Frequently Asked Questions

Honesty, integrity, thoroughness, and value for your dollar. I work for you, the client, and no one else. My goal is to provide an accurate inspection report and a pleasant experience — and my commitment doesn't end when I hand you the report. Have a question months later? Call me. I'll do whatever I can to help.

A professional home inspection gives you the information you need before buying. It can:

• Identify safety issues that could put your family at risk
• Uncover problems that may lead to costly repairs down the road
• Provide a condition report you can reference for ongoing home maintenance

Yes. New construction doesn't guarantee a defect-free home. Builders move fast, and quality control checks don't catch everything. A pre-closing inspection identifies issues while you still have leverage — before you take possession and before your warranty window begins to close.

You need a home inspector. A home inspector evaluates the overall condition of a home's major systems and how they work together. If a deeper analysis of a specific system is needed, I'll recommend the right professional. In most cases, that level of analysis isn't necessary — which saves you time and money.

Every home is different, so inspection times vary. Most take between 2 and 4 hours. Be cautious of any inspector who quotes a specific, quick completion time — it often means important items are being rushed or skipped.

You don't need to be present for the full inspection. I recommend arriving near the end for a complete walkthrough of findings. It's less disruptive to your day and makes the review more productive for you.

Life expectancy estimates for home components are imprecise at best. Too many variables affect how systems age, and conditions can change quickly after an inspection. Providing a guess would do you a disservice — so I don't. What I will give you is an accurate report of current conditions and what to watch for.

If you're buying: Start looking as soon as you begin your home search. That way, you can call immediately when your offer is accepted — and have enough time to review the report before making your final decision.

If you're selling: Contact a home inspector before listing. Knowing your home's condition upfront gives you the opportunity to make repairs, set fair pricing, and avoid last-minute surprises from the buyer's inspector.

If you're a homeowner: Book at your convenience. You know your home better than anyone — trust your instincts on timing.

You can do a basic walkthrough, but a trained inspector knows what to look for — and where. It's easy to overlook issues when you're emotionally invested in a property. An objective, impartial inspection protects your decision-making. If you have specialized knowledge in a particular area and want to discuss a customized inspection, feel free to reach out.

The better question is: how do you justify skipping one? Whether or not issues are found, you walk away with a clear picture of your home's condition. That knowledge helps you budget for repairs, negotiate purchase terms, and monitor your home over time. The cost of an inspection is minor compared to the value of what you're buying.

Your report is delivered the same day, via email, in PDF format. It includes photos, descriptions of all systems inspected, and recommendations. If you don't have access to email, I can send it to any address you provide. A printed copy is available upon request.