What exactly is a home inspection?

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A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination of a residence or commercial property. It is not technically exhaustive. Home inspectors cannot see defects behind a walls, behind household furnishings, personal belongings, clutter, above a ceiling, or in otherwise inaccessible or unsafe places in the property.  We will use our training, knowledge, experience, and safety related judgement in the visual examination of your prospective home.  If a component doesn’t work by normal means of operation the inspector will not try to get it operating by any other means.  We will only open those panels that are normally used to service a given piece of equipment.  And if, in the sole opinion of the inspector, a danger exists to the inspector,  others present, or to the property itself, we will not operate or inspect that piece of equipment or component of the property.  We will defer any necessary repairs or other issues to a qualified & licensed trade professional who is far more experienced in that type of application.

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In short, having the home inspected by a qualified inspector is the single best move you can make in order to make an informed decision regarding the condition, purchase, or sale of your home.  After all, this is quite probably the biggest investment you will ever make . . .

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And at RK Home Inspections, we provide buyers, sellers, property owners, and realtors with important information essential to evaluating a property’s condition.

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Why do I need a home inspection?

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To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you should learn as much as you can about a newly constructed or existing property before you buy it.  A quality home inspection may identify the need for major and/or expensive repairs, builder oversights, as well as the need for routine maintenance to keep the home in good condition.  Following the inspection, you will have a better understanding of the home; which will allow you to make better decisions with greater confidence.

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If you are already a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making.  And, if you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection may give you the opportunity to make repairs that will place your house in a much better selling condition.

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What is included?

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RK Home Inspections utilizes CREIA standards of practices in reporting the condition of your home. Your report and any on-site consultations will take you through a readily visual inspection and review of the home's major systems including: the heating system; the central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); all visually accessible interior/exterior plumbing systems; the electrical system; the roofing system; the attic and any visible insulation; the walls; the ceilings; the floors; the windows; the doors; the visible foundation; the appliances; and the visible structures of the home.

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How long will it take?

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The average inspection takes two to three hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the property.

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Should I be there?

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We certainly encourage prospective buyers to be present for the inspection.  By being present, you will have a far greater understanding of your new residence and you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you wish.  However, it is certainly not required that you attend the inspection (completely up to the client.)

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When and what kind of inspection report will I receive?

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Within 24-hours, you will receive (by email) a detailed report that is clear, concise, and easy to read.  It will contain full color photographs of the property and any issue observed during the inspection.  The report will be emailed to our clients in PDF format.

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We will conduct a thorough inspection of your home . . .

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As a certified home inspector, we have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with a thorough, non-intrusive, visual inspection of your home (from roof to foundation.)

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Outside the home, we will check the exterior walls, roof, driveway, deck, etc., Then, we will move inside to inspect the bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, family rooms, garages, etc. (walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows.)  The heating, air-conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and water heating systems will be visually inspected to ensure that they function as intended (normal operation only.)  Lastly, the safe & readily accessible areas of the attic, basement, and/or crawl space will be inspected.