond their useful life or are
unsafe. I will also identify those areas where repairs may be needed now or where there may have been
problems in the past.

Should I be there at the home inspection?

Yes indeed. It's not required, but it is very much to your advantage to be present from start to finish. It's a
lot easier to explain a home when you (the Buyer) are actually there on site! If you cannot make it, then
please have someone you know on site to represent you, so that I can explain the property and go over
any items that may need attention.

I'll walk you through your perspective home and help you understand the house while I provide you
with a wealth of knowledge that's hard to acquire any other way. After walking you through the home,
you'll be able to clearly understand the inspection report, and know exactly which areas need your
attention and there will be no surprises later on. Additionally, I can give you answers to your questions,
tips for home maintenance, and a lot of general information that will assist you when you move into your
new home. Most important, you'll see the home through the eyes of an objective third party.

When is the best time to schedule a home inspection?

The best time to schedule a home inspection is right after the offer to purchase contract is signed, prior
to executing the final purchase and sales agreement. However, before you sign the offer to purchase
contract, be sure that your Realtor includes an inspection clause in your contract making the purchase
obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the
terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

How long will the home inspection take?

The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most single family homes,
3 hours is pretty typical for me. But for larger homes and multi-family homes, or homes in poor
condition, it may take longer. Small condominiums usually take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending
on the conditions.

What if the report reveals problems?

The primary objective of a home inspection report is to provide you with detailed information about the
home and to point out any major defects before you purchase it. Remember, all homes have defects; the
perfect home just does not exist. Potential home buyers often incorrectly view my inspection report as a
mandatory repair list for the seller. The fact is that sellers are not required to produce a flawless house.
They have no such obligation by law or by contract; therefore, most repairs are subject to negotiation
between you and the Seller.

Typically, buyers will request that various conditions be repaired before the close of escrow, and sellers
will usually agree to some of those demands. But with most building defects, sellers make repairs as a
matter of choice, not obligation, in order to foster good will or to help accomplish the sale. Sellers can
refuse any repair demands except where requirements are set forth by state law, local ordinance or the
real estate purchase contract. Purchase contracts usually stipulate that safety issues be resolved, fixtures
working, windows not be broken, and that there be no leaks in the roof or plumbing.

Before you make any demands of the seller, try to evaluate my inspection report with an eye toward
problems of greatest significance. Look for conditions that compromise health and safety or involve
potential or active leaks in the plumbing or the roof. Most sellers will address problems affecting crucial
areas or items such as the roof, electrical, plumbing problems and big-ticket items such as the furnace
and water heater. Your inspection report will not indicate whether or not the house is a good value. It is
simply an objective report of its condition. Please consult with your Realtor to help you work through an
appropriate repair request list to present to the seller.

What's the difference between a Home Appraiser and a Home Inspector?

Home appraisers are trained in the valuation of real property and are not home inspectors. Generally,
real estate appraisers do not climb on the roof, remove the cover from electrical boxes or examine the
furnace and appliances as would a home inspector. Home inspectors are trained to be experts in all
facets of construction and conduct an on-site inspection to review your house as a system, looking at how
one component of the house might affect the operation or lifespan of another. Appraisers perform a
different service with a different level of expertise than a professional home inspector.

Will I be able to walk through the property again before closing?

In most cases, you'll be given the opportunity to inspect the home immediately prior to closing. This
time, it's important to check on any work the seller agreed to have done in response to your initial home
inspection. You should also carefully check the condition of walls and ceilings from which window
treatments, pictures, or any other attached furnishings have been removed. If you find any problems,
don't hesitate to bring them up at the closing. It's the seller's responsibility to correct them.

How do I schedule my home inspection?

You can contact me directly via email or telephone or you can just have your Agent contact me if it's
easier for you. Be sure you set up an appointment with me as soon as possible; sometimes working
around the schedules of everyone involved and the time constraints established in the purchase
agreement can make it difficult.

What shall I do to prepare for the home inspection?

You, as the buyer (or your Real Estate agent) must obtain permission for me to enter the premises in
order to inspect the property. It's helpful to notify the Sellers that all utilities must be on and all gas pilots
lit prior to the inspection. I will be looking over all areas of the home and its mechanical systems. In
order for me to complete the work properly, I must have access to all areas, including the attic,
basement, garage, and all mechanical equipment. If I cannot gain access to certain components due to
stored materials or some other reason, the inspection cannot be completed. This will be reported as "not
inspected" and may create surprises for you when you do finally gain access to these areas.

When is payment expected?

Payment is expected at the end of your home inspection. I accept cash, check or money orders. I cannot
accept credit cards at this time.

What if I have questions after my home inspection is complete?

If you have any questions before or after your inspection, please feel free to call me. Telephone
consultation is free. I will be available for questions for as long as you own your home. I'll always give
you the personal service you deserve.

What does a home inspection cost?

Like all inspectors, my price varies by home size, layout and construction.
A typical 1500 square foot home with full basement starts at $270.00.
Under 1000sq. Ft, slabs and condominiums will run slightly lower.
Larger homes will cost approximately $55.00 per additional 1,000 square feet. I will never charge more
than my initial estimate. Please call if you have any questions, my estimates are always free!

Avoid Price Shopping: Lower home inspector fees should be regarded with suspicion, as they often
identify those who are new to the business or who do not spend sufficient time performing the
inspection. My typical inspection will take about 3 hours. A home is the most expensive commodity you
are likely to purchase in a lifetime. One defect missed by your inspector could cost 10 times what you
save with a bargain inspection. The best method of price shopping is to shop for quality. That's what
you'll receive with Liberty Professional Home Inspections.

One more thing. Choosing the right Home Inspector can be very difficult. Unlike most professionals, you
will likely not get to meet me until after you hire me. Furthermore, different inspectors have varying
qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and yes, different pricing. One thing for sure
is that a home inspection requires work, a lot of work. Ultimately a thorough inspection depends heavily
on the individual inspector's own effort. If you honor me by permitting me to inspect your new home, I
guarantee to give you my very best effort. This I promise you.