Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to help. Below you’ll find some of our most commonly asked questions regarding our services. If you have a question that you don’t see here, contact us.
What is a home inspection?
It is a systematic, general, objective, visual non-evasive examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. A home inspection is like getting a “Physical” from your family doctor. If your family doctor sees some possible issues, the family doctor recommends a few tests or for you be seen by a specialist.
In the same way, if a home inspector identifies problems or symptoms, he may recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor. Home inspectors are not experts in every system of the home, but are trained to recognize function and safety conditions that may require an evaluation by a qualified contractor. Click the following links for samples of our home inspections:
Suburban Home Inspection Sample Report
In-Town Home Inspection Sample Report
We follow the InterNACHI Home inspection standards of practice and code of ethics.
Do I need a home inspection when buying a home?
By hiring a trained, experienced home inspector, it is an opportunity to ask your questions and learn the materials of the home, how the parts of a home function, what are the systems and components of the home. Also, you may learn how to maintain your home.
Hiring a home inspector will assist you to develop realistic expectations and may help prevent misunderstandings, and help promote smooth real estate transactions.
It is important to understand that every house, including new construction will have issues. They can be minor, major or anywhere in between.
It’s the inspector’s job to report any found issues to potential buyers so they can make an informed decision before purchasing.
You may think a home inspection is just a part of a real estate transaction, but it’s much, much more. Your home inspector turns a trained, experienced, professional eye on the systems in your home with an eye toward inspecting structural soundness and safety.
Do I need to be present during the home inspection?
There is no requirement for you to be at the home while it is being inspected, however, we strongly recommend and encourage that our clients be there during the process. This gives the inspector a chance to discuss findings or issues as they are uncovered. This also gives the client an opportunity to show and discuss any issues they found that might be a concern to the buyer when they did a walk through with their realtor agent.
How long will the inspection take?
This will vary, depending on how small or large the home is, how many bathrooms, etc. It also depends on what is to be inspected, is it a standard whole house inspection or are there other inspections requested such as a termite inspection, Radon test, or septic test, to name a few.
Typically, most inspections are 2 1/2 hours to 3 1/2 hours in duration at the home to be inspected.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Barclay home inspection is competitively priced for Central PA. Prices vary depending on size of building, location, and tests being requested. Please contact us for a complete price list.
How long does it take to get my inspection report?
With Barclay, your whole home inspection report will usually be available within 48 hours of the inspection completion. Some tests, such as radon take a couple days to receive the results.
What certifications and affiliations does Barclay Home and Building Inspections hold?
Barclay Home and Building Inspections, LLC is a certified professional inspector as recognized by InterNACHI, an organization which defines inspection standards. Barclay Home and Building Inspections adheres to the InterNACHI standards of practice and code of ethics. Gary is also certified as a Drone Pilot by the FAA.
Barclay is a member of the the Watsontown Area Business Association as well as the Central PA Chamber of Commerce.
