Frequently Asked Questions

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house or building, inside and out, foundation to roof and everything in between.

Buying a home, whether it is your first or your last, will most likely be the largest investment you will make. A home inspection should be a part of your home buying research, no different than driving around the neighborhood, checking out the schools, or whatever else is important to you. A home inspection helps educate you on critical elements of your purchase.

A home inspection isn't just for existing or older homes, but are valuable for new construction as well. A home inspection may alert you to the need for major repairs, builder oversights, as well as inform you of maintenance needed for the upkeep of your new home. The information gained from a home inspection will allow you to make educated decisions with confidence.

Our home inspection report will cover the condition of the foundation, basement, structural components, roof, attic and visible insulation, as well as the walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and floors. The various systems of the home are also inspected, including the heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing, and the electrical systems. Optionally, we can perform radon testing as well.

Baumgardt Home Inspection adheres to The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

The inspection fee will vary depending on the size of the house, age of the house, complexity of the house and whether you wish to have additional tests done, such as septic, well, or radon testing. You should keep in mind that the cost of an inspection is very low when compared to the overall cost of the investment you are considering and the potential cost of future repairs. Perhaps even more important, is the sense of security and safety gained for you and your family.

No. While a home inspection sounds simple enough, it is much more involved than following a simple checklist. A home inspector is a trained and registered professional, familiar with the elements of building construction, proper installation, and maintenance of building elements. Along with a general knowledge of building safety and environmental awareness. This will provide a good knowledgebase relative to how the various systems and components of a home are intended to function and why they fail. Your Baumgardt Home Inspection inspector also has experience gained from thousands of inspections and is able to approach the inspection from an objective, unemotional, and unbiased point of view.

Typically, most buyers contact a home inspector immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. However, your thoughts about home inspection should begin before then. You should be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract before signing, including any contingencies relative to radon testing. You might wish to consult with a home inspector prior to submitting your offer or the acceptance of the offer to be certain that contingency deadlines can be met by your Baumgardt Home Inspector. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

No, sellers can benefit from a home inspection as well. A home inspection gives the owner the opportunity to make repairs that will put your home in a better selling condition. Being able to address any issues before putting your home on the market puts you in a proactive mode. It isn't just a matter of fixing issues that arise later. Keep in mind that potential buyers may decide to exclude your home from consideration, even if you are willing to address concerns.

You don't even have to be buying or selling. Homeowners may gain additional insight into their homes and identify problems in the making, before they become critical, costly repairs. You may discover issues developing that might still be covered under a warranty, or limit the costs by reducing damage that may be caused.

We welcome and encourage you to be present during the inspection, though we realize that may not always be possible. During the building inspection, you will be able to observe our inspector and ask questions about the condition, any concerns, or future maintenance needs.

No. An inspection is not an appraisal of market value, nor is it a municipal inspection to verify local code compliance. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house, including its physical condition and indicating what components and systems may need major repair or replacement. There is no pass or fail, true or false measurement. This is why a Baumgardt Home Inspection report is a detailed write up, rather than a simple checklist.

Remember, a home inspection isn't a pass or fail situation, but an overall assessment of condition. If problems have been identified, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house. The report just provides you with additional information for consideration and may alert you to potential issues in the future. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs, you may want to adjust your offer, or you may decide not to make an offer.

No. Remember, it isn't about passing or failing. With your home inspection report in hand, you can complete your home purchase with knowledge and confidence. You have learned more about the critical components and condition of your future house, as well as gained knowledge to assist you with its operation and upkeep. Armed with life expectancies for the equipment in the home, you will be better able to anticipate their replacement.

ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors, has worked to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance the professionalism of its membership. The ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics serves as a performance guideline for home inspectors, and is universally recognized and accepted by many professional and governmental bodies.

Yes. Baumgardt inspectors are members of ASHI and have made a commitment to conduct inspections in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, which prohibits engaging in conflict-of-interest activities that might compromise our objectivity. Our inspectors have met rigorous ASHI requirements, including passing a comprehensive, written technical exam and performing a minimum of 250 professional, fee-paid home inspections conducted in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. As ASHI members, our inspectors must continue to meet mandatory continuing education and stay current with the latest in technology, materials, and professional skills.