What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a non-invasive assessment of the home by a licensed inspector who has expertise in the major systems in a home as well as structural components. Inspectors do a visual examination of the physical structure of the house and operate the major systems of the home to ensure they are functioning as intended.
Who can be a home inspector?
Each state has different requirements. In North Carolina, in order to inspect homes, you must be licensed by the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board and perform inspections in accordance with their standards of practice. To apply for licensing, you need a combination of coursework, field training and experience. Once these conditions are met, potential inspectors can apply to take the state exam. Licenses are awarded to individuals who pass the state exam and hold insurance. To maintain an active license, each year inspectors must complete continuing education courses.
What does a home inspection include?
At Parkwood, our home inspections are comprehensive. We inspect over 400 items in the home, including: structural components, foundation, lot grade/ drainage, fireplace, firewalls, doors, air conditioning, major appliances, gutters, downspouts, garage doors and openers, electrical system, plumbing, driveways and walkways, heating, roof and attic, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Why do I need a home inspection?
There are different categories of people that need a home inspection. For a person buying a home, it could be the largest purchase you will ever make. A home inspection helps to minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence. Inspections often identify builder oversights or the need for major repairs. We also cover maintenance items to help you keep it in good shape.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition. Having an idea of your homes condition prior to listing can put you in a better position to not lose a good portion of your equity on unexpected expensive repairs found by the buyer’s inspector.
What areas in North Carolina do you operate?
Parkwood Property Inspections provides home inspection services primarily to the Piedmont Triad and surrounding areas of NC. If you need a home inspection and live in (or nearby) any of the following cities, we can help you: Acadia, Advance, Alamance, Archdale, Asheboro, Belews Creek, Bellemont, Bermuda Run, Bethania, Brook Cove, Burlington, Clemmons, Colfax, Denton, Donnaha, Ellisboro, Flat Shoals, Germanton, Gibsonville, Graham, Greensboro, High Point, Huntsville, Jamestown, Julian, Kernersville, King, Lewisville, Lexington, Liberty, McLeansville, Midway, Mt. Airy, Muddy Creek, Neatman, Oak Ridge, Pfafftown, Pine Knolls, Pleasant Garden, Poplar Springs, Quaker Gap, Randleman, Reedy Creek, Reidsville, Rock Creek, Rural Hall, Salisbury, Silver Valley, Sophia, Stokesdale, Summerfield, Thomasville, Tobaccoville, Union Cross, Walkertown, Wallburg, Walnut Cove, Welcome, West Bend, Winston-Salem.
My city isn’t on the list. Can I still use Parkwood Property Inspections for my home inspection?
Sure! We would be glad to help. Homes too far out of our operating radius may require additional fees for mileage. Call or send us an email with the address and we can tell you if a fee applies.
My agent is unfamiliar with your company and has recommended a different inspection company. Can I still hire Parkwood Property Inspections for my home inspection?
Yes! During your real estate transaction, the choice is yours regarding who provides services. We would love the opportunity to work with you and introduce ourselves to your agent. Simply contact us and we can set up your inspection. Alternatively, simply request your agent to give us a call.
What kinds of inspection/ testing does Parkwood offer?
We are the only inspection company you need! In addition to a Complete Home Inspection, Parkwood Property Inspections can provide Pest Inspections, Septic Inspections, Radon Testing, Water Quality Testing (most often ordered when a property has a well), and Air Quality Testing (most often ordered when mold is suspected).
What will it cost?
The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. At Parkwood, the inspection fee varies depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age, and possible optional services such as septic, pest, well or radon testing. As of this posting, the cost for a home inspection on a 2000 (heated) square foot house under 30 years old is $375. Please contact us for an exact cost based on your situation. You may be eligible for a discount! Our qualifications, experience, training, and compliance with NC’s regulations, mean our inspections will be performed at a high standard.
Do you offer discounts?
Absolutely! Our current special is a combined offer: $25 off the cost of a Home Inspection AND $25 off Radon testing to all Military Service Members & Veterans, First Responders (Police, Fire, EMS), Nurses, Educators and Staff, Seniors, Charities & Nonprofit, Municipal Employees, and First Time Homebuyers. This special cannot be applied with any other offer.
Why can’t I do it myself?
Some people do- but it is risky! Parkwood home inspectors are familiar with the elements of home construction, major systems, proper installation, maintenance, and home safety issues. We understand how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail. It is difficult for even the most experienced homeowner to have knowledge of every system in a home, and often they may have expertise in only a few areas.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. We help by providing professional, impartial, third-party opinion.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No, and no house is perfect (at least we haven’t found one). A home inspection is an opportunity to gather information so you can make a decision about if you want to purchase the property. At Parkwood, we provide you with an overview of the current condition of a house. We will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, clients or agents contact Parkwood for a home inspection immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. North Carolina has a due diligence period which gives buyers time to inspect, appraise, and do other “due diligence” items to determine if they will close on the property. Buyers should have all of their inspections completed and negotiations for repair requests made before the due diligence period ends because they can cancel the offer to purchase during this time.
What is a Due Diligence Request and Agreement?
As part of the purchase negotiations, once you get your home inspection report, the buyer will submit a Due Diligence Request and Agreement to the seller. Buyers reference items from our report in this document and request items to be repaired prior to closing. Often home inspections are used as a negotiating tool. Negotiations for repairs usually are done with agents acting as intermediaries. If everyone agrees, typically the sale moves forward.
I’ve made my appointment, now what?
Thank you for scheduling! We will send you a contract detailing the inspection services you’ve requested and their cost. For your convenience, we use a software provider that allows you to sign the contract electronically. We also send an email introduction and include information pertinent to the inspection.
What happens day of inspection?
An inspection takes a few hours to complete. We arrive at the property and get to work. We divide up and begin inspecting in a systematic fashion. When completed, we can walk through the home to both acquaint you with the home and point out any issues discovered during the visual inspection. We can also answer any questions you have at this time and address any concerns.
Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspection and ask us questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it. You can also fill us in on your concerns. Often buyers will have issues that are important to them and can ask us to take a closer look in those areas.
What is the report like?
A complete inspection report will cover the condition of the home’s systems that we evaluated during the inspection. North Carolina standards of practice requires that all inspection reports include a summary section at the beginning of the report that highlights the items that do not function as intended or are safety issues that should be addressed. After the summary section, our reports are broken down by system. We find this makes it easier on buyers and home owners because if they have to hire a system-specific contractor, all of the information will be in one place and not distributed throughout the report. We include pictures in our reports to help you and potential hired contractors see what we saw at the time of the inspection. Click the links to view report examples: Sample Report 1 & Sample Report 2
What if the report reveals problems?
Again, no house is perfect. If we identify problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house. An inspection lets you know in advance what to expect and you can make decisions about the property. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need to hire Parkwood for an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from our written report, and will have that information for future reference.