Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What items are inspected during a standard home inspection?

A: Generally, a standard Home Inspection includes: Interior Systems, Exterior Systems, HVAC Systems, Electrical Systems, Plumbing Systems, Roofing Systems, Appliances, Insulation & Ventilation Systems and Structural Systems. Items/Systems/Components can be added or subtracted from the inspection if all parties agree in writing.


Q: What does a standard home inspection cost?

A: Our base home inspection prices start at $300.00. It is important to know that inspection prices are based on several factors which include: total square footage, age of the home, foundation type, location, number of attics, HVAC units present and if any garages are attached or detached. Other factors may include if any additional structures are to be inspected and if any ancillary serviced are being performed. Please refer to our rates page for estimated pricing or give us a call with the address for exact pricing.


Q: What type of payment method do you accept and when is payment due?

A: We currently accept cash, check, Venmo and credit card (credit cards add an additional 4% processing fee). Payment may be paid in advance or paid at the end of the inspection.


Q: What is the purpose of a standard home inspection?

A: The purpose of a home inspection is to provide the client a detailed written report describing the current condition of the property to help them make informed decisions when making a home/property purchase.


Q: How long does the inspection take?

A: Most Inspections generally take between 2-3 hours. The actual time is dependent on the size and condition of the property as well as if any ancillary services are being performed.


Q: Do I need to be present during the inspection?

A: It is recommended for you to be there if you can, but you are not required to be present. Either way, you will receive a detailed written report of the inspection results the same day that it was inspected. Your agent will also receive a copy of the report unless you elect for them to not receive a copy.


Q: What are the inspection agreements that I am asked to review & sign before my inspection?

A: Home inspectors are governed by and regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors (LSBHI).

LSBHI mandates that all clients must be given a copy of the state's Standards of Practice/Code of Ethics and the Building Inspection Pre Agreement for review and signatures BEFORE any part of the inspection can be performed. Other forms may include addendums for ancillary services or to add or subtract services to be performed and our FAQ page (for transparency).


Q: Who does the Home Inspector work for? (the buyer, the seller or the agent)?

A: The Home Inspector only works for the "Client". The client is defined as the person that pays for the inspection and signs the inspection agreements.


Q: How soon will I receive my inspection report?

A: In almost every case, you will receive it the same day that the inspection was performed. Some variables may prevent a same day report, which may include software issues, internet issues, or unforeseen conditions found during the inspection that may warrant additional research (these are extremely rare).


Q: What additional ancillary services do you offer along with Home Inspections?

A: For additional fees, we offer and personally perform: Home Inspections, Complimentary Level Survey, Video Plumbing Inspections, Air Quality/Mold Inspections and Pool Inspections. We refer Termite Inspections to a Local Licensed Pest Control Company.


Q: If my home purchase falls through and I need an inspection on another home, can I get a discount?

A: We do offer return customer discounts. The amount of the discount can range from $25 to $100 and is dependent on several factors including but not limited to: distance, home size, ancillary services performed, condition of home and the type of foundation.


Q: Do Home Inspectors diagnose concerns or give estimates for repairs?

A: Inspectors do not generally diagnose concerns or give estimates for repairs. It is up to the client to have the appropriate contractors come out to further evaluate, diagnose and give estimates for any concerns found during the inspection. Home Inspectors simply "observe and report" for the sole purpose of informing the client of the current condition of the home and to provide a detailed written report containing all items inspected and any deficiencies found during the inspection.


Q: Do Home Inspectors move furniture, appliances or other personal items to inspect?

A: While we do make every effort possible to inspect all areas of a home, Inspectors are not required to, and generally do not move personal items, furniture or crawl on furniture/appliances to access or inspect inaccessible areas. Home inspections are "limited visual" inspections, meaning that if an area is not visibly accessible, it will be excluded from the inspection.


Personal items generally include, but are not limited to: vehicles, equipment, boats, large furniture, boxes of personal belongings, large rugs, stored items in cabinets, under sinks, in attics, in closets or on window sills or stored building materials. However, we may choose (at our discretion) to move some small rugs , chairs or end tables to access outlets or inaccessible areas.


Q: What items are not included in a standard home inspection?

A: Generally, things outside of the home are usually not included in a standard home inspection such as: fencing, exterior buildings (except for detached garages), fresh water well systems, septic systems, land (except for how it relates to the structure such as drainage), landscaping, water filtration systems and water softeners. Some other exemptions may include: window unit air conditioners, security systems, sound systems, whole house vacuum systems, intercom systems, remote controlled systems as well as any inaccessible or visually restricted systems or components.


Q: Are there areas that an inspector wouldn't be able to inspect?

A: Yes, some limitations do exist. For a detailed list of items to be inspected and any limitations that the home inspector may face, please refer to the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors Standards of Practice. A copy of this document will be furnished for you to review and sign prior to your inspection. Please read it carefully to ensure a clear understanding of your home inspection as outlined by the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors.


It is important to understand that the state issued SOP guidelines simply outline the minimum standard required. It is up to each individual inspector to decide if/how far above and beyond the minimum guidelines that they wish to go.


Q: Does the video pipe inspection view all areas of the sewer system?

A: Unfortunately not. The camera is quite sizable and cannot be directionally guided in the pipe. The camera is at the mercy of the flow design of the sewer pipe and can only view the areas that allow the camera to access them. Some sewer systems have multiple vent stacks and clean out points to allow access to view more of the system than others. In nearly all cases, only the main sewer line system is checked, not the branch lines to each toilet, sink or tub.

During a standard video pipe inspection, we are looking for sags, disconnected pipes, obstructions, cracks, breaks, tree roots and areas that generally don't flow well.


Q: Can a pool inspections find cracks or leaks in a pool's siding?

A: Generally not. As strange as it seems, a pool inspection does not include anything below the water line (on an in-ground pool). The exception would be if it has a notable defect that is visually obvious from above the water line.


This is because water clarity, natural lighting, ripples on the surface and many other factors inhibit the visibility of the pool (vessel) walls and floor beneath the water line. However, everything above the water line is inspected, including, but not limited to: coping, safety items, lighting, pumps, filtration systems, pool/spa heaters, plumbing and controls.


Q: How soon can the air quality/mold test results come in?

A: The samples taken at the property are mailed overnight to the lab. The lab results are generally available within the next 24-48 hours after the lab receives the samples. Results are usually available within 24-72 hrs.



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© 2022 Southern Home Inspections LLC. All Rights Reserved.

About Us

Contact Us

Covington, La

504-777-3300

inspectortrey@gmail.com

Trey Pellegrin

Owner &

Licensed Home Inspector

LHI# 11208

Business Hours

Monday to Friday- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday- 9:00 am to 12 noon

Sunday- Closed

Southern Home

Inspections

© 2023 Southern Home Inspections LLC. All Rights Reserved.