FAQ

A home inspection is an ideal way to find out the condition of the home before you buy. After the close of escrow is not the time to find out your new home requires repairs or is not safe for your family.

Washington State requires home inspectors to be licensed. We suggest, though, that your home inspector is certified by an association that requires specific, ongoing training, Standards of Practice, and a code of ethics. Spencer Home Inspection is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) which requires all of the above.

Spencer Home Inspection inspects all types of residential homes, including detached homes, townhomes, and condos, and multiplexes up to 4 units.

The time it takes to inspect a home depends on the age, size, and condition of the home. Plan for two to four hours.

The cost of a home inspection is based on the type of home, square footage, and age of a home. Check here for pricing.

Yes, we are happy to answer any questions you have during the inspection. If you are a first-time home buyer, the detail we provide during the inspection will help you understand everything from small details to possible major concerns.

You will receive the full report including observations, recommendations, and photos within 24 hours of the inspection via email. We take the time to produce a comprehensive, custom report that you can use as a guide for any potential repairs you choose to make after you purchase your home.

• Certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors
• Satisfied customers
• A thorough usable report
• Years of Experience in the Industry

A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Most contracts allow you about 7 – 10 days for a home inspection contingency, but the sooner you the inspection is performed, the sooner you will get the report and know which items you’d like the sellers to address before the purchase is final.

It’s not necessary for you to be present for the entire inspection, but it’s recommended that you show up for at least the last hour if you can. You’ll be able to ask questions directly as you learn about the condition of the home. You’ll also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.

No house is perfect. 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. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes 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.

Your report will be a computer generated, detailed report with a narrative listing of issues. The report includes a summary page of repair items as well as color photos of problem areas that you might not be able to see without special equipment.

Since we get so much rain fall in the Seattle, moisture issues can be a big problem. It would be a good idea to hire a home inspector who is also a Licensed Pest Inspector so they can legally report on moisture conditions conducive to pest problems.

We accept checks, cash, and most credit cards. Payment is due at the time of the inspection. If for some reason you are not able to make it to the inspection we will email you a square invoice and you can pay via square for secure payment processing.

Spencer Home Inspection conducts home inspections in King and Snohomish Counties including the towns of Seattle, Everett, Bellevue, Kirkland, Bothell, Edmonds, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Mercer Island, Kenmore, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Redmond, Monroe, Mukilteo, Arlington, and Renton. If you don't see your location listed, please give us a call. If we are not able to accommodate you, we may be able to refer you to another reputable home inspector.