BUYERS 
Why An Inspection?  
New Construction   
Radon
Mold
Inspection Agreement
Your Inspection Report

SELLERS                        
Why An Inspection?
Inspection Agreement

HOMEOWNERS
Why An Inspection?
Radon
Mold

REALTORS
Why An Inspection?
Red Flags

Sample Home Inspection Report

Q. I purchased a new construction home and the builder replaced the brick I chose with another type of brick which looks inferior. How can I tell if the brick is actually inferior? The brick that is on the model home, which was shown to me was smooth and consistent in color. The replacement brick on my home is rough with large chips and dents and not consistent in color. Where can I find Information on brick quality? ...Daniel

Daniel- There are many kinds and textures of brick. The best thing to do would be to visit the brickyard, preferably with a sample if there are any bricks left over, and ask them. Separately, but just as important- it sounds like you're not getting what you're paying for. Your Realtor will be able to help you with contract issues. And, you will also want to check other "option" items, like the amount and type of insulation in your attic, and the quality and type of windows. As always, get an inspection, and thanks for emailing us.

We wouldn't feel comfortable in recommending someone we didn't know. However, there are a number of inspector locator services on the web that you might want to look into.  They may easily be found on Google. Click on these links to locate an inspector in your area.

Q. I’m building a new house. Do I still need an inspection? ….Bob N. from Tampa Bay "

Absolutely!  The best way to keep a builder honest and ensure that you get what you're paying for is to have it inspected. And- for new houses we can do more by performing a series of inspections from rough framing to finish and one year walk through. Call us for details.

Q. What is the scariest thing you've found on an inspection? ....Katie G from Goldsboro

We’ve found a lot of scary things. Probably some of the worst had to do with structural integrity, and some of the structures we’ve inspected have even been in danger of immediate collapse. Suprisingly to many people, signs of structural distress aren’t always very noticeable. To answer your question, I once fell through a rotten floor into a basement. Fortunately, It only hurt my pride (and my behind).

Q. I’ve looked it over and my house looks fine to me, so why should I pay for an inspection? …..Ty G from Seattle

A qualified home inspector is trained to look for problems in a house. It’s a totally different perspective. And, since an inspector is a disinterested third party, he doesn’t get the “rose colored glasses effect” when looking at a house. Just an unprejudiced, comprehensive view of the property as it exists at that day and time. And- the training that qualifies someone to inspect is unlike any other in the building or real estate trades. Most contractors who try to become a home inspector fail, not because they don’t know a lot about building (they do!), but because they know how to repair problems, not identify them. And last but not least- many sellers deliberately HIDE problems in order to sell their house.

Q. Do you do MOLD testing? …..Allergic from Westchester, OH

Yes. All BBHI home inspectors are certified mold inspectors. If you want one in conjunction with a home inspection let us know in advance. There is some special equipment involved.

Q. We are retired and our house needs work. Unfortunately, we can no longer do the work ourselves. But, every week on the news, we hear how contractors are preying on the elderly. Would it be wise to get an inspection BEFORE we contractors come in? …..Allen and Betty from Louisville

Yes, an inspection before would be a help, but there are more important things you can do to protect yourselves. Ask any friends, your Realtor, members of your church or social groups for recommendations of contractors they have used for similar jobs and been happy with. They will usually also tell you which contractors to avoid. Get several bids and ask each contractor for 5 or 10 referrals. CHECK OUT the referrals. No competent contractor is upset by being asked to prove himself- as a matter of fact it’s a good tradesman’s best selling point.

Also, the cheapest isn’t always the best. Use those referrals to make an informed decision. An inspection after is usually a better idea. Don’t hesitate to tell the contractor up front that you’re going to have his work inspected- it makes him work a little harder. And last and most important- get the job and any guarantees described in writing. That’s how they got the name “contractors."

Q. If you find a problem, can you fix it? Or recommend someone who would? …..George H from New York

An honest home inspector doesn’t repair problems he’s found while on an inspection. We don’t at BBHI. It avoids conflict of interest. And on recommendations- while we can recommend a few people (our standards are pretty high) your best bet is to follow the guidelines in the question above.

Q. What guarantees do I have that you’ll find EVERYTHING that is wrong? …..Ron B from Cincinnati

None. A really good inspector will find about 80-90% of the things wrong with a house. An inspector who claims otherwise is one to avoid.

Q. I’m selling my house. Would an inspection help my house be more marketable? …..Sandy K from Allenstown, PA

Yes. Your buyer will probably get an inspection, and use the information to write an addendum to the contract and reduce your selling price. If the defects are already listed on your disclosure, it gives them a lot less bargaining power. And, if they get a competent inspector, the defects will show up.

Q. We had work done on our roof and it’s leaking. Should we get an inspection? …..Tony from Glendale, KY

Not for the leak. Make the roofer come back and fix it. Also make sure the wet areas were dried immediately. Mold can form in 24-48 hours, and many kinds are detrimental to your health.

Q. This isn’t really a question, and no offense, but I’m a single woman and I feel nervous about having a man come into my house. The world is crazy right now. …..Name withheld

We can understand your fears. Fortunately, we have a fully qualified and experienced woman inspector on staff, Kathy Perkins. If you like, request her when you call for your inspection.

Q. I live just outside of the Tri-State. How far will you go to perform inspections? …..Carla D from Crittenden

We go to Crittenden. Often. Generally, we cover an area about 50 miles from downtown Cincinnati, OH, and will go farther by special arrangement.

Q. Do you test gas appliances for leaks and carbon monoxide? ….. Bob from Elsmere

Yes, we sure do.

Please keep the questions coming in! Just send us your questions via email at asktheinspector@buyersbest.net.

Steve Wolfe
President
KY HI #2089
Buyer's Best Home Inspection