1. How long have you been in business?
In any business, experience is valuable, so the longer the company or individual has been in business the better, but it is important to remember that this experience should be in actual home inspection, not construction or related fields.
A. The company has been in operation for more than 9 years. The owner has been inspecting for 9 years and is a Certified Master Inspector. Three of our inspectors are also a Certified Master Inspectors. This is our job, we do not have additional jobs and do this on the side.
2. Do you have the proper licenses?
Here you may need to educate yourself on the requirements of your geographical area, as licensing requirements may vary from state to state.
A. Colorado does not require home inspectors to be licensed or certified. Steel Rhino Property Inspections inspectors are certified through the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and all inspectors have been through formal training.
3. Do you have references?
One of the best ways to establish confidence in a home inspection company is to hear from others that the job was done professionally, thoroughly, in a timely fashion and at a reasonable price. Ask to see references from others who have been happy with the company's work.
A. References can and will be provided upon request.
4. Do you provide a written report?
A proper home inspection will always include a written report. Never accept a verbal report only. In addition to providing all the details of the inspector's findings, a written report is your only recourse should differences surface after the inspection.
A. A written report is provided within 24 hours of completing the inspection and sent to the buyer and the buyers realtor via email in PDF format. Normally the report is sent the same day the inspection is completed.
5. How long is an inspection?
Here you want to be wary of inspections that are extremely long or way too short. An average inspection should only take two to three hours and any wide variance may indicate either a lack of experience or a shady way to charge more.
A. Depending on the age and square footage of the house an inspection will usually last 2.5 – 3 hours. The larger the home the longer it takes.
6. What will it cost?
Charges for home inspections vary from company to company. It is wise to get a price from several companies in order to ensure that you are getting a fair price. Remember too, that the most expensive price is not necessarily going to be the best inspector. You still want someone with lots of experience and knowledge.
A. Our pricing is based on age and total square footage of the home, it is never based on location or selling price.
7. Will you provide an estimate for repairs?
While a home inspector can recommend what work needs to be done and should be done to a home, the actual cost and estimates for repair work must be obtained from a professional in that field.
A. We do not provide estimates for repair but we do have a reference list that has trades that we trust to help you make the repairs. We are not going to offer to repair your new home, our sole job is to tell you what needs to be take care of and give you advice on how it can be fixed.
8. What is the lead time for an inspection?
Time is often of the essence when arranging a home inspection as the condition in the offer will be for a set number of days. Be certain your inspection can be arranged, completed and all reports available for your consideration in ample time to meet the condition.
A. Steel Rhino Property Inspections has 6 inspectors on staff and are able to meet your needs.
9. Can I attend the inspection?
Be absolutely certain that the answer is yes! If an inspection company suggests that you not be present, they are not the company you want!
A. We always encourage the buyer to attend the inspection. This is the time for them to learn more about their new home and ask questions they may have. They get 2.5 – 3 hours to wander around the home, turn on lights, run water and generally look over their new home with out undue influence from anyone else.
10. How and when do I pay?
Make certain you are clear on the accepted methods of payment and when payment is due. Payment should not be required until the inspection is complete.
A. Steel Rhino Property Inspections accepts credit/debit card, checks, and cash. For your convenience, you can pay online. Our reporting system will not allow a report to be opened until payment is received.