Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a home inspection?

The short answer is yes. Buying a new home is an expensive investment, possibly the largest one you'll ever make. A home inspection brings more clarity to what it is that you're buying and will help to mitigate the risk involved in such a purchase.

There are many potential problems that could either go unnoticed, or could lead to bigger problems, that a home inspector is trained to uncover.

Can I inspect the home myself?

We very strongly advise against attempting to perform the property inspection yourself, for a number of reasons. Even if you do have a lot of experience with the systems of a home, it is still advised to hire a professional home inspector.

• It's far too easy to become emotionally attached to a home. It's very important to have an objective party perform the inspection to provide a professional, unbiased assessment.
• A professional home inspector has been trained to look for specific issues, and is familiar with a wide variety of situations.
• A good home inspector knows the difference between major and minor issues, and which minor issues can lead to major problems down the road.

How long does a home inspection take?

A home inspection typically takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the size of the home and number of issues discovered. A home inspection that takes less than 2 hours is generally not thorough enough to be useful.

When you request your inspection, we can give you a better idea as to how long the process will take.

May I attend the inspection?

Absolutely! While your presence is not required, we strongly encourage you to come along for the inspection. You'll have a much better idea of the condition of the home when you can see any issues first-hand.

You'll be able to benefit a lot more from the inspector's experience and knowledge if you are present at the inspection. You can ask questions and receive home maintenance tips — especially helpful for first-time home buyers.

If I'm selling a house, should I get a pre-listing home inspection?

You're more likely to have a quick sale if the house has already been properly inspected. You can opt to provide potential buyers with a copy of the inspection report, or you can address any issues before listing the house for sale.

Major problems discovered during a home inspection may result in serious transaction delays. If you know about these problems ahead of time, you'll be in a better position for a smooth transaction.

What areas do you serve?

We serve the Puget Sound area, covering King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties, including the communities of Auburn, Kent, Federal Way, Tacoma, Bellevue, Covington, Maple Valley, and Seattle. Not sure if that's you? Give us a call at (253) 332-0895 or send us an email.

Are you licensed and insured in Washington?

Yes. Ryan Georgi is a Licensed Home Inspector in the state of Washington (license #26014566). We carry Errors & Omissions insurance, as well as General Liability insurance, so you can rest easy.

We've also been certified by the American Home Inspectors Training Institute (AHIT).

What's the difference between pre-purchase, pre-listing, and 11th-month warranty inspections?

Each one is a full home inspection. The difference is when it happens and who it's for.

• A pre-purchase home inspection is for buyers. You'll know exactly what you're buying, and problems that weren't disclosed by the seller can put you in a stronger position for negotiation.
• A pre-listing home inspection is for sellers. Having your home inspected before listing it gives you time to make repairs at your leisure, with no surprises during negotiations.
• An 11th-month warranty inspection is for owners of newer homes. It's performed shortly before your builder's warranty ends, so you can submit many of the issues to your builder to be covered under warranty.

What is a 4-point inspection?

A 4-point home inspection is a limited inspection that some insurance companies require, especially for older homes. It covers the visual components of four systems: the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating and cooling).

A 4-point inspection is shorter than a full home inspection, and typically takes between 30 minutes and one hour.

Do you inspect mobile and manufactured homes?

Yes, we offer mobile and manufactured home inspections. You can schedule your inspection online or give us a call at (253) 332-0895.

Can I see a sample inspection report?

Of course! Take a look at our sample home inspection report to see what you'll be getting. Our reports are detailed, easy to read, and include photos.