Frequently Asked
Questions
Clear answers to common questions about
our inspection process, reporting, and services.
How Can We Help?
We've answered some of the most common questions homeowners ask.
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What if the first home I have inspected doesn't work out?
We understand that not every home purchase works out. If a home we inspect doesn't work out, returning clients receive $50 off their next full home inspection when scheduled within 90 days of the original inspection.
What does a home inspection include?
A standard home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of the home's readily accessible systems and components. This includes areas such as a roof, exterior, structure, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, attic and insulation, interior, windows and doors, built-in appliances, garages, basements, crawlspaces, and other accessible components within the inspection scope.
How long does a home inspection take?
Inspection time depends on the size, age, condition, layout, and accessibility of the property. Many typical homes can be inspected in roughly 1 1/2-2 hours, while larger, older, more complex, or multi-unit properties may require additional time.
Do I need to be present for the inspection?
No. You do not have to attend the inspection. However, you are welcome to be present, particularly toward the end, if you would like to review significant findings or ask questions about the property.
Can I ask questions during the inspection?
Absolutely. Questions are encouraged. The goal is not simply to identify conditions, but to help you better understand the home and the information presented in your report.
Is a home inspection invasive?
No. A standard inspection is visual and non-invasive. Walls, ceilings, flooring, finishes, and other building materials are not opened or damaged in order to inspect concealed areas.
What happens if something cannot be accessed?
Any significant limitation will be documented in the inspection report when applicable. Furniture, stored belongings, lack of utilities, and other circumstances can prevent components from being inspected.
Do you move furniture or personal belongings?
Generally, no. The inspection covers readily accessible components and does not require moving furniture, stored belongings, appliances, carpeting, ceiling tiles, or other personal property to gain access.
Will you find every defect in the home?
No inspection can guarantee discovery of every condition or concealed defect. A home inspection provides a professional assessment of observable conditions present in readily accessible areas at the time of the inspection.
Do you inspect beyond the minimum Standards of Practice?
When conditions allow, additional accessible components may be evaluated beyond the minimum requirements of the Standards of Practice. However, the inspection scope is still governed by accessibility, safety, conditions at the property, and the agreed inspection scope.
Is thermal imaging included?
Yes. Thermal imaging is included as an inspection tool when appropriate. It can provide additional information about temperature differences and conditions that may warrant closer evaluation, but it does not replace the visual inspection or reveal everything concealed within a building.
When will I receive my inspection report?
TWHI provides a 24-hour report guarantee.
What will my report include?
Your report will document inspection observations, photographs where appropriate, and explanations of conditions that deserve your attention. The goal is to make the information clear, useful, and easy to understand rather than overwhelming you with technical language.
Is the report digital?
Yes. Your inspection report is delivered electronically so it can be conveniently reviewed and referenced from your computer, tablet, or phone.
Will the report tell me whether I should buy the house?
No. The inspector’s role is to provide objective information about the observable condition of the property. The final decision to purchase, sell, negotiate, repair, or proceed belongs to you.
What does “further evaluation recommended” mean?
It means an observed condition may require additional examination by a qualified professional with expertise in that particular system or condition. A home inspection identifies observable concerns but is not a substitute for every specialized trade evaluation.
Can I contact you after I receive the report?
Yes. Questions do not end when the inspection does. If something in the report needs clarification, you can reach out so the finding can be better explained.
How are inspection findings communicated?
No. Findings are presented as clearly and objectively as possible without exaggerating concerns or minimizing legitimate ones.
Can my agent or another person receive the report?
The report belongs to the client. It can be shared with an agent, attorney, contractor, seller, or another party when authorized by the client.
Is mold testing included in a standard home inspection?
No. Mold inspection and testing are separate services. However, if an obvious condition that appears consistent with potential mold growth is observed during the standard home inspection, it will still be documented with a recommendation for appropriate follow-up.
What does a mold inspection include?
Depending on the service selected, a mold inspection may include a visual assessment, sampling, or both. The inspection focuses on visible conditions, moisture-related concerns, and areas that may warrant additional evaluation.
Do you perform mold remediation?
No. TWHI provides inspection and testing services, not mold remediation. Keeping inspection and remediation separate helps maintain an objective evaluation of the property.
What happens if mold is found?
The findings are documented and appropriate next steps are recommended. Depending on the condition, additional evaluation, analysis, treatment, mitigation, or consultation with another qualified professional may be appropriate.
Can I add specialized testing to my inspection?
Yes, available ancillary services can be selected while building your inspection plan. The final scope depends on the services selected and their availability for the property.
What is the TWHI Inspection Planner™?
The TWHI Inspection Planner™ allows you to enter basic information about the property, choose applicable inspection services, and receive a customized inspection-cost estimate.
Do I have to provide my contact information just to see an estimate?
No. No contact information is required to receive your customized inspection estimate.
Is the Planner estimate my final price?
The Planner provides an estimate based on the property information and services selected. TWHI reviews the selections and confirms the final inspection scope and price before the inspection.
What information will I need for the Planner?
You will typically need basic property information such as property type, approximate square footage, age, foundation or crawlspace information when applicable, and any additional inspection services you would like to consider.
Can I use the Planner if I am not buying a home?
Yes. The Planner accommodates clients who are buying, selling, current homeowners, or simply exploring their inspection options.
Can I change my selected services later?
In many cases, yes. Contact TWHI as soon as possible if you would like to adjust the inspection scope so availability, equipment, testing periods, and any resulting price changes can be confirmed before the appointment.
How far in advance should I schedule?
Scheduling as early as practical is recommended, particularly when your purchase agreement contains inspection deadlines or when specialized testing is requested.
What if I am not sure which services I need?
That is exactly what the Planner is designed to help with. You can review the available options and build an inspection plan based on the property rather than trying to determine everything beforehand.
What area does TWHI serve?
TWHI proudly serves the greater Northeast Ohio area, with additional areas considered depending on the property and scheduling.
Do you inspect condominiums?
Yes. Condominium inspections generally focus on the unit and the readily accessible systems and components that fall within the inspection scope. Exterior, structural, roofing, foundation, and other common elements may be maintained by the condominium association and may fall outside the individual unit inspection.
Do you inspect townhouses?
Yes. Townhouses can receive a standard residential inspection, with the scope adjusted as necessary based on ownership responsibilities, shared components, and accessibility.
Do you inspect duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes?
Yes. Multi-unit residential properties can be inspected, although additional units increase the inspection scope, time, and cost.
Do older homes take longer to inspect?
They can. Older properties often contain more generations of materials, modifications, repairs, additions, or systems that require additional observation and documentation.
Are lead and asbestos included in a standard home inspection?
No. Lead and asbestos evaluations are environmental/specialty services and are not part of the general Ohio home-inspection scope. Conditions that raise concern may be documented with a recommendation for evaluation by an appropriately qualified or licensed professional.
Will you enter a crawlspace?
Accessible crawlspaces are inspected when entry can be performed safely and reasonably. Standing water, restricted openings, hazardous conditions, animals, contamination, inadequate clearance, or other conditions may prevent entry.
Will you enter the attic?
Readily accessible attic areas are inspected when they can be accessed safely. Limited openings, stored belongings, fragile finishes, unsafe framing, extreme temperatures, or other conditions may limit access.
What happens if the utilities are turned off?
Systems that cannot be safely operated because electrical service, water, gas, or another required utility is unavailable may be listed as not inspected or limited. Whenever possible, utilities should be operational before the inspection.
Do you inspect occupied homes?
Yes. However, furniture, stored belongings, personal possessions, vehicles, and other obstructions can limit access to components and areas of the property.
Are pools, spas, and hot tubs included?
No. Pools, spas, and hot tubs are specialized systems and are inspected as an additional service when selected. The inspection focuses on accessible equipment, components, and visible safety features within the agreed scope.
Do you inspect homes that are not being bought or sold?
Yes. Existing homeowners can use an Annual Home Inspection to gain a better understanding of the home’s current condition and identify maintenance or repair items before they become larger concerns.
Do you inspect commercial properties?
Yes. Commercial inspections are a separate service with a scope appropriate to the property and typically follow the ASTM E2018-24 Property Condition Assessment framework rather than the residential home-inspection SOP.
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