Murdock Home Inspections

Q. SHOULD I BE THERE AT THE INSPECTION?

It is not necessary for you to be there for the home inspection, but it is highly recommended. You will be able to watch the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the property, how the home systems work, and how to maintain your new home. You will also find the home inspection report easier to understand if you've seen the home first-hand with the inspector. You may want to come about an hour or so into the inspection which is a better use of time for most home inspections clients.

Q. WHAT IS A "HOME INSPECTION" AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the home structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation, from the front to the back. Having a home inspected is like giving the property a physical check-up. If issues or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation or monitor a situation as deemed necessary. It is a way to give the client and their family a snap shot view of the home from an unbiased point of view. It can limit the unwanted surprises that a new home can bring.

Q. WHAT WILL MY HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?

A standard home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system(s), visable interior plumbing and electrical systems, gas fuel systems when applicable; the roof, attic when accessible, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Murdock Inspections has pool & spa inspection & indoor water evaluations available at a nominal cost, not all home inspectors offer these and will refer out for this additional service.

Q. HOW MUCH WILL A HOME INSPECTION COST?

The home inspection fee for a typical single family residence varies geographically, as does the cost of housing and the cost of living expenses. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee will vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, how old is the house, and possible additional services, such as crawl space, casita or guest house, pool & spa inspections, water quality evaluations. It is a good idea to check local prices on your own if this is the most important issue. However, do not let cost be the only mitigating factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the investment, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily the best deal. The inspector's qualifications, training, and professional affiliations along with any extras the inspector gives the client, should be all part of the consideration.  Maybe the first question should be what do you include with a home inspection? IE: warranty, guarantee, information books, summary with pictures, on-line delivery of report, 24 hour report turnaround, lifetime consultation, these are a few of the extras you can expect from Murdock Inspections that most do not offer.

Q. WHY CAN'T I DO MY OWN HOME INSPECTION?

Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as with ones are more prone to fail. A Qualified home inspector keeps up with current problems that arise in the field by reading and attending continued education classes. When interviewing inspectors, ask what and when was the last class he or she attended & how many hours of continuing education they have in the past year. Most buyers find it very difficult to remain unemotional and completely objective about the house they put an offer on, and this many times will affect their judgment. For the most unbiased information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by a qualified home inspector. It is money well invested in your future home and your family will thank you for reducing the unwanted surprises.

Q. A FORECLOSURE, SHORT-SALE OR HOME SOLD AS-IS DOESN'T NEED A HOME INSPECTION.

There is some misinformation about the so-called "AS-IS" home in real estate. When a seller be it a bank or whomever states they are selling a house "AS-IS" does not relieve the seller from certain responsibilities under California state law relating to the sale or transfer of ownership of real property. The bank or asset manager in many cases has never set foot on the property being sold and does not have a working knowledge of the property, this situation alone is enough unknown information that you would want a professional home inspector to review the home and it's systems before completing the sale. Many of these home were left behind by very upset people losing their home and what can be found in these family-less homes is mind blowing which the bank or asset manager is completely unaware of without having this inspection completed. Many of the stories are very scary and not easily seen by the average eye, don't let a few dollars saved on not having a home inspection cost you many unprepared thousands in future.

Q. CAN A HOUSE FAIL A HOME INSPECTION?

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house, but rather report on its physical condition and indicate what may need repair, replacement or further evaluation. With this important information you can make an educated decision about your future and if it warrants further examination of the homes usefulness to you and your family. Many times the the deal you and your agent have negotiated out weighs the issues the home may have, without the home inspection report information you can't make an educated decision only an emotional one.

Q. WHAT IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS PROBLEMS?

All homes have problems, look at the one you are living in now. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect and can budget for your future. What scares most people is the unknown and as home inspectors we try to reduce that factor as much as humanly possible. A seller may or may not adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If you are on a tight budget, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information can be very important to you and your family. Discuss what was found with your inspector and then speak with your real estate agent with your questions, you may have already negotiated your best deal and this deal makes perfect sense, with a home inspection you will have more information to make that smarter educated decision.

Q. IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED HOME INSPECTION?

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes wide open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will want to keep that information for future reference.

Q. HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED?

A home Inspection usually takes 2.5 to 6 hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Murdock Inspections supplies computer generated report, which includes digital photographs, these reports are not technically exhaustive. Murdock Inspections does take their time and give all systems careful consideration. We only schedule one appointment per day to insure our inspector gives you his/her complete attention. Consultation is provided at the conclusion of the inspection giving you an opportunity to get answers to your questions about the property.

Q. WHO SHOULD I CALL IF FUTHER EXHAUSTIVE OR SPECIALIZED INSPECTION AND OR REPAIR ARE RECOMMENDED?

There are many different sources for home repairs, Internet, phone book, friends & neighbors. If your inspector gives you any contacts, these are not a recommendation but a convenience and we urge you to find at least 2-3 different licensed contractors or licensed skilled tradesman before any repairs or replacements, get prices and second opinions before moving forward on any repair.

Q. IS THE HOME INSPECTION REPORT A SELLERS REPAIR LIST?

The home inspection report is not meant to be a sellers repair list. The primary reason for hiring a home inspector is to get information about the home your are purchasing before you actually buy it. ALL home have defects and issues, it is impossible to purchase a home without some kind of defects, after all houses are made by man not divine hands.  It is not the role of a home inspector to make a complete repair list for the house, nor is it the sellers obligation to repair any issues found by the home inspector. Sellers are not obligated to produce repair free or flawless home by contract or law. Many repairs are negotiable but not required to be done by the seller. Sellers make repairs as a matter of choice, not obligation: to help with good will and facilitate the completion of a real estate transaction. Sellers may refuse demands, except where required by law or real estate contract.