Frequently asked questions
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the home's major structure, systems and components that are visible and safely accessible. The inspector should substantially adhere to a standards of practice that outlines what should be covered during a general home inspection, as well as what is excluded. Some inspectors may strictly follow the standards of practice, while others may exceed the standards and inspect other items, or perform a more detailed inspection. Whatever the inspector includes in his or her inspection should be discussed prior to the inspection – this is known as the scope of work. The inspector should be able to provide you with a copy or online link to the standards of practice they follow. The inspector should provide you with a written report, which may include photos and/or recommendations, of his or her findings of the inspection.
Why should I get a home inspection?
Buying a home is typically the biggest investment you will ever make, so it's important to get a home inspection because the inspector should be able to discover and document defects that may or may not be obvious to you as a prospective buyer. Such defects can range from simple replacements or repairs, to severe damage or safety and health concerns. Additionally, most mortgage companies require a home inspection on a property before approving the home loan.
Will the inspector walk the roof?
There are times that the inspector will walk the roof if it’s safe to walk the roof. The majority of roof inspections are performed by an FAA licensed drone pilot. The pilot has the ability to review the roof, gutters, and chimney using this technology which gives detail vivid pictures.
How can I be sure that a home inspector is qualified and licensed?
It is important to choose a home inspector who is qualified and holds a New York State license or certification in the field. However, just because someone performs home inspections doesn't mean that they're actually qualified, so you should hire only a licensed professional.
Business Name: American League Home Inspection
NY License ID: 16000121637
InterNACHI ID: NACHI20081419
FAA UAS Cert: 4478955
Is the Inspector Insured?
Yes, we are insured. We carry an errors and omissions insurance as well as liability insurance.
How much does a home inspection cost?
The inspection can cost as little as $350.00. The cost will vary based on the additional services addded to teh inspection.inspector. Before the inspection, you should find out what will be included in the inspection and what won't, and these details should also be outlined in the inspection agreement that you will need to sign prior to the inspection.
How long does a home inspection take?
Depending on the home's age, size, and location, as well as the home inspector's own work protocols and ethic, your home inspection may take up to three hours. Adding square footage, outbuildings, and/or ancillary services (such as mold or radon testing) will increase that time. It may be necessary for your inspector to bring in a helper for a very large property. If your general home inspection takes significantly less than two to three hours, it may indicate that the inspector was not thorough enough.
When can I expect to get the inspection report?
If the inspection is performed in the early morning, you can expect to have the report by the end of the day. All inspection reports will be delivered by email with 24 hours. A link to the inspection report will be included in the email which can be accessed at any time, and you will also have the option to download a PDF version. Following the delivery of the Inspection Report, I’ll have a zoom call to completely review the report and answer any questions you may have.
At what point in the real estate transaction should I schedule a home inspection?
A home inspection is usually scheduled after an offer has been made and accepted, but before the closing date. With the market the way it is, and how quickly the houses are being picked up, you should contact an inspector as soon as you find a home that you want to purchase. That way, the inspector can rule out any major defects that could be dangerous or costly. In rare cases—due to timing or contractual issues—the inspection can be scheduled after the closing date. If this is the case, the home buyer should schedule the inspection for the earliest possible date after closing.
Should I be present for the inspection?
You should attend the inspection, and you should reconsider hiring an inspector who doesn't allow this. You can learn a lot by following an inspector through the home. You will certainly gain a better understanding of the home's condition, which will give you insight into its potential sale points and defects. Additionally, you will likely learn information about the home's maintenance, systems and components that may provide useful for the transaction.
Can the home inspector also repair any defects he or she finds?
What if your home inspector is also a licensed contractor? Sounds great, right? Not always. Although it may seem convenient to have an inspector who is also a contractor, it poses a conflict of interest.
The Licensed Home Inspector shall not perform or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs or associated services to the structure for which the member or member's company has prepared a home inspection report for a period of 12 months. This provision shall not include services to components and/or systems that are not included in the InterNACHI Standards of Practice.
If an inspector financially benefits from finding any defects, this can impact the accuracy of the report (whether intentional or not). Make sure the inspector you hire abides by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Is the Inspection Guaranteed?
If it is determined after you move in that your home has a severe defect that wasn't reported by your InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspector®, you should check to see if he or she participates in InterNACHI's "We'll Buy Your Home Back" Guarantee.
What is the Buy-Back Guarantee and how does it work?
Your InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspector® participates in the Buy-Back Guarantee, InterNACHI® will buy your home back if the inspector misses something on your inspection.
Here’s how this program works:
- It's valid for home inspections performed for home buyers only by participating InterNACHI® members.
- The home must be listed for sale with a licensed real estate agent.
- The Guarantee excludes homes with material defects not present at the time of the inspection, or not required to be inspected, per InterNACHI's Residential Standards of Practice.
- The Guarantee will be honored for 90 days after closing.
- InterNACHI will pay you whatever price you paid for the home.
Do you offer any discounts?
Many of my family members work as both first responders and have volunteered in the armed forces. In honor of these individuals, and others, I offer a 10% discount for active Military, Veterans, and First responders.
I'm looking to sell my home, should I have an inspection performed?
Yes, you should. Many of our clients have found the pre-listing inspection extremely helpful in finding deficiencies in their home that they were not aware of. It gives the seller a chance to review the issues and make repairs before the home goes on the market.