How It Works | Commander Inspections

HOW THE HOME INSPECTION PROCESS WORKS

SCHEDULE

You or your agent can schedule your inspection. You'll receive a confirmation email and then we will send a contract for your signature and your invoice for payment. Please return promptly to complete your reservation. You can view our standard contract here.

INSPECTION

On the date of your reservation our licensed home inspector will complete a thorough review of the property. The length of time varies depending on the size of the house but we typically reserve 3-4 hours. The last half hour the inspector can review his findings with you and answer any questions you may have.

RECEIVE REPORT

You will receive your completed home inspection report (including pictures and detailed observations) via email within 3 business days. Typically we turn reports around in 1 to 2 days. Please note, home inspection reports only identify potential issues we are not permitted to prescribe solutions.

FOLLOW UP

Still have questions? Need a follow up inspection? Please reach out to us. We have included a list of our most frequently asked questions below. Follow up inspections scheduled within 60 days of the previous inspection are eligible for a $200 discount off the original price.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How long does the home inspection take?

A: Generally, you can expect the inspection to take anywhere from 3-4 hours to complete. It depends on a few factors though: The size of your home, the age of your home, and your home’s foundation type. If you would like a radon test, the radon machine needs to stay in the home, undisturbed, for 48 hours.

Q: Should I attend the inspection?

A: Clients are welcome to attend the last half hour of the inspection to go over findings, but the NC Real Estate Commission requires a licensed real estate agent to be there as well. While COVID-19 restrictions are in place, I will not be able to inspect the home if anyone is present, including the seller or homeowner.

Q: When should I expect to receive my home inspection report?

A: You will receive your report within a maximum of 3 business days. But in most cases, the report will be in your hand either one or two days after the inspection.

Q: How much does the inspection cost?

A: Our prices start at $350 for a home inspection. The prices go up depending on the size and age of your home. You can request a quote by messaging us in the chat or emailing us at office@commanderinspections.com.

Q: What do you inspect? What don’t you inspect?

A: In short, I inspect what I can see, and I don’t inspect what I can’t see. It is my job to find the items that aren’t functioning as they are intended to or could pose a safety concern to you and your family. The other important thing to remember is that a home inspector is a generalist. I can identify issues, but will then refer you to a specialist to solve that issue. I won’t be able to inspect items inside the walls or ceilings, or items covered by furniture, rugs, or stored items. It’s also important to note that my investigation of your home’s HVAC system will be limited by the season. Due to potential damage to the system, your air conditioning system should not be run in the winter, and your heating system should not be run in the summer. Any home inspector’s check of the HVAC system involves operating the system using normal means, opening homeowner access panels that are used for routine maintenance, and checking the system for signs of damage.

Q: Can you tell me how long it will be before my (system or component) needs replacing?

A: In short, no. Components of a home often have normal lifespans, but there is quite a bit of unpredictability when it comes to how long an item will last. For example, a roof may have had debris on it, which shortens its lifespan. Or there may have been six people in the home before you, putting more strain on the water heater, shortening its life. Because of this, the best I can do is search for defects and tell you about normal life expectancies.

Q: Should I get radon and pest inspections also?

A: It is certainly recommended. The EPA recommends that you test your home for radon, you can view their guide for home buyers and sellers here. It cannot be seen and has no odor but is extremely dangerous. Considering the potential risk, it is well worth getting the radon test done.

Pest inspections will look for evidence of wood-destroying insects in your home. Wood-destroying insects can cause hidden damage that can cost you thousands of dollars down the road. Getting a pest inspection can provide you with peace of mind and is well worth the relatively low cost.