Your inspection questions, answered

At the completion of the inspection our inspector will provide you with a computer-generated report, printed in color, including a digital photo of the house — delivered within 24 hours of the inspection, often the same day.

At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector will print an on-site, computer-generated report. The Property Inspection Report gives easy-to-read details on the general condition of the home from roof to basement, how things work, major and minor deficiencies, suggestions to remedy deficiencies, any major expenditure coming up, and what to watch out for. The inspector then reviews the report with you to make sure you understand everything.

You generally have between seven and ten days after you sign the contract to get a home inspection. We advise you to call us as soon as you sign a contract on the prospective home. We have full-time schedulers on staff to assist you, and one is on call each weekend — just leave a message and the scheduler will get back with you, generally the same day.

The price of the inspection varies based on the size of the home. Larger homes take longer to inspect, so fees for those homes are greater than for a smaller home. Don't let the price of the inspection determine whether or not you get one, or the selection of your inspector. The knowledge gained is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications — experience, training, and professional affiliations — should be the most important consideration.

A thorough inspection covers everything from the roof to the foundation, including the attic, insulation, ventilation, roof and flashings, gutters, basement, crawlspace, foundation, grading, retaining walls, siding and trim, driveways and walks, ceilings, floors, walls, doors and windows, chimney, fireplace, major appliances, electrical system, water heater, plumbing system, air conditioning, and heating.

Most inspections take about three to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age, and condition of the home.

We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish. It's the best way to see findings firsthand, ask questions, and get a real education about your new home.

The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments a family will make. A home inspection is an excellent tool to help determine not only the condition of the home but to help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without professional help. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance but can pinpoint existing problem areas.

This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make. Although the person you're considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. A professional inspection is a unique skill — what we call an 'inspector's instinct' for problems, which takes extensive training and hundreds of inspections to develop. Many contractors hire a professional home inspector when they buy their own homes.

You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment — we're here today, tomorrow, and always.

Yes. We offer a simple, No Weasel Words Guarantee. Attend your home inspection and if for any reason you're not satisfied with the quality of the service, tell the inspector before receiving your report — we'll either make it right, or you don't pay the inspection fee.

Yes. All of our inspectors are fully licensed in Illinois and Indiana, and Xcellence Inspection Services carries comprehensive errors-and-omissions and general liability insurance.