317-704-HOME (4663) Brian@CrawfordHomeInspections.com

FAQs


Frequently Asked Questions


  1. WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE CRAWFORD HOME INSPECTIONS? 
    There are many reasons to choose Crawford Home Inspections, but if I had to pick just one I’d say experience. Brian Crawford has inspected more than 10,000 homes in his 25 plus years as a home inspector. Brian has completed more than 350 hours of continuing education in his career and was recently Board Certified as a Master Inspector (March 2015)
  2. WHAT IS CMI?
    CMI stands for Certified Master Inspector. This is one of the highest national designations a home inspector can get. Brian Crawford earned his Master Certification in March of 2015. When last checked (January 2016) there were only 12 Master Inspectors in the state of Indiana with Brian being one of only two in the Indianapolis area. For more information on CMI please visit www.certifiedmasterinspector.org
  3. I DON’T SEE ANY PRICING ON YOUR WEBSITE, HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR A HOME INSPECTION? 
    Our pricing varies from customer to customer and home to home. We do not use a cookie cutter pricing model like some companies. It takes only a few minutes to get a personalized quote, which can often be done in one phone call. Personalized quotes help us keep our cost down and provide the best pricing for our customers. Call 317-704-HOME (4663) today for your free quote.
  4. DO YOU PRICE MATCH?   
    Unfortunately No, but what I can do is promise you the best value for your money. Not all Home Inspectors are equally qualified and not all inspection reports are the same. There’s a time to bargain shop and cut corners and this is not one of them. Saving a few dollars now could cost you thousands in the long run. For the best protection, get the right inspection!
  5. I SEE YOU’RE A MEMBER OF HOMES FOR HEROES. WHAT’S THAT? 
    Homes for Heroes is a national organization that helps businesses like us give back to the community. What Homes for Heroes does is organize businesses like Mortgage Companies, Realtors and Home Inspectors to provide discounted services for our local Veterans, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Teachers and so forth. For a complete list of benefit details and participating companies please go to www.homesforheroes.com.
  6. WHAT 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. It focuses on the performance of the home, rather than cosmetic, code or design issues. Inspections are often performed during a real estate transaction, but may be done anytime.
  7. WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE? 
    The standard home inspector’s report will review the condition of: the heating system, the electrical system, the cooling system, the interior plumbing, the roof surface, attic, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, appliances, foundation, basement, exterior, drainage and more. For a complete list of items inspected please read my Standards of Practice (SOP)
  8. DO YOU INSPECT FOR TERMITES?
    I am certified through Purdue University to perform inspections in the state of Indiana for WDI (wood destroying insects). I perform this inspection personally saving you time and money.  
  9. WHY SHOULD I HAVE 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 also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase. If you are already a home owner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer’s inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
  10. DOES A STANDARD INSPECTION COVER A RADON TEST?
    No. A radon test is a separate service provided by companies certified by the EPA. If radon testing is desired, Crawford Home Inspections will provide this service at an additional cost.
  11. WHY IS A RADON TEST IMPORTANT?
    Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. By testing for this colorless, odorless gas houses can be remediated for protection.
  12. HOW LONG DOES AN INSPECTION TAKE?
    Home inspections take between two and three hours for the standard size home. However, for homes above 3,000 square feet, older homes or homes with additions, the inspection may take longer.
  13. SHOULD I BE PRESENT FOR THE INSPECTION?
    It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn 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.
  14. CAN I PERFORM AN INSPECTION MYSELF?
    Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands 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. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.
  15. WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?
    No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies 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. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.
  16. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR MY HOUSE TO FAIL AN 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.
  17. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
    A home inspector is typically contacted 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.
  18. IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?
    Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will want to keep that information for future reference

 

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317-704-HOME (4663)