FAQs
Q: HOW DO I CHOOSE AN INSPECTOR?
A: Call up and ask about
their credentials and experience. If for some reason you don't feel comfortable
asking this of the inspector when speaking with them on the phone then how will
you feel asking questions at the inspection? You must feel that the inspector
is qualified, experienced and attentive of your needs. Prices often reflect experience and quality –
you usually get what you pay for. A good
inspection can save you thousands at the settlement table and in the long run –
is it worth saving $20-30 with so much at stake?
Q:
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS OR CREDENTIALS SHOULD A HOME INSPECTOR OFFER?
A:
Q:
WHAT WILL THE INSPECTION COVER?
A: Our thorough Inspections
cover everything from the roof to the foundation, exceeding all industry
Standards of Practice. See Our Services for a detailed
description.
Q:
WHY CAN'T I HAVE SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY WHO IS VERY HANDY OR A CONTRACTOR,
INSPECT MY NEW HOME OR PROPERTY?
A: This is the biggest mistake
many potential buyers/sellers/homeowners make. Although the person you are
considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at
professional home inspections. Professional home inspection training and
expertise is a unique and like no other. Professional inspectors get what we
call an inspector's instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive
training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors,
and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect
their homes when they make a purchase.
Q:
HOW MUCH “LEAD TIME” DOES SHERLOCK HOMES REQUIRE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN
INSPECTION?
A: Typically our inspections
are scheduled on a “first come first served basis.” However, unlike most
inspection companies we are willing to “flex” our schedule to accommodate yours
(within reason). We even perform inspections on the weekends and will
accommodate for RUSH inspections with as little as 12 hours notice.
Q:
SHOULD I BE PRESENT DURING THE INSPECTION?
A: We recommend that you be
present at the site of the inspection, so the inspector can show you defects
and explain why they are defective as well as point out important maintenance
issues. Sometimes, this is not possible,
so our Online Report feature allows you to view the property, systems, and
items of interest as if you were there.
Q:
HOW LONG WILL THE INSPECTION TAKE?
A: Most Inspections take
about 2-3 hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age &
condition of the home. Most importantly,
an inspection is never over until ALL your questions have been answered to your
satisfaction.
Q:
WHEN CAN I EXPECT MY REPORT?
A: Sherlock Homes
Inspection Services makes every effort to produce a report on-site, within 30
minutes after your inspection. We also
post your inspection report on our secure website and email/fax you the report
within 24 hours. Your preliminary report, including digital pictures is ready
minutes after your inspection, and a formal Final Report is emailed and/or
mailed to you within 24 hours. This
gives us a chance to double check our work and ensure the most accurate and
thorough report we can produce.
Q:
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS AFTER THE INSPECTION?
A: Sherlock Homes is always
on the case! Our relationship only
begins with the inspection. We provide
you with a Free Homeowner Hotline for as long as you own your home – call
anytime, to ask any question about your report, your home…even your friend’s
home! We will always give you free,
professional advice, and if we can’t answer the question over the phone, we
will come back out for a courtesy look at the item in question.
Request an Inspection
Or Call
215-620-5308
To Schedule Your Inspection Today!!
