Home inspections aren’t just another expense the real estate industry tacks on when you buy a home. They are vital to home ownership. Understanding your home inspection and knowing what to expect can save you thousands. But home inspections aren’t just for when you buy a home. If you’re planning to sell or just planning to stay, you should schedule a home inspection.  Fresh eyes on your home can reveal maintenance issues you no longer see. That can make you more money when you list your home or help you avoid expensive repairs when you stay.

 

If you’re in the Lexington, KY area, go with the best and contact John Gilles of #1 Kentucky Home Inspections. Radio show and podcast host Jimmy “Skinny” McKinney of J&R Construction Services, Inc., chats with John about understanding your home inspection and what to expect. Whether you’re designing, building or remodeling, Skinny On The Home has advice, designs, ideas, products and techniques you need for your home improvement. 

Get these answers by a certified home inspector:

 

What does it take to be a home inspector? Are they licensed? (Time stamp: 01:49)

 

Do I need more than one inspection on a home purchase? (Time stamp: 03:14)

 

What kind of liability do home inspectors have? Can’t I just rely on the disclosures from the seller? (Time stamp: 04:07)

 

How much can I expect to spend on a home inspection? What does an inspection typically cost? Are inspections priced by square footage? Does the inspection include outbuildings and garages? (Time stamp: 07:04)

 

Do you physically climb on roofs to inspect them? What about using drones? (Time stamp: 08:50)

 

Why should I consider a home inspection even when I’m not buying a home? (Time stamp: 10:05)

 

What can I expect during a home inspection? What does one look like from start to finish? (Time stamp: 12:38)

 

Does an inspector check exterior features such as driveways, porches, walkways and gutters? (Time stamp: 15:22)

 

How are electric outlets, GFCIs, electrical panels, boxes and wiring tested and inspected? (Time stamp: 18:12)

 

Why do you inspect doors and frames? What are you looking for? (Time stamp: 20:28)

 

What concerns can be revealed by inspecting the heat and air (HVAC), including the vents? (Time stamp: 23:10)

 

How are bathroom inspections conducted? (Time stamp: 24:46)

 

Are pest and termite inspections included in my home inspection? Why should I get one? (Time stamp: 27:03)

 

Do inspectors check appliances? (Time stamp: 27:55)

 

Personal story: What’s the most dangerous or scary home inspection you’ve ever done, John? (Time stamp: 28:57)

 

Can I expect an inspector to check additional home features such as fireplaces? What should I schedule to care for a fireplace when buying a home? Is an inspection good enough? (Time stamp: 30:35)

 

What happens when the basement or crawlspace is inspected? (Time stamp: 31:34)

 

Why should I meet with my home inspector? Do I need to be there during the whole inspection time? How long does one take? Will the inspector explain things to me? (Time stamp: 33:34)

 

Why is it smart for sellers to get a home inspection before listing their house for sale? How can it help me when I put my house on the market? (Time stamp: 35:47)

 

Is radon testing really important? Why should I add one to my home inspection? (Time stamp: 37:12)

Guest Bonus Round: Fun with John! (Time stamp: 39:54)

 

Do you match your socks? (Time stamp: 40:13)

 

Ice cream or chocolate bar? (Time stamp: 40:38)

 

Puppies or kittens? (Time stamp: 40:45)

 

Hot humid day, sunny or 70 degrees spring day, raining? (Time stamp: 41:07)

 

Snowing; stay inside or go outside? (Time stamp: 41:28)

 

Mustard or ketchup? (Time stamp: 42:03)

 

Favorite book or recent book you read? (Time stamp: 42:21)

 

If you weren’t doing your current career, what would you be and why? (Time stamp: 43:22)

Thanks again to John Gilles of #1 Kentucky Home Inspections. John and his team offer fully comprehensive inspections, complete with photos and over 600 links to educate home buyers. They are a certified Radon Measurement Provider and even offer drone aerial photos and inspections.