Frequently Asked Questions

Should I attend the inspection?

It's not necessary for you to be present for the home inspection, but it is recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly as you learn about the condition of the home, what home inspectors look for, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you’ve seen the property first-hand through the home inspector’s eyes.

What should I look for in a home inspector?

Don’t be afraid to ask the inspector you're considering to explain the background experience that led them to a home inspection career. The most qualified home inspectors have spent years servicing, remodeling, or building homes as contractors, carpenters, or service technicians. Professionals with this experience will have the best knowledge of the workmanship that went into constructing the home and how individual components affect the performance of the entire system of the home during its lifespan. You want the knowledge and experience of a construction professional who knows both the interior and exterior stresses a home undergoes and how a remodel might alter the performance of the structure as a system.

Buying and selling property can be an overwhelming emotional experience as it is often the biggest financial investment most individuals will ever make. Even the most experienced business professionals have overlooked important construction defects or have failed to ask vital questions when making a personal real estate purchase. This commonly happens because of the emotional euphoria of finding the “home of your dreams” or the offer of a great deal if purchased “as is.” It is important to add a member to your team that can help keep you grounded with the objective facts of the property during this process. Whether you are purchasing or selling real estate, it's important to remove obstacles and unknowns before approaching the negotiation table.

You want a home inspector that is a member of an Accredited Association and participates in Ongoing Education.

Why hire an InterNACHI certified inspector?

InterNACHI inspectors are certified and trained by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the world’s largest nonprofit association of residential and commercial property inspectors. InterNACHI provides its members with accredited training and education, free benefits, expert advice, and peer support – all to help them serve their homeowner clients by providing them with the highest-quality inspections for their largest investments.

As an interNACHI Inspector: 

We are committed to ongoing education with the industry’s most rigorous online continuing education and video training courses, which have been awarded hundreds of approvals and accreditations by state and governmental agencies.

• We adhere to a comprehensive Standards of Practice
• We abide by a strict Code of Ethics
• We use state-of-the-art inspection tools and reporting software so that clients can make informed decisions about the homes they want to buy or sell.

What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

A Home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving the property a physical check-up. As a pediatrician will refer acute issues to a medical specialist, the inspector may recommend further evaluation of visual rust in a heat exchanger to an HVAC technician, for example. The standard home inspector’s report will review the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

How much should I pay for an inspection?

The purchase of a home is the largest single monetary investment many individuals will make in their lifetime. Learning about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs, safety hazards, or minor defects that could lead to future repairs can be invaluable. The home inspection cost for a typical one-family house varies, depending on a home inspector’s qualifications, the size of the house, particular features of the house, its age, and additional services, such as septic, well, or radon testing. Magnolia Property Consultants, LLC provides fixed pricing based on the square footage of your home and does not charge more expensive fees in higher-income neighborhoods or for additional mileage driven outside of our normal service area.

The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost. The inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration. Magnolia Property Consultants does not offer the cheapest inspection available, but I promise we will earn our fee by our thoroughness and professional approach to the service we provide. 

When do I call a Home Inspector?

A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. Before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost. The inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration. Magnolia Property Consultants does not offer the cheapest inspection available, but I promise we will earn our fee by our thoroughness and professional approach to the service we provide. 

How to find a Home Inspector?

A good real estate agent can provide you the names of two or three inspectors that past clients have used. Many real estate agents prefer to remain neutral in the area of referrals eliminating the ethical issues that might arise if there is an incentive to referring one inspector over another. Please give us a call at 615-946-5407 and give us a chance to answer any questions! Hopefully, our experience and knowledge are enough to earn your business! You are welcome to send us an email of your interest and we will contact you!

If you are outside the Middle Tennessee area, click here: International Association of Home Inspectors®. This link sends you to a tool, “InspectorSeek” that will provide you with several Home Inspectors in your area that are members of InterNACHI.