FAQ - Minneapolis Home Inspections Minneapolis Home Inspectors

What Is An Inspection?
An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If you are thinking of
buying a home, condominium, mobile home, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final
purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.

What does it cost and how long does it take?
Although there is a base price, the exact price is determined after a few questions are answered
concerning things like type of home, square footage, age of the home, and if there are any known
existing problems that may require extra time inspecting. A typical inspection on an average size
residential home may take two to four hours.

What type of things do you inspect?
Please read the Standards of Practice and Scope pages for details. A complete inspection includes
a visual examination of the building from top to
bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage,
plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and
doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.

Do you inspect Mold and Radon?
We do not do a separate inspection or evaluation targeting these items at this time.
*Mold - There are many things that can indicate the probability of mold. The observation of anything
that appears to be Mold would be duly noted in our report. We do not do lab testing or sample
testing.
*Radon - Radon evaluation can be done by you, the homeowner, with EPA approved Radon Test
Kits that are available for under $10 from the locations on the following page. The EPA and
Minnesota Indoor Air Quality Dept considers these test kits to be just as accurate as any
professional "paid for" test.
*Two standard methods exist for testing a home for the presence of radon gas. Short-term testing
methods are designed to provide a quick radon value. Short-term tests can be as short as 48 hours
and as long as 90 days. Long-term testing methods are designed to provide an annual average of
radon gas. Long-term tests run for a minimum of 90 days, and usually for 6 to 12 months. The EPA
recommends performing a short-term test for radon. If that test comes back below the EPA Action
Level ( 4.0 pCi/L), then no further immediate action is warranted. However, the home should be tested
again after any air sealing work, heating/air conditioning system changes or foundation modifications.
If the short-term test returns with a radon value of 4.0-10.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends performing a
long-term test to gauge the home's annual radon concentration. The results of the long-term test
should be used to determine the necessity of radon mitigation (reduction). Another option is to
conduct a second short term test if quicker results are desired. If the first short-term test returns
above 10.0 pCi/L, then the EPA recommends performing a second short-term test to verify the
results and using the average of the two short-term tests to determine the necessity of radon
mitigation. You can see payng for these tests could be quite costly. Performing these test is really
quite simple. Just follow directions. If the results show elevated levels, you may then want to call a
radon mitigation company.

Are test kits for measuring radon gas accurate? Yes. The largest source of error in radon testing
does not come from the type of device used, but rather from the failure to maintain appropriate closed
house conditions during the period of the test. It is important to carefully follow test kit instructions if
you want accurate results. The accuracy of almost all commercially available radon measurement
devices has been evaluated in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Radon Measurement
Proficiency Program (RMP). This program exposed the devices to established radon levels and
returned them to the company or individual for evaluation. A minimum passing requirement was that
the result must have been within plus or minus 25% of the established radon levels. Most devices
have better performance at the EPA guideline level of 4 picocuries per liter of air. Laboratories and
measurement service providers have quality assurance programs and controls to maintain reliable
performance and accurate results.

When do I get the report? The report can be printed and presented to you on site at the time of the
inspection, burned to a CD, mailed or e-mailed to you, whichever way is more suitable to your needs.

Are you licensed? No. There is no license available or required in the State of Minnesota. We have
had extensive professional training, and participate in on-going continuing education programs
through various schools and our professional organizations and have successfully passed tests given
by nationally recognized home inspectors organizations.

Can a residential property "FAIL" an inspection?
No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective
real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore,
will not pass or fail a residence, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be
in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.

What If The Report Reveals Problems?
Talk to your Realtor. If the inspector finds problems in a building, it does not necessarily mean you
should not buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. Most of time
the defiencies noted are typical for the vintage ofthe property. A seller may be willing to make repairs
because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. If your budget is tight, or if you do not
wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you.
The choice is yours.

Why Do I Need An Inspection?
The purchase of a home is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should
know exactly what to expect --- both indoors and out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and
maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling
may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The
inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of
the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point
out the positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good
shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding
of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.

As a seller, if you have owned your building for a period of time, an inspection can identify potential
problems in the sale of your building and can recommend preventive measures which might avoid
future expensive repairs.

Can I Inspect The Building Myself?
Even the most experienced building or home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a
professional inspector who has inspected hundreds, and perhaps thousands of homes and buildings
in their career. An inspector is equally familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the
proper installation, maintenance and inter-relationships of these elements. Above all, most buyers
find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the building
they really want, and this may lead to a poor assessment.

Should I Attend The Inspection?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea and I do encourage
it. By following the inspector, observing, and asking questions, you will learn about the new home
and may get some tips on general maintenance. Information that will be of great help to you after
you've moved in.

What should I know about Asbestos?
Any area that appears to have asbestos would be duly noted but you should have a asbestos
technician or specialist in this field do a thorough asbestos inspection of this problem and make
recommendations.
It is advisable to get information on this problem. You may contact Asbestos and Mesothelioma
News for more information.