Miami Home Inspectors FAQ’s

Q. Why should I have a home inspection?

A: To gain the knowledge needed to make the right purchasing decision.  So that you are not stuck with “Money Pit.”

Q. Do home inspections include a termite inspection?

A: No they do not.  We make arrangements so that the termite inspector is scheduled with us simultaneously.

Q. Shouldn’t I have the home inspection before I make an offer so I will know how much to offer?

A: No.  The inspection findings can be used to negotiate the contract (in most cases).  Spending your hard earned money on inspections without a hard contract may prove to be a waste.

Q. Is there a uniform service agreement or contract for a home inspection?

A: Yes.  Our industry uses a standard service agreement.

Q. How much does a typical home inspection cost?

A: The price of the home inspection depends on the size and age of the home. Please visit our new online scheduler or give us a call for a customized quote (786) 477-5975 or (561) 463-4433

Q. Does the seller have to repair all items listed on the inspection report?

A: This always depends on the contract, and your agent is the best person to guide you through the contract.

Q. Will the inspection report include the cost of repairs?

A: Yes

Q. Will the lender see the home inspection report?

A: No.  We only send to the buyer and buyer’s agent

Q. Can we ask the home inspector to alter or omit items in the report if we do not want them to become issues with the lender?

A: No.

Q. Does the buyer need to be on site during the home inspection?

A: No; however, it is strongly recommended.

Q. How long does an inspection take to complete?

A: Typically 2-3 hours on a standard size home.  Of course, the larger the home, the more extended the inspection.  We create a report as we go on a hand-held computer, which is typically ready the very next day.

Q. What happens after the inspection?

A: We stay with you FOREVER.  It means that you can call us, ask us advice, ask us for referrals and we love it.  We are here to help you forever…

Q. Are all inspectors equally capable and knowledgeable?

A: Cheap inspectors know less, do less and therefore charge less.  That was the long answer.  The short answer is NO.  Not all inspectors have the same experience, integrity or skills.

Q. How do I choose an inspector?

A:  1. Hire a Home Inspector with lots of experience:

It takes a full-time Home Inspector hundreds and hundreds of inspections to develop the eyes, ears, and nose for hunting down problems. Part-time inspectors simply do not have the proper time in the field to develop that radar. Be sure to ask how many inspections he/she performs annually and for how many years. A quality Home Inspector does at least 200 to 300 inspections annually. Blind inspectors conduct 50 to 100 inspections annually. Conducting 200 to 300 inspections each year requires extensive referrals by prior clients, lenders, real estate agents and others-so there is a much greater chance the inspector is not blind.

Atlantic Building Inspections conducts 800 to 1,000 inspections annually and has been for over EIGHT years. Atlantic Building Inspection’s Inspectors all perform over 350 inspections annually.

2. The Company that offers the lowest price is NOT the company you should hire:

The company that offers the lowest price is showing you a couple of things; 1) they are new or part-time and 2) they do not know their costs (they will not be in business very long). If you want a thorough Home Inspection of, what most likely will be, the largest purchase of your life, you will want an experienced Home Inspection Company on your side.

Hiring a Home Inspection Company that has been performing home inspections for years and understands that they are working for you and no one else is critical. Making sure that you, the buyer, understands the condition of your new property is our first priority. Home inspectors that charge less, know less, do less and therefore inspect less. They typically do not carry the technology and tools that are necessary to complete a thorough inspection. Additionally, they usually do not carry the proper industry related insurances.

Atlantic Building Inspections inputs all findings into a hand-held computer at the very moment they are observing the condition. This eliminates errors and omissions. We always provide an on-site review of our findings with you and make sure that you understand all aspects of the property. The final report, which includes photos and cost summaries, is emailed to you as a PDF file within 24 hours (usually less) of the inspection.

3. Education and Training:

A contractor and a Professional Home Inspector are very different. Home Inspectors are responsible for evaluating all the systems and components of the home—not just one aspect such as the foundation or framing. To be able to provide a competent evaluation of all these systems and components takes formal education and training.

Atlantic Building Inspections’ inspectors have attended one of the two top home inspection schools in the country, completing more than 120 hours of course work and classroom training. In addition, each inspector spends a minimum of 70 inspections training under the owner of the company, insuring consistency and completeness of the inspection process and reporting. Our quality control process is stringent as the Owner of the company reviews every inspection report and EVERY photo. Our inspectors are all members of interNACHI and complete over 20 hours of continuing education annually.

4. Certifications:

While certifications are certainly important, it’s the combination of experience, education, and training that makes the difference in the competency of your next home inspector. Certification lets the world know that the inspector has sufficient knowledge to pass the testing requirements, but does not confirm his ability to perform a competent inspection in the field. We all know people that are certified for one thing or another that we would not hire under any circumstances.

There is simply no substitute for experience coupled with proper training. All Inspectors with Atlantic Building Inspections are State Licensed and Certified. Owner and Founder, Carlos M. Gonzalez, does not allow the inspector to perform inspections, on their own, until he is beyond satisfied with the inspector’s level of training, knowledge and experience.

5. The Inspection Report:

The top home inspectors, in today’s business, do not produce hand-written reports. A professional inspector will provide a comprehensive report using software written specifically for home inspections. These reports usually contain information that does not pertain directly to the property inspected. You want your report to be in plain English, not “Techno-Jargon” that only home inspectors can understand.

Carlos M. Gonzalez has spent the last seven years perfecting the software utilized by Atlantic Building Inspections. Click back into our web-site (www.atlanticbuildinginspections.com) and take a few moments to review our sample reports (scroll to the bottom of the home page). Our reports are detailed and yet easy to navigate. All of our reports include photos and cost summaries.

6. How Long Has The Inspection Company Been In Business:

Is the Home Inspection Company locally owned or a faceless corporation where no one is monitoring the quality of their work? How long has the company been in business? Does the Home Inspection Company have dedicated employees performing Home Inspections? Does the Company have a Customer Service Department? Will you be able to call your inspector for follow-up questions and assistance after your Home Inspection?

Atlantic Building Inspections is locally owned and operated. Carlos M. Gonzalez founded the company in 2005 and has brought on staff, over the years, to meet the demands of the growing company. Our staff is dedicated, friendly and responsive. We understand the demands of “The Real Estate Contract” and the time sensitivity involved. Our inspectors return every call the SAME DAY! Even if it is in the evening. We are always available to answer any questions call us now at (786) 477-5975 or (561) 463-4433 and see for yourself.

7. Ask To See What Other Home Buyers Have Said About The Inspector:

Quality Professional Home Inspectors request feedback from their clients. Because you cannot improve what you do not measure, professional home inspectors want to know what they are doing right, as well as what may need some improvement. If the inspector cannot or will not provide client referrals, he/she may be blind in more ways than one!

Atlantic Building Inspections clients gladly provide their feedback and we are happy to share them with you. Take a look at what our clients are saying.