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Frequently Asked Questions
 What is a home inspection?
Many people confuse a home inspection with an appraisal or a code check. A home inspection is a visual inspection of the accessible systems and components of a home to determine if they are performing their intended function at the time of the inspection. The inspection is performed by a licensed home inspector. It is not a guarantee, nor is it a code compliance inspection.

 Why schedule a home inspection?
A home inspection provides important information about a home, and recommendations for further evaluation and/or repair when needed. An inspector is an unbiased professional without a vested interest in the transaction or the property. In simple terms, the inspector will do his or her best to describe the condition of a system or component to determine whether it is performing to an acceptable standard. Professional inspectors are licensed, receive extensive continuing education, and many have a building or construction background.

 What home components will be inspected?
Visible and accessible components, including the following: Drainage, foundation, roof, chimney, siding, windows, and doors; decks, porches, steps, railings, garages, attic, and crawl spaces; plumbing, electrical, heating/air, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry; flooring, walls and ceilings, lighting, outlets, and fireplaces.

 Who is normally present during the inspection and how long does it last?
Typically, the person(s) who requested the inspection (most often a potential buyer of a dwelling or building), and the buyer's Realtor are present. It is not a good time for friends and family to view the property because the inspector will need to focus on tasks at hand, and the buyer won't want distractions during this important process. Sellers most often stay away from the dwelling during the inspection process as a courtesy. The size and condition of the dwelling determines how long the inspection will take. On average, the inspection lasts from two to four hours. At the end of the inspection, the inspector will give a laptop presentation of his findings and will discuss the findings with you.

 Do you issue a report after the inspection?
Yes. We provide our clients with a computer generated follow-up report. Digital photos are used to help illustrate conditions that the inspector describes within the report. Reports are delivered by e-mail unless an other method is requested. The report includes a summary of conditions that require further evaluation and/or service. The full report will include those same conditions, as well as system and component descriptions and home maintenance information. The Report is delivered by the next business day.

 Do you inspect for wood-destroying pests?
Prior to 2008, home inspectors were required to hold a structural pest inspector's license in order to inspect for wood destroying organisms, including wood rot and wood destroying insects. Now, as part of a home inspection, a licensed home inspector in the State of Washington may, in fact is required to, inspect for and report on wood rot and the conducive conditions for wood rot and wood destroying organisms and insects. Conducive conditions for rot and insects are basically moisture related conditions. They will include leaks, wood to earth contact, poor venting in attics and crawlspaces, etc. When home inspectors observe rot and conducive conditions for rot, they will report on these conditions and will give their recommendations for further evaluation or repair. When home inspectors observe the presence of wood destroying insects, they will recommend contacting a licensed Structural Pest Inspector or Pest Control Operator for evaluation. Therefore, we will inspect for wood rot, damage from rot and wood-destroying insects, conditions that promote rot and wood-destroying insects; and, we will recommend further evaluation and treatment when we observe insects. We do not perform pest inspections nor issue reports per the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

 



 
 
 
Hartman Home Inspections
3925 41st Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
Phone: 206.937.6359
Email: sandyhartman@hartmanhomeinspections.com

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