FAQs

Advantage Inspection Upstate
  • Should I attend the inspections?

    Yes. Clients are encouraged to be present during inspections. A comprehensive report with photographs will be provided following the inspection, and we remain available for follow-up discussions to review the findings. Reach out to Advantage Inspection Upstate when you require a dependable home inspector.
  • Why do I need a home inspection?

    Purchasing a home represents the most substantial financial commitment most people make. An inspection can identify significant repairs, builder oversights, or necessary maintenance to maintain the property's condition. Research from Lending Tree indicates that approximately 24% of newly constructed homes have issues substantial enough to postpone closing.
  • What does a home inspection include?

    An inspection encompasses a thorough assessment of the property's condition, including the HVAC system, plumbing, electrical systems, roof, attic, structural components, and interior elements. It represents a comprehensive examination of the entire home from foundation to roofline.
  • Why should I have an inspection?

    Multiple factors support this decision. A home purchase represents a substantial financial commitment requiring thorough evaluation. The physical condition and operational status of all systems and components need professional assessment. An independent inspector delivers objective information that either confirms the property's sound condition or identifies repairs that may be negotiable. Since buyers frequently make decisions driven by emotion, we provide technical data independent of emotional considerations to support informed decision-making. The American Society of Home Inspectors conducted a comprehensive nationwide study demonstrating that home inspections return an average value of just over $1,500. With typical inspection fees around $400, this represents significant value while delivering peace of mind and potentially negotiable repairs.
  • Why do I need to sign a contract for a home inspection?

    When investing in property-related services, a written agreement is both recommended and standard practice. We follow the Standards of Practice established by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors to guarantee compliance and comprehensive service delivery. The agreement clearly defines the inspector's responsibilities during the inspection and establishes appropriate boundaries, such as prohibiting inspectors from performing repairs on identified issues, which would represent a clear conflict of interest.
  • Should I attend the home inspection?

    We welcome client attendance during inspections. Our goal is to make inspections educational and engaging. Beyond identifying defects, which any inspector can accomplish, we provide valuable information about emergency shutoff locations, filter replacement procedures for air and water systems, energy efficiency improvements, indoor air quality considerations, and general maintenance practices. By the inspection's conclusion, clients typically possess more knowledge about the property than the current owners. If attendance isn't possible, we deliver a detailed, easy-to-understand inspection report and remain accessible by phone to discuss findings.
  • Will the inspection report include the cost of repairs?

    Inspectors should focus on their core expertise: education and reporting concerns. Despite our knowledge, we are not contractors. We cannot accurately determine current material costs or the precise time required for specific repairs. We recommend that clients either request qualified contractors perform repairs and provide receipts, or share our professional report with a contractor to obtain accurate cost estimates. Your realtor can recommend reputable contractors, or we can provide referrals to support your decision-making process.
  • How long does an inspection take to complete?

    Duration varies based on the property's age, size, foundation type, and maintenance history. Standard inspections typically require between 2 to 4 hours. We remain onsite until a thorough evaluation is complete, with no time restrictions and no additional charges for extended inspection time.
  • How soon will I receive the inspection report?

    Advantage Inspection Upstate delivers inspection reports on the same day as the inspection. We recognize the importance of due diligence timelines and prioritize rapid report delivery.