FAQs
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a general, non-invasive, visual overview of the entire home’s structure, and all readily and safely accessible systems and components detailed under the standards of practice. Areas of inspection include the foundation (the most important part of the home), the exterior, the roof and attic, interiors and built in kitchen appliances, the heating and cooling equipment, electrical, and plumbing, insulation and ventilation.
What is NOT a home inspection?
Home inspections are not pass or fail, but simply a snapshot of the home at the date of inspection.
Home inspections are not appraisals or estimates of market value (this is a separately licensed field).
Home inspections are not technically exhaustive, and do not entail running calculations or formulas for structural engineering, plumbing, heating and ventilation, etc.
Home inspections are not guarantees or warranties of any kind but rather the identification of defects present at time of inspection.
What is NOT included in a home inspection?
A home inspection is NOT a mold inspection. Mold is not covered under a standard home inspection. We can, however, perform a mold inspection separately or in tandem with a home inspection for a separate fee and set of standards. As of July 2022 we are the only IAC2 Mold Certified Inspector in the Huntington-Ashland area.
Termites and other wood destroying organisms. Although we may point these out as a courtesy if found, they are excluded from the standards of practice. It also requires a separate license to apply or recommend the usage of pesticides, so if we do report signs of wood destroying organisms, we will recommend a licensed professional inspect further.
Other environmental Concerns including asbestos, lead paint, etc. These are excluded from the standards of practice. Again, we may point certain items out as a courtesy, but it is impossible to predict or know for sure which items may contain asbestos, as it was used in a wide variety of applications for over a hundred years.
What is the Standards of Practice?
The Standards of Practice regulate what inspectors are required to inspect as well as areas they are not required to inspect. There are also allowances for what an inspector is allowed to exclude or disclaim depending on safety and accessibility at the time of inspection. At Hall’s Home Inspection we are licensed in 3 states and each state has their own Standards of Practice: the West Virginia Home Inspector Standards of Practice, the Ohio Home Inspector Standards of Practice, and the InterNACHI Standards of Practice (for Kentucky). Each are very similar but there are differences. Your report will include these, but we strongly recommend you read over and understand these prior to the inspection as well. There may be areas you assumed were covered that are not.
How long does a home inspection take?
A home inspection’s length is dependent upon the size of the home primarily. But generally, expect 2-3 hours at a minimum for anything under 3,000 square feet, and 3-5 for anything above that. On average, our inspections take around 3 hours. An inspector that takes less than that is probably not doing a very thorough job.
Older homes sometimes take longer. Additional structures or services may take longer as well.
Should I attend the inspection?
Yes. A home purchase is the biggest purchase most of us will ever make. You should do your due diligence to learn as much as you can prior to fully committing to the purchase.
What if I don’t want to attend the full 2-3 hour inspection?
It is best for you to come towards the end of the inspection, not the entire time. This way we can do a 20-30 minute walkthrough and discuss our findings. You are free to come the entire time if you choose. Ask us when the best time to come would be and we can give you an exact time.
What do inspection reports look like?
Home inspection reports contain informational and defect sections as well photos and/or video links. A home inspection report can sometimes be overwhelming. All homes have defects and areas of suggested improvement. Most of our reports average about 40 pages, although some are larger. In homes where we feel more photos are necessary, the reports may be longer.
You can view sample reports that Hall’s has done by clicking here.
When and how will I get my report?
In most cases we will have the report out the same day, usually by 7 at the latest. If your inspection is in the afternoon or on a particularly large property, it may be the next day. 95% of the time our reports are out the same day.