Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a home inspection?

• What does a home inspection include?

• Do I need to be at the home inspection?

• What happens if the inspector finds problems?

• Are there any industry standards?

• What will an inspection do for me?

• Harmony Home Inspectors Environmental Hazards Informational Page

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a rigorous visual examination of the current physical conditions of the home’s structure. This includes the building itself, and its operating components. All homes, new and old, have that certain bit of "character". Harmony's goal as an established home inspection firm is to help familiarize you with your new home. Harmony believes the home inspector is the tool that conveys the findings of the examination to the homeowner. The familiarization of the home buyer with their new home is our goal.  Thus, the “Know Your Home!” service pledge. <<Back

"Know Your Home!"_SM

What does a home inspection include?

The home inspection commonly includes examining major components of the property, such as: garage, driveway, patio, balcony, porch, service walks, retaining walls, roof, chimney, gutters, siding & trim, stairs, doors, windows, floors, walls, ceilings, electrical, heating-ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, attic, crawl space, foundation, and other visible elements. Harmony Home Inspectors evaluate over 100 components of a home. <<Back

Do I need to be at the inspection?

Harmony Home Inspectors believes it is very important for the home buyer to be present at the inspection. The inspection is familiarization process, and there is an abundance information conveyed throughout the inspection the home owner will be interested in knowing. <<Back

What happens if the inspector finds problems?

First, remember that most every home has been created by a human, and we aren't perfect. If you have ever had the experience of building a new home, you know that even brand new homes are not perfect. So, let's just admit up front that every home will have that certain bit of "character" that allows you to call it home.

The inspector will normally give recommendations (corrections recommended, monitor... ) to the individual systems or components of the home. For items that concern the client, the client should prioritize the items in the report, and take actions as they deem necessary. This gives you an opportunity to make an informed decision once the inspection report is completed. Ask your attorney what can be done to solve problems uncovered during the inspection.<<Back

Are there any industry standards?

By rule, the State of Illinois has established the Illinois Standards of Practice, or Standards.

Harmony Home Inspectors, Inc. follows the Illinois Standards of Practice, and the American Society of Home Inspectors Standards of Practice. <<Back

What will a home inspection do for me?

For The Home Buyer…
A Pre-purchase inspection provides peace-of-mind throughout the purchase process.
Inspection may prevent you from being responsible for costly repairs.<<Back

For The Home Owner/Seller…
A pre-listing inspection can be used as a tool in selling your home. Inspection can be used as an instrument to quantify & prioritize repairs.  <<Back

For The Real Estate Agent/Broker…
Inspection is a tool to assist in creating confidence in the buyer/seller.

Increases your credibility and reputation by showing the home buyer that you understand the importance of this major investment.

For The Mortgage Provider…
Inspection can be used to confirm the condition of a home. Helps ensure that your borrower will be prepared for the home they purchase. <<Back

For The Real Estate Attorney…
Inspection can be used to keep your clients out of “trouble”. Its easier to keep your clients out of trouble, than it is to get them out of trouble. <<Back