You have Questions, and IM Home Inspections has answers!
Why should I have a Home Inspection?
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. An IM Home Inspection may identify the need for 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. A seller may wish to have an inspection to learn of potential issues now, before your sale is held up later.
The house I am buying was recently remodeled, do I still need an inspection?
Yes, a remodel may or may not only cover cosmetic issues. A home inspection covers the home components beyond fresh paint and new countertops. Condition of the electrical, plumbing, attic roof, and foundation, for example, are components that still need to be inspected.
Do I really need a home inspection for new construction?
Your newly built home is likely to have all of the latest energy-saving features and comforts that you could ever want. But it’s always a good idea to get a home inspection, even on a newly constructed home.
There may be undisclosed issues or shoddy workmanship. Just because a home is brand-new doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s been built with the highest workmanship standards in mind. The plumbing could have serious issues, the roof may be installed incorrectly, there may be issues with the windows and so forth.
Just like a regular home inspection, you won’t know about these problems unless the home is inspected. Even a single careless contractor or a tiny mistake made when building the home can cause serious damage. It’s possible the home may only be up to minimum standards. See our blog New Construction Inspection Nightmares for some examples of items found in new homes.
I’m buying the house “As-Is”. What good is a home inspection if the seller won’t be making repairs?
Even though you are buying a house As-Is, you should still know what that means. Are you getting a good deal? Or are you buying an inexpensive house with a lot of expensive problems? A home inspection will help you determine how much work lies ahead. Also, As-Is doesn’t always mean what we think of As-Is. Read more here about what As-Is really means.
What does a Home Inspection cover?
A Home Inspection is a visual and non-invasive examination of the structure and components of a house. Our reports will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; visible insulation; visible issues pertaining to walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors; the foundation, basement, and structural components. For a more detailed list, click here.
Will You Do the Repairs?
No, under California Law sec 7197 (a)(1) it is illegal for a Home Inspector to work on a house they have inspected within 12 months of inspection. If any home inspector offers to also do repairs, run!
Should I attend the Inspection?
While not required, We highly recommend our clients make time to join us on our visit. This allows you to observe the inspection, ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain them. After you have seen the property with one of our inspectors, you will find the written report easier to understand.
Do you inspect roofs and crawl spaces?
Yes. Read more about roof inspections here.
Read more about foundation inspections here.
When will I get the written report?
Your report will be emailed within 24 hours.
How long does the inspection take?
The average inspection takes 2 to 4 hours; however, there are numerous variables that can make the inspection take less time or much longer. Read more here: How long does a Home Inspection take?
How important is it to take action on the recommendations in the report?
It is essential that you take action on the recommendations. If your report has a recommendation for further evaluation by a licensed professional, do it BEFORE the end of your contingency period. For example, if there is a recommendation to have something repaired or evaluated by a licensed plumber, you should forward your report to a licensed plumber immediately to get their opinion. They can provide you with an estimate for the cost of repairs, or the estimated life remaining of a component. IF YOU DO NOT ACT BEFORE THE END OF YOUR CONTINGENCY PERIOD AND BUY THE HOUSE, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST TO REPAIR THESE ITEMS WHICH MAY BE SUBSTANTIAL.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for the courtesy of a 24-hour cancellation notice. Our inspectors are paid for their time just like any employee. By law, California employers must pay “reporting time“ when an employee is “required to report for work and does report, but is not put to work or is furnished less than half said employee’s usual or scheduled day’s work.” Wage Order 7-2001 (Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, § 11070). To comply with this law, there is a 30% cancellation fee for any inspection canceled within 24 hours of the inspection time.
How can I pay for my inspection if I won’t be at the appointment?
You will receive a confirmation email as soon as the appointment is scheduled. The email will contain a link to securely pay online. You can also call our office to pay ahead of time with a credit card. Reports not marked paid are not viewable. Avoid delays by making your payment ahead of the inspection!
Do I need a swimming pool inspection?
Yes. 99% of the pools that we inspect, we find at least one or more serious electrical issues. In fact, prior to 1978, there were NO codes for pools and electrical safety, and yet most pools in Los Angeles were built in the 1950s and 60s. But even with brand new pools, we often find issues. Read more here about what you will miss if you decline a pool inspection.
Can I wait to see what the inspector says before deciding on a mold inspection?
While you can add mold testing later in some cases, we strongly recommend scheduling it in advance if you believe there may be moisture or mold concerns. Coordinating multiple inspectors and services requires careful scheduling to ensure each client receives the time and attention needed. Scheduling ahead helps us make sure the appropriate inspector(s) are available and allows us to stay on schedule for all clients throughout the day
Do You Inspect in Ventura County?
Yes, yes we do. We have close ties to Simi Valley. Our inspectors are often in Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks.
We also serve Camarillo and Oxnard. Coming soon, we will be expanding to the City of Ventura and other surrounding communities.
I found that another inspector is cheaper. Why is that?
Chances are, the other inspector is cheaper because they do not have workman’s comp insurance and may not have errors and omissions insurance. Watch out, this can cost you big time! Read more about insurance here.
Will my house pass or fail the inspection?
A home inspection is not a pass or fail situation. Read more here about Pass or Fail?
The Seller only wants me to do a basic inspection, and it is only giving me a few hours to do it. Is that right?
No, not unless this was specifically written into your contract in advance. Read about buyers’ rights here.
I’ve heard home inspectors sell people’s data. Will you sell my data?
You have heard right, some home inspectors do sell your data. IM Home Inspections does not. Read more about home inspectors selling data here.
Why is my shower pressure bad? Why does my shower have such low water pressure?
Numerous California laws, and the way shower valves are made, all can contribute to showers that just don’t feel right. Read more about why your shower isn’t to your liking.
Can you do a home inspection in Santa Clarita?
Yes, we have staff who live in Santa Clarita, and many others who grew up in Santa Clarita.
I need a home inspector for Palmdale. Can you go there?
Yes, we serve both Palmdale and Lancaster. See more here: We inspect Palmdale and Lancaster
Does the seller have to repair things the inspector finds?
Technically, no. There are a few small exceptions. But for the most part, sellers are not obligated to pay for repairs. For a more in depth look at who pays for repairs, read our article Does The Seller Have To Pay For Repairs?
Does the seller have to do anything for a home inspection?
Yes, they have a few obligations. Such as making the property accessible for inspection. But a seller’s obligations are fairly limited. Read a comprehensive article about What are the Seller’s Obligations in the Home Inspection? here.
I am an agent. Can I get a kickback if I refer you to my clients?
No, this is against the law. California law, section 7197(a)(3) states, “It is an unfair business practice for a home inspector to offer or deliver any compensation, inducement, or reward to the owner of the inspected property, the broker, or agent, for the referral of any business to the inspector or the inspection company.”
I didn’t buy the home. Can I get my money back?
California law, section 7197(a)(4) states, “It is an unfair business practice for a home inspector to accept an engagement to make an inspection or to prepare a report in which the employment itself or the fee payable for the inspection is contingent on the close of escrow.” So, no. We did our job. In many cases, the inspection may have actually saved you from purchasing a home with significant defects or unexpected future expenses.
I need a VA or FHA inspection. Can you do that?
This is a common confusion in terms. A VA or FHA loan requires a certain type of appraisal, not a specialized inspector. A VA or FH appraiser will do a few small inspection-related tasks. However, their limited inspections are a fraction of what an IM Home Inspections inspection covers. The loan type does not affect the inspection.