SuburbanHomeInspections
 St Paul / Mpls​

* What items are in need of repair, and what items - if any - are in need of immediate attention
* Approximately how much longer you can expect major items to last

* Overall condition of major systems
* Maintenance tips

How it works:
Times are approximations - and will vary by size / condition of home

AM Appointment: Inspection generally starts at 9:30 AM
Buyer/Client arrives at 11:45 for the walk-through/review
Inspection completed by 12:45 PM

PM Appointment: Inspection generally starts at 1:30 PM
Buyer/Client arrives at 3:45 PM for the walk-through/review
Inspection completed by 5:00 PM

The Walk-through

 

Your inspector will designate a walk-through time, where we ask you to meet at the home.  You are welcome to arrive earlier than this time.  In fact, the ideal arrival time is 30 minutes prior to the start of the walk-through. This allows for more time to see certain portions of the home you may not yet have had time to view.

Who should be present?

 

It’s important to be focused on the results during your walk-through; Anything you can do to limit / eliminate distractions is recommended.  Generally, the smaller the number of people present, the better. We understand if you want to bring a family member or friend who is knowledgeable about homes, but it is best to avoid bringing family members who simply want to see the home for the first time.  This often results in more conversation directed towards other homes (stories).  Remember - this is not a showing; it's an inspection review.  Since our walk-through time is limited, we would rather focus every minute of the walk-through on the condition of your home.

If you need a contractor to be present during the inspection (i.e. for estimates of an upcoming project), please advise them that their review / summary must take place after the inspection is complete (an exception to this would be sewer scoping companies).

The Review & Report

 

Summarizing a home in a 45-60 minute time period can be a challenging task for an inspector, so rather than talk about every item that was documented, your inspector will focus on items he believes are the most significant.  This tends to include items such as leaks, structural concerns, safety hazards, and overall condition of major components.  Ultimately, your inspector wants you to understand which things are normal for a home of similar age and construction versus what things are in need of attention.

Your inspection report will be e-mailed to you by the following day.  Since the report is your property, it is sent only to you (and your agent, if desired). We do not share the information with any other individuals (including the seller, or any city official).  Once you have viewed the report, you are welcome to contact your inspector with any follow-up questions you may have.

Repair cost estimates are not provided with your inspection findings.
Any repair estimates discussed during the walk-through are only rough approximations and must be verified by quotes from qualified contractors.

Once you have had time to review your report, your agent will help you determine what, if any items you will request the sellers to address prior to closing.  There are no rules for this, but your inspector and your agent can help instruct you on what types of issues are most commonly requested.

Why choose Suburban Home Inspections?

 

We're More Thorough: I have over 26 years of inspection experience - and I know how to explain a home properly to a buyer.  Whether you are a first time buyer, or an experienced homeowner, the results of an inspection must be explained in context to the age of the home.  All homes have some things that can be, or should be improved.  What you need to know is what items are most important, or are unusual / concerning - versus what items are normal for a similar type of home (age / style).

Our Reports are Better: Once your inspection is over, the report is all that you take with you, so detail and clarity are essential.  Some inspectors provide abbreviated reports because they are quick and easy to generate.  Of course, that is of no advantage to you.  At Suburban Home Inspections, we spend more time on our reports, but still manage to have them e-mailed in a timely manner.  And each report is loaded with images that will help you explain the results to third parties, if necessary.