FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION?
A home inspection is an objective, non-invasive visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.
WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your home inspection report.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL INSPECTION LIKE?
A typical Home Inspection takes about 3-4 hours on site. WE thoroughly check all major home systems such as the foundation, crawlspace, roof, A/C, heating, electrical, appliances, sprinkler systems, garage, and much more.
During the inspection, WE crawl around the attic and walk the roof, and review all areas of the home, taking pictures of any areas of concern. WE then provide you with a full color, easy to read report complete with pictures and diagrams, so you will be able to make an informed home buying decision.
WHAT DO YOU INSPECT?
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The property surrounding the home, focusing on grade, safety issues, including driveways, walkways, steps, and outbuilding
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The structure and integrity of the home.
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The roof, roof penetrations, ventilation, gutters, downspouts, and soffits
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The exterior, including the siding, windows, screening, decks, and "birdcages"
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All mechanical systems including heating, A/C, plumbing, water heater, electrical, ventilation and insulation, lighting, and even sprinkler systems.
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Interior rooms, bathrooms, appliances, kitchen, bedrooms, porches, lanai's
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The garage, crawlspaces, and attics
WHAT RESULTS FROM THE INSPECTION?
At the end of an inspection, we supply you with a well written and easily understood report complete with pictures and diagrams.
WHEN IS THE IDEAL TIME TO HAVE MY WARRANTY INSPECTION DONE?
While sometimes The Villages warranty department will allow submission of a warranty inspection report right up to your one year home anniversary date, usually the inspection is done about a month before your one year anniversary of your home closing.
WHEN SHOULD I CALL YOU TO SCHEDULE MY WARRANTY INSPECTION?
While we do our best to accommodate everyone, because we only book three inspections a day, our schedule gets booked up quickly. Many times we are booked solid weeks ahead of time, so for the best choices of possible inspection times it is best to call at least 3-4 months or more before your anniversary date.
WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
WHY CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment.
For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.
CAN A HOUSE FAIL A HOME INSPECTION?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
WHEN DO I CALL A HOME INSPECTOR?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
DO I HAVE TO BE THERE?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.
WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.
WHAT SETS D'ANGELO INSPECTIONS APART FROM OTHER HOME INSPECTORS?
We only book three inspections a day, and we are never in a rush. Too many inspectors “overbook” and concentrate more on getting to the next house then caring about yours. We take the time to listen, and answer your questions. We will help you understand your sprinkler system, your A/C system, etc. We love helping folks understand how to care for and maintain their Florida home.
In addition, I, Frank and my son Eric are ASHI and FABI Certified. We are proud of this accreditation because most inspectors cannot say this.
WHY IS ASHI CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT?
An ASHI Certified inspector has spent days in a classroom and in the field learning from professionals before taking rigorous tests. Only an ASHI inspector can provide your customers with a professional, personalized inspection that combines more than 30 years of the highest technical standards, adherence to a strict code of ethics and the very best in customer service and education. We call this “The ASHI Experience”.
When you choose ASHI, you’ll be working with professional home inspectors who have passed the most rigorous technical examinations in effect today, including inspectors who are required to perform more than 250 professional inspections before they’re even allowed to call themselves ”certified”. No other professional society can match the credentials of an ASHI inspector. Some inspectors who are not ASHI Certified spend a few hours online, send in some credit card info and become a “Home Inspector”.
I'VE RECEIVED QUOTES FROM OTHER HOME INSPECTORS FOR CHEAPER. WHY IS THAT?
Recently while doing a warranty inspection in The Villages, we noticed another inspector driving up to a home across the street from the home we were inspecting. While we were inspecting the utilities in the garage, we noted the time. We noticed that he never went up on the roof, and we do not think he went in the attic area. He left 49 minutes later. As he was leaving he handed the homeowners a piece of paper with checkmarks on it.
This bothered us, as we know a good complete inspection takes at least 2-4 hours. A professional report should have plenty of pictures and diagrams complete with a detailed account of the issues found. Also, we sometimes find serious issues on the roof and in the attic. If even one serious issue is missed, a “bargain” inspection may turn out to be a very costly mistake. Let the buyer beware.
We know we are not the Cheapest....and we never will be. Good work is not cheap, and cheap work is not good. The Villages warranty Dept has told us that we are by far the #1 volume warranty inspection company in The Villages. In fact, this past year we have done right around 900 new home warranty inspections in The Villages. This is your last chance to have many issues repaired or replaced without opening your wallet. If we find even one more issue than the "bargain Inspector" finds, that often pays the difference. Our costs are still well below the state and national average, and reflect our level of training and experience.