Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is a home inspection? A: A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may have suggestions, and/or recommend further evaluation. Q: When is the best time to have the home inspected? A: The best time to get an inspection is after you find the home you like, but before you close. Many home buyers choose to include an inspection clause in the contract, making the offer contingent on the report findings. Q: How long does an inspection take? A: The time required to complete an inspection depends on several things: the size, condition, and the age of the house, how thorough the inspector is, and whether or not the client attends the inspection. A 2,500 to 3,000 square foot home usually takes approximately 3 hours to inspect, you can typically add about an hour to the total time if you plan to attend, to be sure all your questions are answered. Q: What qualifications does the Bullseye Home Inspector have? A: Jeff has been in the construction business since 1975 (thirty years), and a licensed general contractor for 20 years. Jeff has hands-on knowledge regarding all aspects of residential construction, including standard framed homes, modular homes, apartments, as well as both milled and hand scribed log homes. Q: Why do I need a home inspection? A: The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards. Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase. Q: I looked over the house myself. Isn't that good enough? A: If you are a professional home inspector or meet the qualifications established by one of the Home Inspection Associations, yes. Most people don’t though. There are people out there with years of experience in construction-related fields, but a professional home inspector's, knowledge is not specifically in any one field, it is in ALL aspects of home construction. We do encourage you to attend the home inspection though, as it is a great way to learn about your new home Q: Why can't I have someone in my family who is a handyman or contractor do an inspection? A: This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector's instinct for problems, and know where to look. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase. Q: What kind of warranty do I get with my inspection? A: The home inspection process is NOT a warranty or guarantee. It is just what it claims to be; an inspection. The inspection is a professional written opinion of the condition in which the home was found at the time of the inspection. The inspection findings are simply another piece of the information puzzle you must take into consideration before making your purchasing decision. Q: What do I do if you find something during the inspection? A: The probability is likely. The truth is, almost all homes have some sort of imperfections. The good news is, 99.9% of them are very minor issues. The advantage of the home inspection comes in knowing of any concerns ahead of time so you have the opportunity to negotiate with the seller and make a well-informed decision. If your agent writes your offer contingent upon the home inspection findings, you will have additional bargaining power, allowing you to make adjustments to your offer, giving you maximum value in your home purchase.