Frequently Asked Questions
All you need to know.
Well, it depends if you enjoy living life on the edge. For sellers, do you like surprises during the middle of very large transactions that represent the sale of your largest (or one of the largest) assets in your financial portfolio? Investors – do you enjoy guessing the value of your investment or do you prefer to know (with certainty)? Buyers – do you like knowing what kind of home you’re buying or would you rather roll the dice on its condition? Consider that many sellers are simply unaware (or may be concealing) deficiencies. You and your family deserve to know what you’re buying.
Industry standards enforce a level of service that every inspector (who is reputable) will meet. These typically center around $400 to $600 in today’s market for a typical home-depending on the size, complexity and any special characteristics of the home. Special tests or inspections will typically cost more (i.e., radon, mold, energy efficiency, etc.). PAYMENT WILL BE MADE VIA A SPECIFIC PAYMENT LINK THAT IS SENT TO THE PURCHASER PRIOR TO THE REPORT BEING RECEIVED. Beware of cheap inspections that deliver too little value. In addition to this core inspection you may need to add funding for particularly large homes (e.g., six-plus bathrooms, four attics, very large foundations, etc.), or other tests (e.g., mold or air quality, sewer scope, complex foundation and drainage or roofing anomalies, etc.). These additional services and additional square footage coverage vary by inspector.
Most can be performed in three to four hours. See note above.
Although extenuating circumstances can vary, most purchasers and home inspectors are comfortable with “before midnight” of the day of the inspection. This allows for thoroughness, spell check and accuracy.
No, but bidirectional communications is vital to any real estate transaction. Feel free to ask questions and/or tag along. If you are unable to be present, the report will speak for itself. North Star will also answer follow up questions that you may have.
Typically, home inspectors do not/should not have a financial interest in quoting or making repairs. How repairs are handled is up to the purchaser of the inspection (i.e., the buyer or the seller or an investor—or even a tenant).
There is a charge for revisits for those occasions when a system was unavailable at the initial inspection (examples include: the utilities were not turned on, portions of the home were inaccessible, a repair needs to be reinspected, etc.). It is best to wait for all systems to be operational before scheduling the inspection. The revisit charge is usually $75. Note: when timing is of the essence, you can schedule the inspection and simply tell the inspector to ignore a portion of the home (e.g., the sump pump in the basement) if you know if will be repaired by closing).
No. Like many small business persons, home inspectors have specialty areas, tools and gadgets, communications and writing styles, various backgrounds, a pace of operations, level of responsiveness, etc. At North Star we emphasize a balanced approach–in all areas. This means (for example) the use of modern tools—but not every last gadget that drives up the price you have to pay without delivering much value. Another example is citing relevant and significant deficiencies by performing a thorough inspection but not every single inconsequential defect (e.g., hairline cracks which show very normal age) that merely overwhelm a client. We have found that most persons who purchase a home inspection also need guidance on the priorities once the inspection is completed. Our motto is Harmonia est ex Veritate (i.e., harmony comes from truth).
Yes. It will contain textual descriptions and photographs of the home and any deficiencies that are found.
North Star will work reasonably and amicably with all clients but please remember, we may be turning down other inspections in order to reserve time for your inspection. Last minute cancelations may be subject to a cancellation fee of $100.
We have created a list of suggestions to help you prepare your home for inspection (don’t worry… it’s not too much…). Download the one-page tip sheet Tips for preparing for an Inspection NSHI
Our believe is that real estate agents and REALORS generally earn their fee by representing buyers’ interests. They will be willing to coach you on this. Regardless of the fee issues, our opinion is that you should know which characteristics of the home are most important to you. For example, one person may find the decorative trim on the roof charming while another may find it to be a maintenance headache. Others may be willing to accept some anomalies because the location is absolutely perfect! Finally, others may love lots of shrubs, a big lawn and large trees while some may see only trimming, raking, and lawn service expenses. What is most important to you as look for your new home? Clearly answering this question will help you put the home inspection report into context.
North Star prefers to give each client a home maintenance book. This is not a booklet, rather a highly graphical and prescriptive guide that is loaded with substantive information that teaches you how to maintain your investment. We also desire to be a resource to all former clients (and their families) in any way practicable. Feel free to contact us in the future.
Yes and yes. This is standard and protects us both. We use standard industry language and clauses as dictated by accepted standards of practice.
Yes and yes. We carry insurance covering mishaps or unexpected occurrences.
One of the unique aspects of living in the Washington DC Metro area (i.e., the DMV) is the high concentration of law enforcement, national security and public safety personnel. This affects many buildings and aircraft and a long list of other highly sensitive assets (of all types!). (Interesting Side Note: The DMV has the highest concentration of law enforcement personnel in the Western Hemisphere…as well as the aircraft, gear and equipment to support themselves!). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) place very strict limitations on the non-governmental use of drones, sometimes referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or systems (UAS). This disallows the practical use of drones for roof inspections in portions of Northern Virginia. For more information on this topic, consult the Fairfax County website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/uas/uas-flights-within-fairfax-county
Do I really even need an inspection?
Well, it depends if you enjoy living life on the edge. For sellers, do you like surprises during the middle of very large transactions that represent the sale of your largest (or one of the largest) assets in your financial portfolio? Investors – do you enjoy guessing the value of your investment or do you prefer to know (with certainty)? Buyers – do you like knowing what kind of home you’re buying or would you rather roll the dice on its condition? Consider that many sellers are simply unaware (or may be concealing) deficiencies. You and your family deserve to know what you’re buying.
How much does an inspection cost and how do I pay for it?
Industry standards enforce a level of service that every inspector (who is reputable) will meet. These typically center around $400 to $600 in today’s market for a typical home-depending on the size, complexity and any special characteristics of the home. Special tests or inspections will typically cost more (i.e., radon, mold, energy efficiency, etc.). PAYMENT WILL BE MADE VIA A SPECIFIC PAYMENT LINK THAT IS SENT TO THE PURCHASER PRIOR TO THE REPORT BEING RECEIVED. Beware of cheap inspections that deliver too little value. In addition to this core inspection you may need to add funding for particularly large homes (e.g., six-plus bathrooms, four attics, very large foundations, etc.), or other tests (e.g., mold or air quality, sewer scope, complex foundation and drainage or roofing anomalies, etc.). These additional services and additional square footage coverage vary by inspector.
How long does a home inspection take?
Most can be performed in three to four hours. See note above.
When can I expect to receive my home inspection report?
Although extenuating circumstances can vary, most purchasers and home inspectors are comfortable with “before midnight” of the day of the inspection. This allows for thoroughness, spell check and accuracy.
Do I need to be present for all or part of the inspection?
No, but bidirectional communications is vital to any real estate transaction. Feel free to ask questions and/or tag along. If you are unable to be present, the report will speak for itself. North Star will also answer follow up questions that you may have.
What happens if the inspection uncovers the need for repairs?
Typically, home inspectors do not/should not have a financial interest in quoting or making repairs. How repairs are handled is up to the purchaser of the inspection (i.e., the buyer or the seller or an investor—or even a tenant).
What if a revisit is needed and the inspector needs return to the home?
There is a charge for revisits for those occasions when a system was unavailable at the initial inspection (examples include: the utilities were not turned on, portions of the home were inaccessible, a repair needs to be reinspected, etc.). It is best to wait for all systems to be operational before scheduling the inspection. The revisit charge is usually $75. Note: when timing is of the essence, you can schedule the inspection and simply tell the inspector to ignore a portion of the home (e.g., the sump pump in the basement) if you know if will be repaired by closing).
Are all inspectors the same?
No. Like many small business persons, home inspectors have specialty areas, tools and gadgets, communications and writing styles, various backgrounds, a pace of operations, level of responsiveness, etc. At North Star we emphasize a balanced approach–in all areas. This means (for example) the use of modern tools—but not every last gadget that drives up the price you have to pay without delivering much value. Another example is citing relevant and significant deficiencies by performing a thorough inspection but not every single inconsequential defect (e.g., hairline cracks which show very normal age) that merely overwhelm a client. We have found that most persons who purchase a home inspection also need guidance on the priorities once the inspection is completed. Our motto is Harmonia est ex Veritate (i.e., harmony comes from truth).
Will I receive a report?
Yes. It will contain textual descriptions and photographs of the home and any deficiencies that are found.
What if I need to cancel or postpone a scheduled inspection?
North Star will work reasonably and amicably with all clients but please remember, we may be turning down other inspections in order to reserve time for your inspection. Last minute cancelations may be subject to a cancellation fee of $100.
As a seller, how can I prepare for the inspection?
We have created a list of suggestions to help you prepare your home for inspection (don’t worry… it’s not too much…). Download the one-page tip sheet here. https://www.northstar-homeinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2024/07/Prparing-for-My-Upcoming-Home-Inspection.pdf
As a buyer, how can I prepare for the inspection?
Our believe is that real estate agents and REALORS generally earn their fee by representing buyers’ interests. They will be willing to coach you on this. Regardless of the fee issues, our opinion is that you should know which characteristics of the home are most important to you. For example, one person may find the decorative trim on the roof charming while another may find it to be a maintenance headache. Others may be willing to accept some anomalies because the location is absolutely perfect! Finally, others may love lots of shrubs, a big lawn and large trees while some may see only trimming, raking, and lawn service expenses. What is most important to you as look for your new home? Clearly answering this question will help you put the home inspection report into context.
What else will I receive when I purchase a home inspection?
North Star prefers to give each client a home maintenance book. This is not a booklet, rather a highly graphical and prescriptive guide that is loaded with substantive information that teaches you how to maintain your investment. We also desire to be a resource to all former clients (and their families) in any way practicable. Feel free to contact us in the future.
Does North Star use an inspection agreement and do I need to sign it?
Yes and yes. This is standard and protects us both. We use standard industry language and clauses as dictated by accepted standards of practice.
Does North Star have insurance and am I protected in the outside chance of something going wrong?
Yes and yes. We carry insurance covering mishaps or unexpected occurrences.
Why can’t you use a drone to inspect my roof?
One of the unique aspects of living in the Washington DC Metro area (i.e., the DMV) is the high concentration of law enforcement, national security and public safety personnel. This affects many buildings and aircraft and a long list of other highly sensitive assets (of all types!). (Interesting Side Note: The DMV has the highest concentration of law enforcement personnel in the Western Hemisphere…as well as the aircraft, gear and equipment to support themselves!). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) place very strict limitations on the non-governmental use of drones, sometimes referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or systems (UAS). This disallows the practical use of drones for roof inspections in portions of Northern Virginia. For more information on this topic, consult the Fairfax County website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/uas/uas-flights-within-fairfax-county
