At Arch Inspections we receive a lot of questions regarding homes, the inspection process, and other home related issues.
To help our clients, we compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BEFORE the Inspection
DAY OF Inspection
Before the Inspection questions
How much do you charge?
We charge a little more for a home inspection than most of our competition. We conducted a survey of other home inspectors throughout New Jersey, and our price was approximately 15% higher, on average, than other home inspectors in New Jersey. The added value we provide is in our architectural experience which removes any “seek a structural engineer” comments from the home inspection process as we can provide a structural opinion on the spot.
The best way to get an accurate inspection quote is to complete our ONE CLICK HOME INSPECTION ORDER FORM.
When are you available?
During the busy Spring & Fall selling seasons, we are typically booking out approximately seven to ten calendar days.
For the fastest scheduling, please call our main office number, or complete our ONE-CLICK HOME INSPECTION ORDER FORM.
How much time does a typical home inspection take?
On average, between one to two hours onsite for a single family. We typically spend another two to five hours typing each report off-site.
Will all of the inspections happen in one trip?
Typically we like to have our entire team arrive during one visit. On occasion, we may need to separate the inspections due to prior commitments or other unforeseen circumstances. We also will need to return no less than 2 days later if you order the radon measurement service.
When do I pay for the inspection?
Typically we receive payment at the inspection via check (made out to Arch Inspections) or cash. Credit cards are accepted, yet incur a 3.5% credit card convenience fee.
Can I see the inspection agreement before you do the home inspection?
Yes, we email the inspection agreement to our clients at the time we book the inspection. We ask our clients to review and agree to the inspection agreement online no less than 24 hours prior to the inspection. Click the following link to view our sample agreement
Are you a licensed home inspector?
Yes we are, and our owner’s license number is NJ Licensed Home Inspector #24GI00130600.
Can my dad (or friend who works in construction) come to the inspection?
Sure, but they have to let us do most of the talking and explaining. No chest puffing allowed.
Do you offer mold testing?
No, we do not offer mold testing. A mold test will identify what types of mold were present and the spore count at the exact moment in time when the test was taken, and in that exact location. It does NOT say that mold is harmful or if there is a harmful level of mold present. A small percentage of the population has a severe reaction to certain types of mold but most people have no reaction at all. There are no EPA guidelines for the presence and levels of mold.
Should I test for mold?
No, unless you have a very compelling reason to do so. Please read this article for an excellent explanation of why we don’t recommend testing for mold: http://www.ashireporter.org/HomeInspection/Articles/Home-Inspectors-and-Mold-Sampling-Hype-or-Help-/1994
Do you inspect pools?
Yes, and we must be notified of a pool being onsite prior to scheduling the inspection due to the additional time and costs.
Day of the Inspection questions
Should I be there for the inspection?
Definitely. We encourage all of our clients to attend the entire inspection, if possible. The inspection is a personalized course in homeownership.
What time should I meet you?
The more time you can provide us, the better it is for you. We would love to spend as much time as we can with you onsite. Typically, after the interior inspection is completed we like to provide our clients with a brief summary of the discovered issues.
Why don’t you provide the inspection reports on-site?
It takes us a long time to type up our reports. We don’t produce generic check-box reports with three-ring binders; we actually sit down at the computer and take the time to write out our reports in plain English. We also don’t spend our time on-site with our nose buried in tablet or laptop; we spend our time inspecting the home.
We write the report when we get home. We’ll also typically spend more time writing the report than we do inspecting the house. We provide a lot of detail and photos in our reports, and we try to write them for you the same way we would for a friend or family member. After you read one of our inspection reports, we think you’ll understand why we don’t produce the reports on site.
Do you tell us whether to buy the house?
Everything is covered in snow. Can you still inspect the house?
Yes, we can still inspect the house, but there will obviously be a few limitations, the largest being the roof covering. When roof coverings are buried in snow, they can’t be inspected. It’s a lot more work for us to inspect houses when there’s a lot of snow on the ground, but it’s OK. We don’t charge any more for the inspection when we have to trudge through the snow.
Do you offer a discount when the house is snow covered?
We don’t offer a discount. We also don’t charge more, even if it’s more work.
Do you offer repair estimates on the items within your report?
Unfortunately, providing repair estimates as a home inspector in our opinion is unethical. We are not in the home repair business, and only in the home inspection business. What we can do is provide you with a general ballpark estimate on what things should cost to repair.
What if mold is present?
Have the mold removed. More importantly, fix the conditions that are causing the mold. You have a moisture problem if you can see mold. A large portion of our home inspections are focused on looking for moisture problems.
What if the house has newer stucco?
If you’re buying a stucco home that was constructed in the late ’80s or newer, we’ll probably recommend having invasive moisture testing performed by a company that specializes in this service.
After the Inspection questions
When will I receive the home inspection reports?
We’ll typically email to you the specialty reports (termite, oil tank survey, etc) within a day or two of the inspection.
Radon reports are typically emailed about 3 calendar days after the lab receives the samples.
Due to the complexity of a home inspection, you should expect to receive the home inspection report no later than 7 calendar days after the inspection is completed.
All reports are emailed directly to you, your realtor, and attorney if their contact information is provided prior to the report issuance.
The seller says they corrected the issues. I am not sure it is.
Can you provide a pre-closing inspection?
We would be happy to help. Feel free to order one via our ONE CLICK HOME INSPECTION ORDER FORM.
Do you know of anyone who can ________? Fill in the blank.
Usually during our inspections, we receive client requests for vendor recommendations. We typically provide three vendor names (if available) to provide you with as many options as possible. We do not receive any compensation for the recommendation, rather its a FREE added service to help everyone involved.
Can I contact you if I have any home related questions after I purchase the home?
Absolutely. We are not in the business of one time home inspections. We want to keep our clients happy every day, even if its several years after our inspection. We only ask for your patience to answer any questions as we are trying our best to answer all of our clients questions.
Feel free to use this form if you have any home related questions.
