FAQs

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 of the home and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

A: At the completion of the inspection our inspector will provide you with a computer-generated report, printed in color, including a digital photo of the house.

A: At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector will print an on-site, computer-generated report which will be 15 to 20 pages in length. The Property Inspection Report will give easy to read details on:

1. The general condition of the home from the roof to the basement.
2. How things work.
3. Major and minor deficiencies.
4. Suggestions to remedy deficiencies.
5. Any major expenditure coming up.
6. What to watch out for.

Then the inspector will review the report with you to make sure that you understand everything.

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. We have three full-time schedulers on staff to assist you and 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.

A: The price of the inspection varies based on the size of the home. Larger homes take longer to inspect, hence the fees for these homes are greater than those for a smaller home. However, don’t let the price of the inspection determine whether or not you get a home inspection or the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector’s qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional affiliations should be the most important consideration.

Check out “How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost in Chicago?” for more information.

A: At the conclusion of the inspection payment is due. We accept personal checks (made out to Xcellence Inspection Services), cash and all major credit cards. If you are unable to attend the inspection, we ask that you furnish us with your credit card information when scheduling your appointment. Your card will not be charged until the inspection is complete.

A: A thorough Inspection covers everything from the roof to the foundation.

Items that are included in the Inspection are as follows:

Items that are included in the Inspection are as follows:
Attic Insulation Ventilation Roof & Flashings Gutters Basement Crawlspace Foundation Grading Retaining Walls Siding & Trim Driveways & Walks	Ceilings Floors Walls Doors & Windows Chimney Fireplace Major Appliances Electrical System Water Heater Plumbing System Air Conditioning Heating

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

A: We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.

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.

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. A 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.

A: You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.