Home Inspection Services

Q. Why have a home inspection?
For the Seller - Why have a home inspection:

Give peace of mind to your potential buyer.
Open up the market to more potential buyers that use non-conventional lending programs.
Help find potential objections and remedy them before showing. Most remedies are minimal in cost and increase the marketing value of your home.
Show potential buyers that you are showing a reliable piece of property.
Point out the positive aspects of your home.
Develop a fair and equitable selling price.

For the Buyer - Why have Home inspection:

Know precisely what you are purchasing and that the property has been inspected from the outside and inside.
Get the necessary technical assistance you need.
Learn the benefits and concerns of the property.
Peace of mind knowing that a thorough inspection covers items from the site grade, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating, insulation, roofing, and more.
Can identify problems in the making and recommend preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs.
Professional recommendations.

Q. What Exactly Is a "Home Inspection"?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. The standard home inspector's report will include an evaluation of 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 visible structure.

Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspection report will note any concerns and recommend you contact the appropriate specialist or trades person for further evaluation.

Q. Why do I need a home inspection?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should 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 unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.

Of course, a home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and will be able to make a confident buying decision.

If you have owned your home for a long time, a home inspection can identify potential problems and recommend preventative measures which might avoid costly future repairs. In addition, home sellers may opt for having an inspection prior to placing the home on the market to gain a better understanding of conditions which the buyer's inspector may point out. This provides an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition, or better yet, show a potential buyer that your home is an excellent purchase.

Q. Can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner generally does not have the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector that is familiar with the elements of construction, electrical and mechanical installation, and maintenance. A qualified inspector understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.

It is difficult for most buyers to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgement. For the most accurate picture, it is best to obtain an impartial third party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

If you would like to do a basic inspection yourself feel free to contact us for a simple form. This free form is is by no means thorough. The inspection we perform covers approximately 14 pages or more of detailed work. The report is well documented and includes pictures where necessary. We now provide on-line downloads to your report with a slide show if you have a high speed connection or we can mail a CD of your report.

Q. If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned a few things about your new home from the inspector's report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. Above all, you can feel assured that you are making a well informed purchase decision, and that you will be able to enjoy your new home.

Q. Can a house fail inspection?
No. A professional home inspection 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.

Q. What are some of the items covered in a thorough home inspection?
An inspection covers all the essential systems and structural components in the home - from the foundation to the roof, including:

Exterior
Site Grade / Drainage
Plumbing
Electrical System
Roof
Venting
Patios / Decks
Interior
Foundation
Chimneys
Fireplaces
Attic
Insulation
Garage
Crawlspace
Sub-Floor
Framing
Heat / AC Systems
Kitchen
Appliances
Walls

Q. When do I call in the home inspector?
A home inspection is typically called right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

Q. Do I have to be there?
It's not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended. By following the home inspector around the house, observing and asking questions, you will learn a great deal about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first hand through the inspector's eyes.

Q. What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector finds 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 be flexible with the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

Q. What if I find problems after I move into my new home?
A home inspection is not a guarantee that problems won't develop after you move in. However if you believe that a problem was already visible at the time of the inspection and should have been mentioned in the report, your first step should be to call and meet with the inspector to clarify the situation. Misunderstandings are often resolved in this manner.

Q. What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible additional services, such as septic, well, or radon testing.

However, 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. The inspector's qualifications and experience should be the most important consideration.

Typically home inspection fees that cover Structural / Electrical / Mechanical Inspections are $11 per hundred square feet with a $275 minimum example: 1550 sq' = $275 / 3900 sq' = $429 / 6200 sq' = $682

add $50 if the home has a pier & beam foundation
add $1 per year of age if the home is over 30 years old
example: 28 years old, add nothing / 65 years old, add $65

all utilities must be turned on for the inspection
all areas of the home must be fully accessible
all pets must be contained
add 50% for both units of a duplex.

Location may affect pricing.
Fuel Costs have risen to a point when surcharges may apply.

septic system - Recommend locate Spetic Service Company
out buildings - $50 min. (This would include garages, storage and shop buildings.
re-inspection - $50 min. within 15 miles of home office. Further distances involve mileage and travel time.

TCO Inc.
Home Inspections
Licensed Michigan Contractor
License # 2102156090
B.S. NMU - Industry & Technology

Owned by - Daniel J. Stafford
Serving the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
and Northern Wisconsin

Phone: 906.265.3628
Toll Free: 888.269.6166

An asset whether buying
or selling your home

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