Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I choose a Home Inspector?

A: Call up and ask about their credentials and experience. If for some reason you don't feel comfortable asking this of the inspector when speaking with them on the phone then how will you feel asking questions at the inspection. You must feel that the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive of your needs.


Q: What are your qualifications?

A: I am licensed by the State of North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board #2464 and a Member of both the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors and the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association. I adhere to The Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics set forth by all of these associations. I am a second generation general contractor and have been involved with the building trades since I was a teen. Originally a licensed General Contractor from Massachusetts, my experience is diverse and includes single and multifamily construction and renovations and repairs in structures both historic and new.


Q: Can A House Fail The Inspection?

A: No. A professional home inspector does not issue a pass or fail grade on a home. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective home. The home inspector will describe the physical condition of the home and indicate what may need repair or replacement.


Q: When Do I Get The Report?

A: At the completion of the inspection we will provide you with a verbal consultation regarding our findings. Later that same evening you will receive by email a computer-generated report, including a photos of all areas of concern.


Q: What Kind Of Report Can I Expect?

A: The report is written in a narrative style, not a checklist or full of boilerplate language. The report will be specific to your home and provide you with all of the details needed in an easy to understand format with our recomendations for repair.


Q: When And How Do I Schedule A Home Inspection?

A: You generally have between seven and ten days after you sign the contract to get a home inspection. We would advise you to call us as soon as you sign a contract on the prospective home. This will ensure that you can get the inspection done at a time that's most convenient for you. When you're ready to schedule your inspection just, give us a call or you can make your appointment online. We schedule Monday to Friday 8AM to 8PM and it's no problem if you call on the weekend. Just leave a message on our office phone and we will get back with you, generally the same day you called. We do strongly recommend you schedule online to get your appointment set as quick as possible.


Q: How Much Does An Inspection Cost?

A: The price of the inspection varies based on the size of the home. Larger homes take longer to inspect, hence the fees for these homes are greater than those for a smaller home. However, don't let the price of the inspection determine whether or not you get a home inspection or the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional affiliations should be the most important consideration.


Q: How Do I Pay For The Inspection?

A: At the conclusion of the inspection payment is due. We accept personal checks (made out to Home Helpers Inspection Services), cash and Visa, MastCard and Discover credit cards. If you are unable to attend the inspection, credit card payments can be made online through this website.


Q: What will the inspection cover?

A: A thorough Inspection covers everything from roof to the foundation.

• Site review - Walks, driveways, retaining walls, vegitation, proper slope and drainage
• Decks, Porches, Steps, Railings
• Foundation - structural piers, columns and beams
• Crawlspace - ventilation, moisture intrusion, floor framing
• Siding, trim, eaves, soffits
• Garage door and opener
• Roof coverings, drainage, flashings, skylights and other penetrations
• Attic insulation and ventilation
• Heating and Cooling systems - normal operating controls, ducts, fans, air filters, registers, fan coil units
• Plumbing - supplies, drains, fixtures, flows, waste and vents, water heater and it's automatic safety controls
• Electrical - service entrance, grounding, over current protection, main and distribution panels, branch wiring conductors, smoke detectors, GFCI's, AFCI's, lights, fans, switches
• Interior rooms - walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs, steps, balconies, railings, counters, cabinets
• Bathroom - sinks, faucets, tubs, shower
• Laundry drain and venting
• Kitchen - ventilation, dishwasher, range, cook top, trash compactor, garbage disposal, installed oven and microwave
• Chimney, fireplace,and more.

Q: How long will the Inspection take?

A: Most Inspections take between two to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.


Q: Should I be present during the Inspection?

A: We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish, however it is not necessary.


Q: Why use our Services?

A: The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, "Will This Home Stand The Test of Time?" It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money. A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.


Q: Why can't I have someone in my family who is very handy or a contractor, inspect my new home?

A: This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector's instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.


Q: What if I have questions after the inspection?

A: You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.