Q: How do I choose a Home 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.

Q: What are your inspectors qualifications?
A: We are trained, licensed, insured and bonded. Have passed a rigorous
licensing examination and receive a minimum of 6 hours continuing education
per year.

Q: Can A House Fail The Inspection?
A: No. A professional home inspector does not issue a pass or fail grade on a home. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective home. The home inspector will describe the physical condition ofthe home and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

Q: When Do I Get The Report?
A: We offer a handwritten professionally prepared checklist style report at the completion of the inspection, or if you choose, a computer generated report including customized maintenance and repair suggestions which is emailed within 48 hours (In many cases same day service is available).

Q: What Kind Of Report Can I Expect?
A: Our checklist style report includes helpful information regarding your inspection, cost ranges for repairs, normal life spans of appliances, systems and materials, and helpful safety suggestions. If the computer generated report is chosen, maintenance tips and suggested repair options specific to the home are included. There is a $50 upcharge for the computerized report due to additional time spent in preparing the report. In most cases, the computerized report is suggested for those who cannot attend the inspection. For an additional $25 photos can be included in this report highlighting the findings. With this option, a text report is emailed or faxed within 48 hours, and a hardcopy of the report with photos is mailed. Be sure to check with your inspector when booking your inspection, as we are constantly upgrading our capabilities and may have new options available.
Both reports will cover the following:

• The general condition of the home from the roof to the basement.
• How things work.
• Major and minor deficiencies.
• Suggestions to remedy deficiencies.
• Any major expenditure coming up.
• What to watch out for.
  
  Then the inspector will review the report with you to make sure that you understand everything.

Q: When And How Do I Schedule A Home Inspection?
A: You generally have between seven and ten days after you sign the contract to get a home inspection. We would advise you to call us as soon as you sign a contract on the prospective home. This will ensure that you can get the inspection done at a time that's most convenient for you.

When you're ready to schedule your inspection just, give us a call at 815-765-2699. It's no problem if you call on the weekend. One of our schedulers is on call each weekend. Just leave a message on our office phone and the scheduler "on call" will get back with you, generally the same day you called.

Q: How Much Does An Inspection Cost?
A: Most homes fall under our one low price policy. Unusually large homes or multiple living unit structures are priced higher, based on the number of units. Please keep in mind that larger and older homes take longer to inspect and inform the inspector, so that enough time is allowed to do a thorough inspection. There may be additional charges for weekend inspections, or lengthy travel incurred-please call us for details.

Q: How Do I Pay The Inspector?
A: At the conclusion of the inspection payment is due. We accept personal checks (made out to Hofbro House Inspection), or cash. If you are unable to attend the inspection, arrangements will be made for payment with the inspector.

Q: What will the inspection cover?
A: A thorough Inspection covers everything from roof to the foundation.

Q: How long will the Inspection take?
A: Most Inspections take about three to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.

Q: Should I be present during the Inspection?
A: We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.

Q: Why use our Services?
A: The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, "Will This Home Stand The Test of Time?" It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money.

A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.

Q: Why can't I have someone in my family who is very handy or a contractor, inspect my new home?
A: This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill 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: What if I have questions after the inspection?
A: You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.