Can I attend the inspection?

Participation in the inspection is highly encouraged, albeit not mandatory. Should your schedule be constrained due to work commitments, family obligations, or other reasons, rest assured that your presence is not a prerequisite for a thorough and efficient inspection process.

However, for those who can attend, particularly during the concluding stages of the inspection, the advantage is considerable. This opportunity enables a direct interaction with the inspector, providing an invaluable understanding of the property’s current state through a guided, detailed walkthrough. It offers an unparalleled platform for immediate queries and elucidation of any concerns regarding the property, thus profoundly influencing your decision-making strategy.

To ensure this process adheres to established protocols, bear in mind that the presence of a Realtor is a requirement as per MLS (Multiple Listing Service) guidelines enforced by Realtor Associations. Prior coordination with your Realtor is essential to align with these stipulations and guarantee a seamless and compliant inspection experience.

In the event of bringing children to the inspection walkthrough, it is imperative they remain under vigilant adult supervision throughout the visit. This measure is pivotal to ensure their safety and uphold the professional integrity and focus of the inspection process.

What is you re-inspection policy?

When we talk about a “re-inspection,” we’re not just going back for another look. We are there to meticulously evaluate the effectiveness and completeness of the repairs that have been promised and supposedly delivered. It’s a fundamental process that ensures accountability and maintains the integrity of the repair work undertaken.

Fee Structure: The inspection fee is set at $200.00 per hour, with a mandatory minimum of one hour. This fee structure ensures that the inspection is thorough and reflects the value of the specialized knowledge and skills required for such an evaluation.

Scheduling: All parties involved must agree on a schedule that is convenient, with the stipulation that notice for the inspection must be provided at least 7 days in advance. This ensures there’s ample time to prepare and that the inspection isn’t rushed or overlooked.

Documentation Requirement: Building Supporters must receive a copy of the agreed-upon repairs 48 hours prior to the re-inspection. This documentation is crucial as it outlines exactly what was agreed upon, serving as a clear checklist for the inspection.

Quality of Workmanship: It is expected that all repair work is carried out by licensed and qualified contractors. Their receipts and detailed information about the work completed must be presented before the re-inspection.

Verification Limitations: While visible repairs can be evaluated for completion, it’s not always possible to verify the quality of work hidden behind objects or structures. For this reason, obtaining copies of repair contracts, warranties, or guarantees is highly advisable. These documents offer a secondary layer of assurance that the work meets a certain standard.

Contractor Responsibility: A “Pass” rating on a re-inspection report is not a blanket endorsement of all aspects of the work done. The ultimate responsibility for the quality and durability of the repairs lies squarely with the contractor or tradesperson who carried out the work.

Re-inspection Report: Following the inspection, Building Supporters will issue a re-inspection report, clearly stating whether the inspected items “Pass” or “Fail”. This report is concise, yet comprehensive, providing a clear account of the inspection findings.

Failure Reasons: Should any item fail the re-inspection, the report will specify one of three reasons – incomplete repairs, failure to meet industry standards, or poor workmanship. This clarity ensures that there is no ambiguity about why an item did not pass and what needs to be addressed.

Are you insured?

Absolutely. At Building Supporters, we prioritize not only the quality of our inspections but also the peace of mind of our clients. This is why we are proud to affirm that we are fully insured, holding both Errors and Omissions Insurance as well as General Liability Insurance. This is a distinction that sets us apart from many in our field, as securing such comprehensive coverage is not industry standard due to its high cost – in fact, it’s a practice embraced by only approximately 5% of inspectors.

A straightforward yet critical measure is to request the viewing of the inspector’s insurance binder. This simple act can provide significant reassurance in your decision-making process. At Building Supporters, transparency and preparedness are key facets of our operation. We are always ready to share our insurance documentation upon request, viewing such inquiries as a positive indication of a client’s informed and proactive approach to safeguarding their interests. This level of engagement and care from clients is something we deeply appreciate and respect.

What is the duration of a high-performance inspection?

The duration of our high-performance inspections, which are renowned for their thoroughness, typically spans 3-4 hours. This timeframe may vary based on several factors including the structural complexity, the condition of the property, the intricacies of the mechanical systems present, and the existence of additional amenities such as guest houses or swimming pools. It is advisable for clients to allocate a minimum of 3 hours for the duration of the inspection to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

What does a high performance inspection cover?

A high-performance inspection covers the readily visible and readily accessible installed systems and components covered by the Residential Standards of Practice set forth by InterNACHI.

Commercial inspections follow the Commercial Standards of Practice set forth by InterNACHI.

Building Supporters substantially adheres to the InterNACHI Standards of Practice however, our high-performance inspections include additional reporting and testing. Click the links above to view what each inspection covers.

 

Even More FAQ

What is the timeline for receiving the inspection report?

Residential: To facilitate swift decision-making, the inspection report for residential properties will be made available via email within the same or next day following the completion of the inspection.

Commercial: For commercial properties, the precise timeline for the report delivery and the specific terms regarding this will be clearly outlined within the agreement made prior to the inspection process. This ensures clarity and mutual understanding of the deliverables.

Collaboration with Your Attorney: Upon request, and to aid in a comprehensive analysis of your potential investment, we offer to send a printed copy of the inspection report directly to your attorney. This service is designed to empower you and your legal advisor to collaboratively review the findings and make well-informed decisions regarding your property acquisition.

Sharing With Authorized Parties: Should you require, we are equipped to distribute additional copies of the inspection report to other involved parties. Please note, this service is contingent upon receiving your explicit written consent, ensuring your privacy and discretion are maintained throughout the process.

How much does an inspection cost?

The investment in a high performance inspection depends on several variables, such as the category of the property (e.g., condominiums, single-family residences, multifamily buildings, commercial properties), the property’s scale measured in square footage, and the inclusion of any specialized inspections (like assessments for pools, outbuildings, guest accommodations, or environmental factors including mold). Our service suite is structured into different tiers, enabling you to select an option that maximizes value according to your specific needs.

For the most precise estimation of costs, we encourage you to use the online scheduling and pricing tool below.

Schedule Inspection + Get Your ePrice

How is the inspection agreement signed?

Upon scheduling your inspection, a link to the pertinent agreement(s) for the services you have selected is promptly sent to you via email for review. Utilizing our convenient online DocuSign service, you have the flexibility to carefully review and securely sign the agreement online from any location. Should you require a hard copy for any reason, a blank version of the agreement can be sent to you upon request at support@buildingsupporters.com.

For clients who are unable to attend the inspection in person, it is crucial that the agreement be signed prior to the appointment. This can be accomplished by either signing online through the provided link or by printing the agreement, signing it, and sending it back to us. Please note, if you are not present for the inspection, the agreement requires your signature, and cannot be signed by your agent unless they hold a specific power of attorney.

The completed agreement can be scanned and emailed back to support@buildingsupporters.com before the date of your inspection. Ensuring this process is completed before your inspection appointment is vital for a seamless and efficient inspection process.

What are my payment options if I cannot attend the inspection appointment?

To accommodate our clients who may not be present at the time of their inspection, we’ve streamlined the payment process for both convenience and security. Upon scheduling your inspection, a confirmation email will be promptly sent to you. This email includes a direct, secure link to our online payment system, where we accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience: Debt and credit cards, checks and e-checks and ACH Transactions. Please be aware, certain payment methods might incur transaction fees.

In instances where payment is deferred until post-inspection, the inspector will finalize your report and dispatch a designated link for online credit card payment. Access to the inspection report, including visibility to your agent, will be restricted until payment confirmation is received.

Avoid potential delays and ensure prompt delivery of your inspection report by opting for prepayment. Your timely cooperation greatly assists in maintaining efficiency and effectiveness in our delivery of services.

Do you guarantee your work?

Here’s our ironclad satisfaction 100/day guarantee, clear and straightforward: “If we fail to deliver the most comprehensive inspection you’ve ever experienced, don’t pay us. No hidden clauses, no fine print. That’s our promise to you. ”

We pay for EXTRA insurance for you:

InterNACHI’s Buy-Back Guarantee: (We’ll Buy Your Home” Guarantee). Not all inspectors can offer this service, as it requires InterNACHI certification plus an advanced CPI designation, which Building Supporters has obtained. You can read full warranty terms here.

InterNACHI’s Inspection Warranty: No deductibles! No limit on appliance ages. 90 days from closing or 120 days from inspection. $3,000 maximum plan aggregate. Up to $2,250 towards mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and structural conditions. Up to $1,500 for roof leak or mold removal. You can read full warranty terms here.

Referring Real Estate Agent Protection:

InterNACHI is so sure of its inspectors that it will indemnify any licensed real estate agent in an amount up to $10,000 if a third party successfully sues the agent for negligent referral of an InterNACHI inspector. This protection is offered at no cost to agents who register.

Canceled Escrow Guarantee:

On average, 15% – 20% of escrows are cancelled due to liens, low appraisals, interest rate changes, credit problems, big repairs, unreasonable sellers, or simple changes of heart. Building Supporters helps protect you from paying full price for a second home inspection with a $200 discount off the regular price (view terms here).

Building Supporter’s Honor Guarantee:

A greater sense of respect and integrity. Building Supporters is enrolled in InterNACHI’s $25,000 Honor Guarantee (view terms here) which protects you against personal property loss during an inspection. Plus, every inspector uses padded ladder tops and bottoms to protect hardwood floors and gutters, wears booties to keep your space clean, and uses portable vacuums and protective blankets. In occupied properties, we systematically announce our presence room by room. Non-Marring u-GUARD hand tools guarantees no scratches or cosmetic damage. We also carry small replacement parts for common high-breakage items in the field such as exterior spring-loaded outlet covers, stripped panel screws, etc. We are happy to replace these minor items should they break in the field during testing. Building Supporters aims to leave every home as good as we found it.

Is there an additional charge for inspecting older homes?

Absolutely not. Unlike some inspectors who impose hidden, higher fees for older properties, we stand against such practices as we believe they lack justification. Our comprehensive inspection process remains consistent, regardless of the age of the building. We diligently investigate crawl spaces and thoroughly assess the condition of electrical, heating, and plumbing systems, which are essential for pinpointing potential issues. Providing you with a detailed and unbiased examination is our top priority, and this philosophy applies uniformly to all properties we inspect.

Do inspectors verify that a house meets current building codes?

Every Building Supporters high performance inspector carries a code book, however, understanding the scope of residential inspections is crucial. These inspections do not encompass research tasks, such as verifying square footage or checking if permits were issued. Our focus is not on establishing code compliance based on the construction year of the structure. It’s key to recognize that older homes are often not in alignment with many modern codes, as building standards evolve over time. Inspectors aim to identify significant safety concerns rather than ensuring compliance with the latest codes. It is vital to review the inspection report thoroughly and consider any recommendations for updates or improvements for your safety and compliance.

Why invest in a sewer scope inspection when a general inspection includes checking drains?

While our general inspections test drain functionality with clear water, this does not fully replicate daily household usage. Typical materials like toilet paper, food particles, or other waste can reveal or worsen obstructions in ways clear water cannot. Roots intruding into the line or internal pipe corrosion are challenges only visible with a specialized sewer camera inspection. This service offers a comprehensive look inside your drain lines, identifying potential issues invisible to standard inspection methods.

What is your cancellation policy?

We value both your time and that of our inspectors. We kindly request a notice of cancellation 24 hours in advance. This notice respects our inspectors’ commitment and allows us to reallocate their expertise effectively. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are subject to a 100% fee, as last-minute changes prevent us from scheduling another inspection in that slot.

Do inspectors estimate the cost of repairs or perform repairs?

In line with InterNACHI residential standards, our inspectors are not authorized to perform or propose estimates for repairs on properties they have evaluated. This ensures objectivity and prevents conflicts of interest. For clients needing repair cost estimates, we collaborate with TheQwikFix, a trusted partner. They provide detailed repair quotations based on your inspection report for a nominal fee. This streamlines the repair process, eliminating the need for multiple contractor consultations.

Can the infrared camera predict future leaks?

Our use of infrared technology is designed to inform about the property’s condition at the inspection’s time. It excels in identifying variations indicative of moisture or insulation issues under specific conditions. However, it’s not a predictive tool; its detection capabilities are bound to the visible symptoms present during the inspection. For instance, a leak that has dried or a minor plumbing issue in a house with utilities off may not register during the inspection. This technology is an asset in identifying current, visible concerns, providing valuable insights into the property’s state.

What are my payment options if I cannot attend the inspection appointment?

To accommodate our clients who may not be present at the time of their inspection, we’ve streamlined the payment process for both convenience and security. Upon scheduling your inspection, a confirmation email will be promptly sent to you. This email includes a direct, secure link to our online payment system, where we accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience: Debt and credit cards, checks and e-checks and ACH Transactions. Please be aware, certain payment methods might incur transaction fees.

In instances where payment is deferred until post-inspection, the inspector will finalize your report and dispatch a designated link for online credit card payment. Access to the inspection report, including visibility to your agent, will be restricted until payment confirmation is received.

Avoid potential delays and ensure prompt delivery of your inspection report by opting for prepayment. Your timely cooperation greatly assists in maintaining efficiency and effectiveness in our delivery of services.