Lets Explore the #1 FAQ – How Long does a Home Inspection Take?

Typical inspections last between 2.5 – 4 hours depending on the age, condition, and size of the home. Larger homes, older homes, or homes with multiple issues always take longer than smaller, newer, well maintained properties.

Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you will want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. Think about it. A home inspection costs less than one half of 1% of the purchase price. One unknown issue could cost you thousands of dollars. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

• If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
• If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

Rates will typically not vary more than $100 between different companies and are based on the square footage and age of the property. Professional Home Inspections does not strive to provide the cheapest cost, but rather to provide the best value. I encourage you to not base your decision on price alone, as a home purchase is one of the largest financial decisions you will make in your life. A quality home inspection is remembered long after the price is forgotten.​

A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible areas of a residential property, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by the Tennessee Standards of Practice that are both observed and deemed defective or unsafe by the inspector.  A home inspection report is the written product of this evaluation. Because there exists no established objective criterion for the condition of the home prior to title transfer or sale, there is no passing or failing of a home inspection.

While it is not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.

A home inspection will typically include an examination of the foundation and basement, roof, attic, heating and cooling systems, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as the general condition of the structure itself. An inspector will look for poor construction practices and make note of any repairs that might be required or any general maintenance issues. Importantly, they will also make note of any fire and safety issues that need to be addressed.

Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You will have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report and will have that information for future reference.

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance, and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

I do not, a TN Pest Control License and Charter from the State is required for WDI inspections and treatment utilizing pesticides. I focus solely on Home Inspections but can refer quality pest control inspectors if needed.

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it does not mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you do not want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.