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Frequently Asked Questions
| This page contains answers to common
questions handled by our support staff, along with some tips and tricks
that we have found useful and presented here as questions. |
Our inspection report covers all the major systems and structural
elements of the house. This includes the condition, at the time of the
inspection, of the home's heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and
electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors,
windows and all visible structures.
No, you aren't required to be there for the inspection.
However,we highly recommend that you be present during the inspection so
that we may go over our findings with you. It's a valuable learning
experience and will help you get the most benefit from the inspection.
The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home.
For most homes, 2-3 hours is average. But for larger and/or older homes, it may take longer.
No. A home inspection is limited to what is visibly accessible at the time of the inspection.
Rugs, pictures, furnishings, wall coverings, and vegetation can hide, block, or prevent access
to parts of the home. An inspection is a written professional opinion of the condition of the home
at the time of the inspection. We cannot predict or forecast the life expectancy of a working system.
Our report will tell you the condition of the property at the time of the inspection,
including any needed repairs. No property will be perfect. It is up to you to decide whether
any issue the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major issues are discovered,
we highly recommend that further evaluations be made by a licensed contractor for the area of
concern PRIOR TO CLOSING!
You may also try negotiating with the seller to have these areas repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms.
Part of your Realtor's job is to help you decide the best course of action for your transaction.
In the end, the decision is yours, but knowing about potential issues, before you buy, gives you
the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.
Our company's code of ethics, as well as the ASHI & FABI Code of Ethics, prohibits a home inspector
from doing any repair work on properties he or she inspects. This assures that there will
never be a conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased,
objective third party report on the condition of the home at the time of the inspection.
The scheduled inspection time is spent evaluating the property.
It usually requires an additional 1 to 3 hours to compile our findings and write your
comprehensive, detailed report. Your report will usually be available for viewing and
downloading within 24 hours using our website and the username/password given to you
at the time of the inspection. Additional time may be required for results of certain
environmental tests, such as mold, lead, and commercial radon.
Our reports are in a narrative style which is both comprehensive and detailed. Photos can also be included
as required. Our reports are easy to understand because we do not use vague or broad terms which could make the
results confusing. Hand written or checklist forms, used by other companies, are incapable of giving
you the level of detail and confidence you may need to make an informative decision about your new home
investment. If you would like to view a sample report, click on the link Sample Reports.
In order to inspect and evaluate a septic system with any degree of adequacy
and reliability it is necessary to excavate the access cover on the tank and extract
the sewage contained therein. This requires the use of a septic disposal truck and pump
equipment. The tank is pumped out, flushed and then inspected. For a truly reliable evaluation
of your septic system, a qualified, licensed septic contractor needs to be called in.
This type of thorough inspection typically costs $ 300 to $ 500
Yes, CBI inspectors will be happy to return your call and answer any
questions regarding the home or inspection report.
Our fees are based on a number of items. The square footage of the home or condo.
How old the home is. Is there an attic? Basement? Crawlspace? Pool or Spa?
You may also want to schedule testing for Termites, Mold, Lead, Radon and other types of
inspections, all at the same time. Please call for pricing and we can answer all of your
questions and schedule your inspection.
All inspection firms have different fees. Some will charge based on square footage,
some by the selling price of the house or condo, and some may quote a flat rate.
The general rule is that you get what you pay for! The two biggest factors
to look for when hiring an inspector are how long will the inspector actually spend doing the inspection
and how detailed is the written report. Years of experience in the industry and current
credentials from the State and other certifying agencies should also be deciding factors.
Other variables include: Is the inspector or company licensed? Does the inspector have certified
credentials from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the Florida Association of
Building Inspectors (FABI)? Is the inspector or company insured for liability and workman's comp?
CBI provides inspections all over Central Florida including Orange County, Osceola County, Lake County, Polk County,
Seminole County, Volusia County, and some Brevard County.
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