Frequently Asked Questions

A professional home inspection is a critical step in the home buying or selling process. Here are some compelling reasons why you should have a professional home inspection performed:

1. Uncover hidden issues: A professional licensed home inspector is trained to identify potential problems that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. They can detect issues such as faulty wiring, plumbing issues, and structural damage. Uncovering these issues early on can save you from costly repairs or surprises down the road.
2. Ensure safety: A home inspection helps ensure the safety of your family by identifying potential hazards such as faulty electrical wiring which may be a fire hazard, structural damage, or other safety concerns. Identifying these issues in advance allows you to take corrective action to ensure a safe living environment for you and your loved ones.
3. Negotiation tool: While a seller is not required to repair items found during an inspection, sometimes, a home inspection report can be used as a negotiation tool when buying or selling a home. If issues are uncovered during the inspection, you and your real estate professional can use the report to negotiate repairs or a reduction in the purchase price. This can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repair costs or help you get a fair price for the property.
4. Long-term savings: Investing in a professional home inspection can save you money in the long run. Identifying potential issues early on allows you to address them before they become costly repairs. It can also help you avoid purchasing a property with defects that may require extensive repairs in the future.
5. Peace of mind: Buying a home is a significant investment, and a professional home inspection provides peace of mind. It gives you confidence in the condition of the property and helps you make informed decisions about your investment. It also provides a sense of security knowing that the property has been thoroughly inspected by a licensed professional. 

A home inspection is a thorough assessment of a property’s condition, conducted by a trained and certified home inspector. At Vision Home Inspections, we follow either the Connecticut or New York standards of practice which will cover and report on the following areas:

1. Structural components: The home inspector will assess the integrity and condition of the property’s visible foundation, walls, roof, framing, and other structural components to identify any signs of damage, movement deterioration, or safety concerns.
2. Exterior: The exterior of the property, including the siding, windows, doors, appurtenances, walkways, driveways, and drainage systems, will be inspected for any signs of damage, deterioration, water intrusion, or potential issues that may affect the property’s integrity or energy efficiency.
3. Roofing: The roof covering will be inspected for signs of damage, deterioration, leaks, or inadequate ventilation. The inspector will assess the condition of the roof covering materials, flashings, plumbing vent pipes, skylights, chimneys, gutters and downspouts.
4. Plumbing: The plumbing system, including visible pipes, fixtures, and drains, will be inspected for leaks, water pressure, drainage, and proper functioning. The inspector will also check for signs of water damage and assess the condition of the water heater.
5. Electrical: The electrical system will be inspected for safety. This includes checking the electrical panel(s), wiring, outlets, switches, and fixtures for any potential hazards or deficiencies.
6. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems: The HVAC systems, including the furnace/boiler, air conditioner, and ductwork, will be inspected for proper operation and safety. The inspector will assess the condition of the equipment and check for any signs of malfunction.
7. Interior: The interior of the property will be inspected for signs of damage, water intrusion, safety concerns, and overall condition. This includes walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs, railings and other interior components.
8. Insulation and ventilation: The inspector will assess the insulation and ventilation in the property to ensure proper energy efficiency and ventilation, which can affect the comfort and safety of the occupants.
9. Additional systems: Depending on the property, additional systems such as fireplaces, chimneys, septic systems, or well systems may be inspected to evaluate their condition and compliance with regulations.
10. Documentation: A detailed written report (includes digital photos) with findings, observations, and recommendations will be provided by the home inspector, summarizing the results of the inspection.
11. As a courtesy we will include a wood destroying insect report (WDI) with every home inspection.

It’s important to note that a home inspection is a non-invasive visual assessment of the accessible areas/components of the home the day of the inspection and does not include specialized assessments such as environmental testing for radon, mold, or lead. These may require additional inspections or testing by qualified professionals.

As a Certified Master Inspector and a Certified Professional Inspector we at Vision Home Inspections are highly qualified and experienced home inspectors. With over 2000 properties inspected, we bring a wealth of extensive knowledge to ensure a comprehensive and thorough inspection of your property. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, we provide professional and reliable services that are tailored to meet your specific needs. We adhere to industry standards, a code of ethics, and best practices, utilizing state-of-the-art tools and technology to identify potential issues and provide accurate assessments. Our communication skills allow us to clearly convey findings and recommendations in a clear and understandable manner, empowering you to make informed decisions about your home. With a track record of customer satisfaction and a dedication to exceptional service, hiring us as your home inspector will provide you with peace of mind and confidence in the condition of your property.

It’s important to understand a home inspection is not a to do list for the seller, not everything found during the inspection will be fixed. While minor issues like a cracked floor tile may not require immediate attention, major issues that affect the safety, functionality, or structure of the home should be addressed.

It’s crucial to work closely with your real estate professional to help with communication and negotiations with the seller with regards to determining what repairs are necessary. Remember, transparency and communication are key in navigating the home inspection process.

The duration of a home inspection can vary depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. In general, a typical home inspection can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete. However, larger homes, multi-family dwellings, older properties, or more complex properties may require additional time. Factors that can impact the duration of a home inspection include the number of systems and components to be inspected (e.g. heating systems, cooling systems, bathrooms, etc.), the accessibility of certain areas, and the need for specialized testing. It’s important to discuss the estimated duration of the home inspection when booking your appointment beforehand and plan accordingly to ensure enough time is allocated for a thorough inspection of the property.

You will receive a digital copy of your written home inspection report the day of the inspection via email.

A home inspection doesn’t cost, it pays! Don’t let price be the #1 factor in choosing a home inspector, or worse, using it as an excuse to not get one at all. The information you receive from our home inspection services is too valuable when purchasing a home you are not familiar with and have not had time to identify possible deficiencies. Especially when a typical home can cost several hundred thousand to millions of dollars. In fact, it’s not uncommon for someone to walk away with thousands of dollars in concessions and/or in repair work after negotiating the findings of the inspection with the seller. With that being said, the cost of a home inspection is different for every property and depends on what additional services you would like to have completed with your inspection. To get an exact cost and book your inspection please give us a call today at (203) 349-1353.

A house cannot pass or fail a home inspection. Our job as home inspectors is to provide you with information about the property you intend to purchase. The most important thing to understand with the inspection process is that there is no such thing as a perfect house. We will find issues with the house during the inspection because it is our job to identify structural, mechanical, and safety items. We can only provide information about the home, it is up to you as the purchaser to make your own decisions about the property.

Yes! It is very important to be present at your home inspection. We will go over and explain the findings to you in simple terms. It is also a great time to ask us questions about the house. The inspection allows you to familiarize yourself with your potential new home!