Home Buyers

Buying a home?

The process can be stressful.  A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect.  You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time.  This often includes a written report, photographs, and what the inspector himself says during the inspection walkthrough.  All this, combined with the seller’s disclosure and what you notice yourself, makes the experience even more overwhelming. 

What should you do?

Relax.  Most of your inspection will be preventative maintenance recommendations, life expectancies, and cosmetic imperfections. These are nice to know about.  However, the inspector will note any items within the home that are in need of repair or replacing.

These issues will fall into four categories:

1.  Safety hazards.
(Examples:  Missing handrails or guardrails, firewall compromises, etc.)

2.  Structural issues.
(Examples:  Improper support, sag within the ridgeline, etc.)

3.  Anything that can cause a structural issue if not corrected.
(Examples:  Less than 20% exterior grading, missing gutter extensions, etc.)

4.  Any nonworking items within the home.
(Examples:  Nonworking dishwasher, missing window hardware, etc.)

Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection.  Please realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report.  No home is perfect.  Keep things in perspective.  Once we perform your home inspection, which usually takes a minimum of 2 hours, we will do a 1-hour walkthrough (or as long as it takes) to show you what we found and answer all of your questions about the home.  Our goal is to increase your confidence with such a large expense.  We encourage all of our clients to read our standards of practice, as there are some things that South Dakota home inspectors do not inspect (Examples:  Hot tubs, sprinkler systems, water softeners, low voltage wiring, septic tanks, water wells, etc.).  You and your realtor can expect to receive your report within 24 hours from the inspection.  Keep in mind, our relationship does not end with the inspection.  We welcome inquiries even years after the purchase of the home.  We are here to help you in any way that we can.