Senne Real Estate Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I select an Inspector?
Select an inspector with training and qualifications. Ask the inspector if he or she is licensed. 

Use referrals. Talk to friends or co-workers who have gone through the home inspection process. If they had a good experience then you may want to use that inspector.

Don't select just on price. The fee for a home inspection depends on many factors and usually starts at $200.00 to $300.00, and increases depending on the size of the house.  Be sure you compare the quality of different inspector's reports, ours is on our website for your review, ask to see a copy the report your inspector will provide.   All pictures are not equal, note how ours are annotated for easy understanding and identification of the issue.  How long is the inspector going to spend in the house?  Inspector rules require operating the dishwasher on the "Normal Cycle", the shortest "Normal Cycle" we have seen is 90 minutes, so that's the minimum time an inspector can spend on any inspection.  Remember the old adage, “You get what you pay for”. 

Is an appraisal the same as an inspection?
No, an appraisal is requested by the buyer’s lender and is designed to determine the market value of the property. It is not a replacement for a home inspection, which provides an in-depth look at such basic home systems as plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and roofing.

What will be inspected during the inspection?
A complete inspection will cover the house from top to bottom! A list of the items that will be inspected follows:
 

• Foundation

• Grading & Drainage

• Roof Covering & Structure

• Walls - Interior & Exterior

• Ceilings & Floors

• Doors - Interior & Exterior

• Windows & Screens

• Fireplace & Chimney

• Porches, Decks & Carports

• Electrical System & Lighting

• Heating & Cooling System/s

• Plumbing

  • Water Supply & Fixtures

  • Drains & Vents

  • Water Heater

  • Hydro-Therapy Equipment

• Appliances

  • Dishwasher

  • Food Disposer

  • Range Hood

  • Ranges/Ovens/Cook-tops

  • Microwave

  • Trash Compactor

  • Bathroom Fans

  • Garage Door & Opener

• Optional Systems

  • Lawn Sprinklers

  • Swimming Pools

  • Out Buildings

  • Outdoor Cooking

  • Decks & Docks

  • Additional items as agreed

How long does an inspection take?
You can generally expect your inspection to take between 3 and 5 hours, and possibly longer. The time will vary depending on the condition of the house and the additional items that need to be inspected.

When will I receive my report?
Your report will usually be delivered to you within 24 hours of the completion of the inspection. We do not provide on-site reports because we feel that we can provide you with a better quality product by taking the report to the office and giving our full attention to the preparation of your inspection and report.

Should I attend the inspection?
Yes, it is your inspection and you should learn all you can about the house before you buy. Ask questions, and look around. You should question any inspector that will not allow you to attend the inspection.  We recommend that you come for the last 30 minute or hour of your inspection.  This will allow you to look around, take pictures and measurements for the refrigerator and furniture.  At the end of the inspection we will show you our findings and explain what they all mean.