Answers to your questions related to home inspection process or building inspection

• What is a home inspection?
• What are the benefits of a home inspection?
• Is there a difference between a home buyer's and a home seller's inspection?
• What is the difference between a home inspector and a property or home appraiser?
• How to find a home inspector?
• What are the factors to consider while choosing a home inspector?
• How do I know my home inspector is qualified?
• How is Pillar To Post different from other home inspection companies?
• How can I schedule a home inspection?
• When should I call to schedule an inspection?
• What is included in a home inspection, what items are inspected?
• How long does a typical home inspection take?
• Do you get on the roof?
• How much does it cost for a typical home inspection?
• How do I prepare for a home inspection?
• Will you tell me if the house passes or fails the property inspection?
• Is your home inspection guaranteed?
• What if a home inspection reveals problems?
• For items that require repair or replacement, will the inspector tell me the costs of each?
• Will the inspector tell me which repairs the seller should take care of and which ones I should repair myself?
• Does Pillar To Post make the actual repairs on their report findings?
• Will the inspector forward the report to other agents and clients involved in the home sale?
• Can you email me the home inspection report?
• Does Pillar To Post offer additional services such as Radon Testing and Water Testing?
• Are radon inspections and indoor air quality inspections part of home inspection services?

• What is a home inspection?
  A home inspection is an evaluation of the systems and components inside and outside a home from foundation to roof top. Home inspectors further conduct a visual inspection of all accessible areas of the home and report on functionality, wear and tear, safety and maintenance.
• What are the benefits of a home inspection?
  The benefit of a home inspection for a buyer or seller is the opportunity they will have to familiarize themselves with the condition of the home; shut off valves, pump switches, heating and cooling filters, and breaker panels are all information that will be found in a comprehensive home inspection. Please refer to the benefits of a home inspection on our website
• Is there a difference between a home buyer's and a home seller's inspection?
  No. The home inspector will conduct the same inspection regardless of whether you are a home buyer or a home seller. It is the home inspector's responsibility to report on the home's condition no matter who has requested the inspection.
• What is the difference between a home inspector and a property or home appraiser?
  A home inspection involves an evaluation of the condition of the home's heating, central air conditioning, plumbing, electrical systems, roof, attic, floors, foundation and structure at the time of the inspection. A home appraisal is the formal process of estimating a property's value as it relates to a mortgage loan or mortgage insurance. An appraisal does not itemize defects or reflect potential problems in the home.
• How to find a home inspector?
  Pillar To Post makes it easy to find a local home inspector in your area. Select from either our USA Home Inspectors or Canada Home Inspectors
• What are the factors to consider while choosing a home inspector?
  The factors that you should consider when choosing a home inspector are:
  • They are certified to perform quality home inspections
  • They have experience in performing home inspections
  • They are licensed (mandatory in some states)
  • They carry Errors & Omission and CGL insurance
  • They have professional training and participate in ongoing training
  • The franchise/company is well known
  • They provide thorough and detailed reporting on site at time of inspection
  • They are welcoming, professional and courteous
• How do I know my home inspector is qualified?
  All Pillar To Post inspectors are certified by Pillar To Post through our rigorous initial training and testing process. All Pillar To Post home inspectors are also fully licensed in states that require licensing and carry E & O insurance. These license requirements often include additional training and testing as well as yearly continuing education to stay at the top of their industry. Also, our inspectors are members of national inspection associations with similar requirements. You can rest assured that your Pillar To Post inspector is fully qualified and prepared to offer you an inspection that is second to none.
• How is Pillar To Post different from other home inspection companies?
  With almost 500 locations in 43 U.S. states and 9 Canadian provinces, Pillar To Post is the leading home inspection company in North America. Our goal is to provide you with the best service, the most professional inspectors, and the finest inspection report in the industry. With a Pillar To Post home inspection you'll get a clear, unbiased evaluation of a home's condition quickly and easily. Our professional, certified and fully insured inspectors will answer any questions you may have, and help you build a foundation of knowledge about your home and its systems. Every Pillar To Post home inspection will review over 1,600 different items in a home and report to you on the same day with photos.
• How can I schedule a home inspection?
  For a Pillar To Post professional home inspection, you can schedule your inspection by clicking Request For Inspection or by calling us toll-free at 1-800-294-5591.
• When should I call to schedule an inspection?
  You should call an inspector once you have determined that you wish to either purchase or sell a home. Pillar To Post has made it easy for you to find a local home inspector quickly with our Request For Inspection tool.
• What is included in a home inspection, what items are inspected?
  A thorough home inspection includes a visual inspection of the home from the roof to the foundation. It also includes the inspection of all major functional components and operating systems of the home.. A detailed list of items can be found on our Home Inspection Checklist and any additional services can be found on our Additional Inspection Services.
• How long does a typical home inspection take?
  A typical home inspection takes 2-3 hours depending on the size of the home. During this time, a home inspector can thoroughly inspect your home, provide you with a detailed home inspection report and answer any questions you may have.
• Do you get on the roof?
  This depends on the particular house, weather conditions and the particular inspector. A roof inspection begins from the ground with a look at the overall condition of the roof. The next step is an inspection of the shingle condition up close on a ladder from the roof edge, through dormer windows and, yes, by walking on the roof. The decision to walk on the roof is made by each individual inspector. He or she takes into account the roof pitch, shingle condition, weather conditions and more. Another important part of a roof inspection is done from the attic. From here, leaks are often visible as is the overall condition of the structure and roof sheathing. The condition of the roof is determined by all available information.
• How much does it cost for a typical home inspection?
  The cost of a professional home inspection is based on the size and age of the home and sometimes its location. We suggest you call you local home inspector to request an inspection and ask them to provide you with a quote based on the information about your home.
• How do I prepare for a home inspection?
  The buyer should attend the home inspection so that they can get familiar with the layout and condition of the home and its components. Prior to attending the home inspection, the buyer should have a list of questions ready to ask the inspector. A seller should prepare the home as much as possible for a thorough home inspection. The seller can follow the Pillar To Post home inspection ready checklist to help them get prepared.
• Will you tell me if the house passes or fails the property inspection?
  A home inspection is not the same as a code inspection. Those code inspections either pass or fail. The purpose of a private home inspection is to "educate the client on the condition of the home." When the building inspection process is complete, the client should have a clear understanding of the home, its components and their condition. With this understanding, prudent decisions can be made by the client concerning repairs, replacement and maintenance.
• Is your home inspection guaranteed?
  Sometimes this question gets confused with "do you guaranty the house." In other words, "when you are through with the inspection, do you guaranty the roof will not leak or that the air conditioner will work for a specific period of time." The answer to that question is "no." That kind of guaranty is called a whole house warranty, and it can be purchased through a home warranty company. What we offer our clients is an assurance that all of our home inspectors will meet or exceed the requirements of their state. In the states that do not have licensing requirements, we are guided by the ASHI or NAHI standards of practice. ASHI and NAHI are the two most recognizable national inspector associations and both produce rigorous standards of practice. In all states, we meet or exceed those standards. Our guaranty is that we provide our clients with a professional inspection and report that meets or exceeds the applicable standards in all cases.
• What if a home inspection reveals problems?
  If the home inspector discovers problems, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. This information is used to inform you of possible future repairs whether it be major or minor.
• For items that require repair or replacement, will the inspector tell me the costs of each?
  Cost estimates from home inspection professionals who are not in the business of making repairs or replacements themselves can be only that, estimates. Because there are thousands of components in a home it is difficult to provide highly specific cost estimates. The Pillar To Post inspection binder however does include a "Cost Estimate Guide" however can that can get the client in the correct ballpark. For more detailed estimates or even quoted prices, the client should call licensed and qualified contractors.
• Will the inspector tell me which repairs the seller should take care of and which ones I should repair myself?
  The home inspector's goal is for you to have a complete understanding of your home, including the magnitude of any repair items that may need attention. Without knowledge of the sales price, value of the home or other issues surrounding the purchase, however, the decisions about who should make repairs are best left to the client with the advice of their real estate professional or attorney.
• Does Pillar To Post make the actual repairs on their report findings?
  Absolutely not. Our code of ethics clearly states that we will not offer to make repairs on items noted in the report. Although some inspection companies may perform these services, we believe this diminishes the objectivity of the inspector and transforms the inspection process into a sales process. If a Pillar To Post inspector records an issue in your home inspection report, it is because that is information the client needs to be aware of and for no other reason.
• Will the inspector forward the report to other agents and clients involved in the home sale?
  When a Pillar To Post inspector performs an inspection for you, our business relationship is with you only. Without your permission we will not produce a report for or discuss a report with any other party. However, if you wish, we will happily produce or discuss the report with any party of your choice.
• Can you email me the home inspection report?
  Of course. The report can be emailed to the addresses you provide your inspector and will include the full report, the summary, pictures of many repair items and detailed information sheets concerning systems in your home. We also provide a printed copy of the report to you in a three ring binder that includes our proprietary "Living With My Home" CD-ROM. This CD-ROM is full of home repair and maintenance information as well as a link to a sister home owner information website. The printed home inspection report also includes a Cost Estimate Guide as well as a home filing system to help track your costs while living in the home. Because you are a client of Pillar To Post, you also have access to our "Home Alliance Partners." These are partner companies who offer special savings to our clients on many products and services you may need when dealing with a move or the purchase of a new home.
• Does Pillar To Post offer additional services such as Radon Testing and Water Testing?
  Yes. Each Pillar To Post office is independently owned and operated. The additional services offered are determined by each owner. However, most do offer many additional services related to the inspection process. These may include, Radon Monitoring, Water Testing, Septic Testing, Pest Evaluations, Dry Rot Evaluations, Mold Testing both Surface and Airborne, Floor Elevation Surveys, Environmental Data Reports, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitoring and more. Ask your local home inspector for the services available in your area.
• Are radon inspections and indoor air quality inspections part of home inspection services?
  While radon inspections and indoor air quality inspections are services that many Pillar To Post inspectors can provide for their clients, these inspections are in addition to the standard home inspection. . All inspectors who offer these can perform these tests at the same time as your home inspection or after you move in. We suggest you contact your local home inspector and advise them that you would like a radon and/or indoor air quality evaluation at the time of your home inspection.

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