FREQUENTLY-ASKED HOME INSPECTION QUESTIONS

learn more about how a home inspection from Pelican State Inspection will benefit you by reading our Frequently asked home inspection questions.

WHAT IS A "HOME INSPECTION"?
A home inspection is a visual non-invasive inspection of the major system items of the house. Pelican State Inspection is looking for problems that can see visually without doing any destructive damage to the home. Problems we find and report on will have to do with the major systems of the home as defined by the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors Standards of Practice. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, them Pelican State Inspection may recommend further evaluation.

WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
The purchase of a home is one of the largest investments you will ever make. A home inspection from Pelican State Inspection will help you learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize difficulties and unpleasant surprises after you buy. A home inspection also points out the maintenance that will be necessary to keep the home in good working condition and the positive aspects of the home. After you have reviewed your Pelican State Inspection report and summary, you will have a better understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

Are you are planning to sell your home in the near future? If so an Pre Listing Inspection prior to placing your home for sale is a GREAT idea! A Pre Listing Inspection will give you a understanding of conditions of your house. It will uncover problems which may be discovered by the buyer's home inspector. By finding the problems ahead of time you have an opportunity to make repairs so that your potential buyer does not get scared off. If you are currently a home owner with no plans to move, a home inspection should be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures which might avoid costly repairs in the future.

WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
The standard Pelican State home inspection report will review the condition of the home's major systems. These systems include Roof, Foundation, Heating & Air, Plumbing, Electric, Interior, Exterior, Insulation & Ventilation, and built in Kitchen appliances.

WHAT WILL IT COST?
You will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on your home. Shouldn't you protect that investment by getting the BEST inspection available? Pelican State Inspection's rates depend on the size of the home (bigger homes have more to inspect) and foundation type. A complete home inspection for a typical home will cost between $275 & $325.

Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in 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. See Mistake #1.

THE HOUSE WAS JUST BUILT, IS IT REALLY NECESSARY?
Absolutely Yes! Pelican State Inspection routinely inspects and discovers defects with new construction homes. Just because the city code enforcement inspector signed off on the house does not mean there are not problems. The city code enforcement inspectors do their best , but they are over worked and do not get to spend the time needed in your house during construction. You are lucky if they stay 10 minutes. They do not inspect for the functionality of the home's systems, only if they are up to the city standards. In other words they do not check for leaks, they do not check if your heating & air system is working, they do not check if the hot water heater works, if your doors, windows, and outlets function. The city standards also defer many items and say that they should be installed per the manufactures installation instructions. This means that they do not check for installation defects such as siding clearances from ground and roof or proper clearances from combustibles for your appliances. Having you new construction home inspected will save you money in the future by correcting the problems up front that the builder should fix so that when you sell you do not get left holding the bill.

WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME INSPECTOR?
A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Don't delay, a typical purchase contract only allows of 7 - 10 to complete all of your inspections. In order to inspect to house Pelican State Inspection will need all the utilities connected and turned on at the property. We will need all the pilot lights for the gas fired appliances in the house light. Pelican State Inspection will also need clear access to the hot water heater, electric panel, attic, and heating unit.

CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?
Pelican State's state licensed inspectors are familiar with all elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. We understand how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment.

DOES THE HOUSE PASS OR FAIL THE INSPECTION?
No. A home inspection does not produce a pass or fail result. It is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or 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 may need repair or replacement.

SHOULD I BE PRESENT FOR THE INSPECTION?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is strongly encouraged. You can walk along with your Pelican State Inspection inspector in order to better understand your home and its systems, observe any problems or defects firsthand, learn about seasonal maintenance and answer any questions you might have.

WHAT IF THE INSPECTOR FINDS PROBLEMS?
Regardless of the age of the home or the price of the home there are always problems. No house is perfect. When the inspector identifies the problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. All problems are fixable. If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved large repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.