Inspection Process
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The Home Inspection Process
What Is A Home Inspection?   |   The Inspection Process   |   Fee Schedule  |   Training and Certifications  


Buying or selling a home?
Maybe you just want to know the condition of your current residence. The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. This often includes a written report, checklists and photographs, and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. What should you do? Relax. Most inspections will cover maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about.

However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

  1. Major defects
    An example of this would be a structural failure

  2. Things that lead to major defects.
    A small roof-flashing leak, for example

  3. Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy or insure the home
    Getting pre-approved for a loan is an excellent first step for a buyer

  4. Safety hazards
    Such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel


Virtual Inspection


Provided by ASHI
American Society of Home Inspectors
 


What exactly is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual, non-destructive examination of a home. It is not technically exhaustive. Inspectors cannot see defects behind a wall, ceiling or furniture. He or she will just use their knowledge and experience in their visual examination. If a component doesn’t work by normal means of operation the inspector won’t try to get it operating by any other means. He/she will only open those panels that are normally used to service a piece of equipment. If a danger exists to the inspector, he/she will not inspect that piece of equipment. They will just defer to a professional who is more experienced in that type of application. Having the home inspected is the best thing you can do to have a more informed decision on the condition, purchase or sale of your home. After all, this is probably the biggest investment you will ever make.



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The Inspection Process
 

Initial Telephone Call:
The first thing to do is contact  Ron Smith at  Hillview Home Inspections by telephone at (804) 916-0166 or (804) 378-5287. During the phone conversation we will discuss the subject property (the house or building to be inspected) and the time frame within which you would like to have the inspection completed (we try to accommodate short time frames given current market conditions). We will agree on the services to be provided, a timeframe for the inspection and the inspection fee.

You will be emailed or faxed a copy of what is called a "Pre-Inspection Agreement". The agreement explains in detail what services will be provided along with other terms and conditions of the inspection (this is an industry standard agreement). Assuming you are OK with the terms and conditions of the agreement, before the inspection starts, we will sign off on the agreement. I will retain a copy for my records and you will receive the Matrix Deluxe book containing the original and several additional copies to do with as you wish. The summary page with photos can be added to the book upon completion.

A Very Thorough Inspection:
The goal of the inspection is to enable you to learn in detail what you're planning on buying. We will go through the yard, driveway, the entire exterior and interior of the home together, and we will each see all of the good points and bad points of the home. This will be a friendly, pleasant and a very interactive experience (and usually fun, believe it or not).

As we proceed through the inspection, you will be able to ask any and as many questions as you want, and go over all of the details. The inspection usually takes from two and a half to 4 hours at the home (as long as is needed). This is an extremely thorough process and my goal is to enable you to know more about this home than anybody else.

My Allegiance is to You:
Before during and after the inspection, you are my client - and I only work for you. I do not work for any of the real estate agents, the sellers or the attorneys. I am you're "go-to-person" during the entire process. My duty and entire allegiance is to you as my client.

Clear, Concise, Thorough and Easy to Understand Report:
During the inspection, I will be taking many digital photos (usually between 50 and 100). Any defects or issues photos are included in a summary add on to your report, along with a comment for each photo explaining in a plain and easy to understand format:

  • What the issue is
  • What should be done about the issue
  • What will likely occur if you do nothing about the issue.

Critical as well as General Maintenance Issues:
The report will include the important issues as well as many general maintenance items (if you own a home you will have maintenance items). Therefore you can use this report in the future to help you prioritize general maintenance items.


Confidential Report Delivered Immediately:
The inspection report is available the same day of the inspection. You will be provided with a copy of the Deluxe Matrix Report Book (see photo) that is yours immediately upon completion of the paid inspection. An inspection summary page, including photos and descriptions will be completed and emailed to you within 24-48 hours.

Questions After the Inspection:
After you receive the report you can contact me at any time and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to review the report together, I will be happy to do that, and even revisit the property if you would like to.


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Fee Schedule:
The pricing for a Hillview home inspection is based on "square footage" and is structured as follows. *

Under 1,500 square feet
1500 to 2000 square feet
2000 to 2500 square feet
2500 to 3000 square feet
3000 to 3500 square feet
3500 to 4000 square feet
4000 to 4500 square feet
4500 to 5000 square feet
5000 to 5500 square feet
5500 to 6000 square feet
Detached Garage
Re-Inspections
  $279.00
$299.00
$329.00
$379.00
$429.00
$479.00
$529.00
$579.00
$629.00
$679.00
$79.00
$79.00
 
 


* Prices include accessible attics, crawlspaces and attached garages.



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Training and Certifications:

ITA Enhanced Residential Training Course (Certified Graduate)

National Home Inspector Exam Certified

ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) Candidate (member # 246605)

Member of International Code Counsel

15 years Corporate OSHA inspector/Quality Control Inspector

Chesterfield County Business License # 1115645


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Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors - Click here to verify.         Inspection Training Associates - Click to visit website.

The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors - Click to visit website.         American Society of Home Inspectors - Click to visit website.

© 2006 - 2008. All Rights reserved. Hillview Home Inspections, LLC.
Richmond, Virginia