Home Inspection Tips

Question you should ask when choosing a Home Inspector

Choosing a home inspection company is an important decision for every home buyer. A thorough, pre-purchase inspection of a house can be your best defense against unwanted surprises after you move into your new home. On this page of our site, we’ll try to give you some insight into what questions you should ask when selecting a home inspection service. Even if you don’t choose Home Inspections Plus+, we’d like to help you make an educated decision.

The Company

1. How long have you been in the business as a home inspection company?
We have been in the residential inspection business since 2001.

2. Are you involved with or associated with any other business?
We are not involved in any other business. We do not participate in any repair or construction related activities. It represents a conflict of interest. But we can provide a list of contractors to assist you.

3. Do you have professional Liability insurance?
Yes.

4. Do you have Errors & Omissions insurance?
Yes.

5. Do you encourage the client to attend the inspection?
We always encourage the buyer to attend the inspection. Buyers that attend have a better understanding of the property as viewed by the inspector and are better able to read and interpret the final report. The buyer’s attendance also helps them understand the scope of a home inspection as well as the limitations.

6. How soon can you typically schedule an inspection?
An inspection can usually be scheduled within two or three days.

7. How long will the inspection take?
A typical inspection of a house will take approximately 2 hours.

8. When can I expect the report?
We deliver our report through email, typically within 24 hours.

9 . What towns do you perform home inspections?
Locally we serve: Anchorage, Eagle River, Chugiak, Wasilla, Palmer, Sutton, Girdwood, Big Lake, Central Mat-Su, and Houston. We will travel statewide but additional costs for travel; lodging and expenses incurred should be anticipated.

The Inspector

1. Are you experienced in residential inspections?
Troy Bloxom, CRI, ACI has extensive experience in performing home inspections. He has inspected many properties and has over 35 years of construction and inspection experience. Not only is Troy experienced in residential inspections, he is also an ICC inspector that can inspect the home during the course of construction. In addition, has completed the industry’s most extensive training program, offered by American Home Inspectors Training Institute, ITA, Carson Dunlap, COA, & ASHI.

2. How many residential inspections have you performed?
Troy typically inspects 350 - 500 homes and properties annually, this varies with the market and seasonal factors.

3. Are you a certified member of national inspection organizations?
Troy has close ties with The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) which is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to establishing standards of excellence for professional home inspectors.

4. Will the inspector be available to speak with the owner or contractor to clarify issues?
During the inspection Troy does not answer his telephone with him as he is inspecting for you and you have his full attention. Troy will promptly return any call with questions to clarify issues as he is able during the day. He would always prefer to spend the time with the person making repairs to make sure they understand what is needed. Many times the person doing the work does not have the photos, which help explain the condition.

5. Are you current in the state mandated continuing education?
Continuing education is a high priority to serve you better. Troy typically accrues over 50 hours of continuing education each year. Some can be acquired locally but much of it requires travel to conferences out of state.

The Report

1. How much will the inspection cost?
Please remember that that lowest cost does not mean the best inspection and report. For instance, are you getting pictures? What is the experience of the inspector? What is the time frame to get the report? The inspection fees vary depending on the size and age of the house. A full inspection of an average 2400 square foot house is $475.00. Call our office at 907-694-PLUS (7587) for a specific quotation.

2. What will the inspection report include; Individual sections, photos, a summary?
There are individual sections with a full inspection; which covers the site and grounds; exterior, visible structural components, foundation, roof surface (weather permitting), attic and insulation, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, heating/AC, garage, kitchen, bathrooms, and interior rooms. Photos and a summary are standard.

3. Will you prepare a written report?
Yes, we prepare an extensive written report that varies from home to home which includes photos. Included is a Report Overview that will let you quickly review the different categories of items and recommended improvements to the home. Not all inspectors generate their own reports which can create a less than accurate or incomplete inspection.

4. Is the report hand written or computer based?
We prepare an extensive computer generated report that varies from home to home and includes photos. Included is a Report Overview that will let you quickly review the different categories of items and recommended improvements to the home.

5. How soon is the report available?
The information contained in the report is gathered on-site and completed electronically during and after the inspection. The report is generally available within 24 hours.

6. Can we see a sample of your report?
You can receive a sample report by going to the resources tab on this website.

7. Does the report conform to a national standard?
Yes, our reports conform to (and exceed) the ASHI Standards of Practice.

8. Does your company provide any post inspection maintenance information?
Yes, we provide a user friendly guide with each inspection, Home Systems Guide, How to Operate Your Home by Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It. This manual has over 250 illustrations and a wealth of information.