Home Inspection Services in Albany, Schenectady, Troy and Surrounding Communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a home inspection?
The short answer would be yes. Buying a home is an expensive investment, probably the biggest investment you'll ever make. A home inspection brings more clarity to the process of buying a home and will help mitigate the risk involved in such a purchase.
Can a home inspector perform repairs on problems they discover?
A home inspector cannot perform any repairs on the issues found during an inspection. It is a home inspector's job to be an objective third party. If an inspector performs work on problems discovered during the inspection then that objectivity is compromised.
May I attend the inspection?
Absolutely! Although not required, your presence during the home inspection is strongly encouraged. You'll have a better idea of the condition of the house if you are present during the inspection.
During the home inspection you'll benefit more from your home inspector's experience and expertise, and will also receive maintenance tips. This is especially helpful for first-time home buyers.
How long does a home inspection take?
A home inspection generally takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the size of the home and number of issues discovered. When you request your inspection, we can give you a better idea of how long the process may take.
Why should I pay more for a home inspection?
A home inspection can easily save you money. The inspection is designed to discover problems that are expensive to correct, such as replacing the roof. If major problems are discovered, they can be used to negotiate a better price on the house.
Issues that can lead to major problems down the road are often inexpensive to fix early on. The cost of a home inspection is far outweighed by the cost of correcting these problems later.
If I'm selling a house, should I get a pre-listing home inspection?
You're more likely to have a quick sale if the house has already been properly inspected. You can opt to provide potential buyers with a copy of the inspection report, or you can address any issues before listing the house for sale.
Major problems discovered during a home inspection may result in serious transaction delays, sometimes long enough to kill the deal entirely. If you know of these problems ahead of time, you can avoid these delays.
Can I inspect the home myself?
Attempting to inspect a home yourself is unwise for a number or reasons. The home inspector has specific knowledge, experience, and training to properly and thoroughly conduct the inspection.
Another reason inspecting a home yourself is ill-advised is that the home inspector is an objective third party. Buying a home is an emotional experience. It's very easy to become attached to a property, which compromises your ability to make objective observations.