HOME FAQ's
Q: Whose responsibility is it to pay for repair items noted in a home inspection report?
A: As a rule, you will engage in a purchase contract which entitles you to secure a home inspection within a certain time frame. Once the Buyer and Seller receive the report, they can then negotiate the repair of any item.
Q: Does a home inspection guarantee that all appliances will work for a specified period of time?
A: A home inspection is a visual inspection of all components existing on the day of inspection and includes an operational inspection, but it does not guarantee that any component will continue functioning. Home warranty companies sell insurance policies protecting items such as appliances or heating and air conditioning units. For more information, contact your real estate professional.
Q: Does a home inspection ensure everything is code-complying?
A: A home inspection is not a code-compliance inspection. Since building codes change approximately every three years, a nearly new, three-year old home would not fulfill all of today's building codes. This does not mean a home not meeting current code requirements is unsafe, it merely means it doesn't meet today's building codes.
Q: Should I get a separate roof inspection?
A: If you utilize NBI's services, our home inspection also includes a roof inspection. If conditions permit the inspector to actually walk the roof, our inspection should give you good insight into the condition of the roof. It is crucial that consumers remain aware of conflicts of interest if prospective contractors render their own inspections. The initial roof inspection should always be performed by a unbiased inspection company such as NBI. Then if we confirm repairs are necessary, we recommend contacting a competent roofing contractor to perform corrective work (not to perform another inspection).
Q: Does NBI's roof inspection guarantee against roof leaks?
A: Unfortunately no; it is impossible to inspect a roof in June when weather is consistently fair and guarantee it will not leak in January when winter rains are most forceful.
Q: What is the best roofing material on the market?
A: Based on the fact that every roof requires someone walk on its surface at some time or another, we rate the newer dimensional-type, composition shingle roof covering to be the best overall value.
TERMITE F.A.Q.'s
Q: If NBI doesn't perform corrective work, who makes the necessary repairs?
A: Anyone can make repairs. NBI may identify problem areas that are in need of repair in either our home or termite inspections. If that occurs, you have many choices for the repair.
- Perform the corrective work yourself if you are handy... or
- Hire a contractor that you (or your agent) have previously worked with in the past... or
- Use a reputable contractor referral service such a ValueStar.com or Improvenet.com... or
- Call the NBI office closest to you for a list of contractors in your area..
Once the corrective work has been performed, NBI will be happy to return to the property to verify the work's completion. (NBI's non-biased inspections and these repair methods are sure to save you a substantial amount of money.)
Q: Are termite inspections required by state law?
A: No state law mandates termite inspections, however most lenders require a termite inspection before they will loan on the property. (You know…the golden rule…."He who has the gold rules")
Q: Am I required to repair all items noted on the termite report?
A: Your sales contract outlines who is responsible to pay for what. Typically the Seller pays for all Section I items and the Buyer pays for Section II items.
(See Proper Interpretations of Section I and Section II Items)
Q: Must all repairs be performed exactly as they are outlined by the Termite Inspector?
A: The only requirements under the Structural Pest Control Act are that you repair the existing damage and correct the "cause" of the damage. Any corrective work that meets these provisions qualifies for a certification statement.
(See Understanding California Termite Inspection Reports and Money Saving Repair Methods)
Have more questions? Ask the Answerman™
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