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1. How much does a typical Home Inspection cost?

Since every inspection has unique challenges most inspection agencies will vary their fees accordingly. Generally the starting price for an uncomplicated modest single family home will be around $300. Fees will typically increase in $25 increments as the size and condition of the property becomes more demanding.

At GPI prices range from $275 to $350 for most homes. List price, size, unique construction, and location determines the fee. Please call for details.

2. How thorough should I expect the inspection to be?

The inspection report contains The Home Inspection Report, The Care and Repair Manual, and a CD with your photos. The Home Inspection Report is completed during the inspection; it is created on a laptop by my assistant (wife) through radio communication with me, and is about 18 pages in length. It is the detailed information on your home, broken down into the following sections: Structure & Basement, Roof & Drainage, Exterior, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Electrical & Kitchen, and Interior & Attic. For a detailed list of the things I do and don't inspect, click on "About My Inspections". 

The Care and Repair Manual is a short, 19 page manual that discusses some of the more common problems I find, and provides information about how to properly maintain your home. 

Your CD can be used on most computers to view and print the photographs that were taken during the inspection. Time permitting, these photographs are generally view on my laptop monitor following your inspection to help explain the findings.

3. How long will the home inspection take?

No two homes or home inspections are alike. The length of time varies according to the size and condition of the home.  A typical three bedroom two-bath house takes approximately four hours.

4. Do I have to be there for the inspection?

It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection but it is recommended. You will be able to observe the inspection and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how the systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've witnessed the inspection.

5. Do I only need an inspection when buying a house?

Most home inspections are done during a residential sale and are scheduled by the buyer. Of course there is a very good reason to do this as an enormous investment is represented, and the buyer should know as much as possible about the property he/she is purchasing. However, we believe there is very good reason for every homeowner to have their own homes periodically inspected. There are many things that can cause serious and expensive problems to develop if not corrected in the early stages. These defects are normally uncovered during a home inspection. Correcting problems such as damp crawlspaces, leaks, improper wiring, rot, deteriorated and failed components, and termite infestation are just a few things that can lead to serious problems if left uncorrected. Click on our Homeowners: Get Your Home Inspected page for more detail.

6. Does the inspection fee provide a warranty or guarantee for any future problems that might arise?

A professional home inspection  does not provide insurance or warranty protection against future or latent problems. Home inspections are visual examinations of the physical structure and systems as they exist on the day of the inspection.