General Home Inspections - Real Estate Inspections for Rochester-area buyers and sellers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a home inspection?

The inspection is a reasonable effort to disclose the conditions existing on the day of the inspection. A look at your home with an experienced eye. The inspection does not reveal information on the concealed areas or items not inspected.

For example: Insulation in the visible areas of the attic does not imply insulation under the attic floor.

Are there any limitations?

Yes. Inspectors do the best job they can, but sometimes physical obstructions, weather conditions, etc. prevent them from doing the whole job.

For example: A snow covered roof or concealed areas. The inspector cannot make representations about what was uninspected. Approximently 3/4 of the components of a house are concealed or out of sight.

What if the report reveals problems?

Just because the house may have some problems doesn’t mean it isn’t a good investment. The report will help you understand what will be involved in the future maintenance, whether you may be able to negotiate with the seller on the price of the home, or getting repairs done before closing.

Remember, the choice is always yours.

Which houses should be inspected?

Any house should be inspected regardless of age. New construction as well as existing houses have defects.

The inspector uses his experience of inspecting older houses to anticipate future problems with new constructions.

Can a house “fail” inspection?

An inspector will not pass or fail a house. A professional home inspection is simply an examination of the current condition of the house.

An inspector describes the house’s condition and notes items in need of immediate repair or replacement.

Is an inspection an insurance policy or warranty against future repairs?

No. The home inspector will never be able to predict every repair or maintenance item encountered while owning a house. Purchasing a home brings risk. An inspection cannot eliminate this risk. An inspection does not constitute a warranty against future repairs or an insurance policy.

Do I need to be present at the home inspection?

It isn’t necessary for you to be present at the inspection, however, being at the inspection will help you learn about your new home. The inspector can give you tips on maintenance and upkeep. It’s a good time for you to ask questions.

Why do I need an inspection?

Buying a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. A home inspection will let you know the condition of the property before you buy, so you may avoid unpleasant costly repairs afterwards. After an inspection, you should have a clearer understanding about the property and feel confident that you are equipped to make an informed buying decision.

When do I call the home inspector?

After you have made an offer to purchase the property or before closing is a good time to call in an inspector.

Have your lawyer or real estate agent include an “inspection clause” in the contract, making your purchase contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.

An unbiased inspection...

GENERAL Home Inspections, Inc., values integrity and wants to provide you with a thorough and unbiased property inspection. Because of this, we do not perform repairs on any property we inspect. No mixed motives—therefore, an inspection report you can trust.