Question 1

How long does a home inspection take?

Accepted Answer

A home inspection average's 2.5 hours for homes up to 2000 sq. ft., larger homes average about one hour per 1000 sq. ft.

Example: A 4000 square foot home will take at least 4 hours.

Question 2

Can I shadow you during your inspection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we welcome all of our clients to be present during inspections.

Question 3

Do I need to be there when you do the home inspection?

Accepted Answer

No, in this time of technology you can simply request an inspection on the website. Answer the question and then press send. We will call you to verify submission and send you via email our home inspection agreement and arrange for payment. Your report will be available within 1 or 2 days of the inspection.

Question 4

How long will it take before I get my Inspection report?

Accepted Answer

We will have your report available to you by 1 to 2 days of the inspection.

Question 5

What happens if there is a major problem found in the inspection report?

Accepted Answer

Any problems found will be discussed between you and your real estate agent. Sometimes you may need to get a contractor to give you a quote for repairs and discuss these matters with your real estate agent on what to do next with your purchase. Home buyer usually have an opportunity to back out of the deal, if they are unwilling to accept any issue noted in the report.

Question 6

What should I do as a Buyer?

Accepted Answer

It's important to slow down and ask question at this stage. You shouldn't rush through it or feel like you're inconveniencing the inspector by asking a lot of questions. You're paying for this information, so you want to make sure you absorb it all.

Question 7

What should I do as a Seller?

Accepted Answer

When the buyer hires a home inspector to perform a thorough inspection of the property, the inspector will provide a detailed inspection reports and the buyer will decide which items they want to have corrected and which items they are okay with. Then they will send their repair request. As a seller you will agree to fix all, some, or none of the requested items. (Sellers are under no obligation to repair any discrepancies noted by the inspector.)

Question 8

What does the whole home inspection, report and purchase process feel like?

Accepted Answer

The home buyer finds a property and makes an offer to purchase it.
The seller accepts the offer.
Usually, the buyer provides a copy of the signed purchase agreement to their mortgage lender. 
The buyer will hire a home inspector to perform a thorough inspection of the property.
The inspector conducts the home inspection and provides a detailed inspection report. 
The buyer will decide which items they want to have corrected and which items they are okay with.
The seller will agree to fix all, some or none of the requested items.
The home buyer usually has an opportunity to back out of the deal, if they are unwilling to accept any issues noted in the report.

Question 9

I'm ready to Hire First Consult Home Inspection, how much time do I need to schedule?

Accepted Answer

We normally need minimum 3-day advance notice however, there may be cancelations and postponements that may happen.

Please reach out to us and we will work hard to get you scheduled.

Question 10

When do I pay the Home Inspector?

Accepted Answer

The home buyer will pay the inspection fee at the time of service or before the home inspection. The home inspection usually occurs after the seller accepts the offer. Once the purchase agreement has been signed by both parties; the house goes to escrow. This is typically when the inspection take place, at least in a standard real estate transaction. All forms of payment are acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions