Home Inspection FAQ
- Do you inspect private wells?
- What's involved... what's covered?
- Do I need to have a new or newer home inspected?
What areas do you serve?
Click here to see our service area.
How do I set up a home inspection?
To schedule an inspection, either give us a call at 630-333-3837 or send us an e-mail info@last-look.com including the date, time and complete address of the property. We will contact you within 24 hours to confirm our schedule. Please ensure that the date and time you request are acceptable to the other parties involved in the transaction.
Back To TopHow long will the home inspection take?
Since size, age and condition of homes vary greatly, inspection fees are not a one size fits all. Some homes or condos can be inspected in two to three hours while older or larger homes can take four hours or more. Some inspection reports take one to two hours to complete, while others take three hours or more. Either way, you're assured to have an electronic copy of your complete report within 48 hours of the completion of the inspection.
Back To TopWhat's involved... what's covered?
The home inspector will perform a visual inspection of the apparent condition of the readily accessible installed systems and components of the home at the time of the inspection. Within 48 hours of inspection you will receive a comprehensive written report. The report will include descriptions, limitations and recommendations of the following home systems: roofing, exterior, structure, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing, interior, summary of major concerns and reference information. The report will meet or exceed the State of Illinois and ASHI standards of practice. Latent and concealed defects and deficiencies are excluded from the inspection.
Back To TopWhy should I have a home inspection? I've already had a good look around the house.
The purchase of a home is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises or shocking realities, you should learn as much as possible about the home under consideration before you buy. A pre-purchase home inspection will identify the need for major repairs, builder oversights and maintenance issues to help keep the home in top quality condition. After the inspection, you will have a clear, concise understanding of the home which will allow you to make informed decisions with confidence.
If you are considering the sale of your home, a pre-listing inspection allows you time to consider repairing any conditions observed in a home inspection so there are no surprises when your home has a contract pending helping you maximize your return on investment. Once a contract is pending on your home, time to make repairs or modifications is no longer a luxury.
Back To TopWe perform a visual inspection of accessible equipment which may include the pump and pressure systems used with private wells, in conjunction with the inspection of the plumbing supply and fixtures within the home; the inspection doesn't determine whether the well water is potable or measure the flow-rate (recovery). This type of inspection is performed by qualified well technicians.
Back To TopDo you guarantee your inspections?
An inspection report is an opinion of the inspector based upon the apparent condition of the readily accessible systems and components of the home at the time of the inspection. A home inspection is not a guarantee, warranty or insurance policy. Without dismantling a house and/or its systems, there are limitations. We can point out risk, but we cannot eliminate it, nor do we assume it.
Back To TopDo you inspect private waste/septic systems?
We perform a visual inspection of readily accessible drainage components, and plumbing fixtures within the home. We do not perform physical inspections of installed private septic systems. There are no conclusive methods for septic performance testing without excavating and/or obtaining core (drill) samples for laboratory testing by qualified technicians. Some home inspection companies offer septic testing, using the "dye & flood" method. Results are not readily discernable and certainly not accurate. Any form of septic testing should be conducted by a qualified septic technician. This may include hydro-geological engineers or engineering technicians who specialize in septic systems. We recommend that you contact the municipality or township for property under consideration for a list qualified companies to perform this type of analysis.
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“ Take the anxiety out of yourhome puchase.”
How much notice do you require?
In general, it's best to call two to three days ahead if possible so you can be assured of the appointment date and time you prefer. As an exception a home inspector may be available within 24 hours.
Back To TopDoes Last-Look perform environmental testing?
No. Environmental studies are provided by environmental testing firms.
Back To TopDo I need to have a new or newer home inspected?
"Need" is a relative term. And everyone's needs are different. It's important to note even if the likelihood of discovering a major area of concern in a newer home is greatly reduced, the inspection can still serve you well. The opportunity exists to learn as much as you can about the home and how to look after it, before you buy it. The inspector can point out known problem areas and suggest maintenance practices which will reduce or eliminate many problems before they can start. View a home inspection as a "seminar" on home ownership. It can be a value-added, informative experience - giving you a better understanding of the home under consideration.
Back To TopWhat can I expect to pay for a home inspection?
Since size, age and condition of homes vary greatly, inspection fees are not a one-size-fits-all matter. Some homes or condos can be inspected in two to three hours while older or larger homes may take four hours or more. Some inspection reports take 1-2 hours to complete, while others take three or more hours. Some "informational" websites state that home inspection fees run from $200 to $375. These "low" fees are based on an inspector doing two to three inspections per day. Considering that a thorough inspection with a finished report may take six to eight hours to complete, how thorough is the inspector who completes two to three inspections and reports in one day?
Let's put home inspection fees in perspective. If you are buying a $400,000 home and the inspection fee is $700, that's less than 2/10ths of 1% of the price of the home. Most real estate agencies charge a 3% to 6% commission fee to sell a home. That equals $12,000 to $24,000 for a $400,000 home! The cost of a top-quality home inspection is a bargain because it provides you with peace of mind. With LAST-LOOK INSPECTION SERVICES, we will make sure you know your investment. Please call (630) 333-3837 for inspection services pricing.
Back To TopWhen do I pay, and how do you accept payment?
At the time of confirming your appointment we will ask you for your credit card information. We may submit a request for authorization for your inspection fee. The credit card company will hold that amount of credit for a short time. Once your inspection is complete we will then charge your credit card the fee for the inspection. Of course you may pay with cash at time of service and the buying power withheld from your credit on your charge card will return shortly after your inspection is complete. Our policy is that the inspection report will not be released without payment. If a cancellation is made within a 12 hour period prior to your inspection we will charge you a $75.00 cancellation fee.
Back To TopIs Last-Look registered?
Companies do not join professional associations - individuals do. In the same sense that an individual lawyer, not the firm, joins the local Bar Association - a home inspector may join ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors), IHINA (Independent Home Inspectors of North America) or any number of other professional organizations specifically for home inspectors. Back To Top
Must all home inspectors be licensed?
Yes. In Illinois, effective January 1, 2003, for an individual to lawfully perform a home inspection, he or she must hold a valid home inspector license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. www.idfpr.com/dpr/re/HomeInspect.asp
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