The Inspection Process

Even the most experienced homeowner can benefit from the expertise of a professional home inspector.

At TriState Home Inspection, we provide an unbiased and informed report outlining the condition of a property. Having built new homes and restored Historic homes, we have a detailed understanding of the many elements of home construction, and maintenance. In short, at TriState Home Inspection, we understand how the home's systems and components are intended to function together. We also understand how and why these systems fail. This expertise allows us to give you an accurate assessment of the property at the time of inspection.

Often, by the time a buyer has decided to make an offer on a property, their ability to remain objective is lost. An impartial opinion from a professional home inspector will allow the buyer to make a well-informed decision. The home inspector's service to the buyer is primarily one of education. The goal of the inspector is to provide the buyer with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home in order that they can make a well-informed decision regarding purchase. It is also the inspector's role to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. Home inspections should also highlight the positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspector's observations or recommendations help to dispel buyer anxiety, and provide useful repair suggestions. The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, an environmental audit, or a home owner's warranty.

Most home inspections are performed after a sales contract has been accepted by the seller and can usually be arranged within 2-5 days. The home buyer is encouraged to attend the inspection, so that they may ask questions about the home and gain a good understanding of the current condition of the home. A written report with digital pictures will be prepared documenting the results of the inspection.

Consumers should be very careful when shopping for a home inspector. The industry is unregulated and many unqualified people offer home inspection services. Home inspection companies that offer to do repair work, or recommend repair companies, should be avoided. A complete home inspection covers all of the major systems of a house, including structural, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. The average home inspection takes 3-4 hours to complete. All TriState Home inspections meet or exceed the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®).