913-219-8634

To contact us:

Five Star Home Inspections, Inc.

Mike Blackman

913-219-8634

mike@5starinspections.com

Frequently Asked Questions

 

. Why Should I Choose Five Star Home Inspections?

Five Star Home Inspections is a leader in the inspection industry, and is a Certified Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).   I am also certified in Radon testing and Mold testing.  I use only top of the line equipment for home inspections, radon testing, and mold testing, because I know how important these results are to my clients’ well being.   My pricing is very competitive within the industry, and I have a very flexible schedule to perform inspections.  I am fully insured with General Liability and E & O Insurance.  I voluntarily go above and beyond the standards of ASHI.  I provide one of the best reports in the business.  All reports are computerized with digital pictures and completed on site.  I also provide my clients with a handy maintenance book and environmental book to help  clients maintain a longer lasting and healthy home.  I will always support my clients to the best of my ability, before, during, and after the inspection, so the inspection process will be easy for my clients.

 

Does A Brand New House Need An Inspection?

Absolutely! Most builders try to provide a high quality house, but they have to balance that with staying competitive. For builders, it often comes down to 'survival of the cheapest'. Much work is done by sub-contractors. A construction boom in recent years has caused a shortage of skilled labor. Coordinating schedules between different trades is a juggling act. New products are constantly being introduced into the market adding even more confusion.

Municipal inspectors try to do a good job but they're vastly overworked, often looking at dozens of houses each day. A thorough home inspection takes hours, not minutes. Municipal inspectors simply don't have the manpower to find all the construction defects.

How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?

The cost of a home inspection is often a small fraction of the cost of the problems discovered — truly the deal of a lifetime!  Our pricing is very competitive.  We are not the cheapest nor are we the most expensive.  If you are shopping for price only, you are taking a major risk.  When shopping for any service always check the company’s credentials and expertise.

Why Do Some Of Your Competitors Cost Less?

All home inspectors are not equal. You only have one chance to get a good home inspection. You don't want cheap — you want the best home inspection possible! Saving a few bucks by using a bargain-priced home inspector could cost you thousands of dollars in repair costs in the long run. 

What's Included In The Inspection?

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the major systems in the house including structure, roof, exterior, heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical and the interior. As long as it's safe and accessible I'll walk on roofs, enter attics and crawl spaces, remove access panels and operate equipment. I'll look at every room in the house using the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®).

May I Attend The Inspection?

Yes, you should attend the inspection to get the most benefit. Be suspicious of any inspector who doesn't want you along during the inspection.

When Should I Call To Schedule The Inspection?

As soon as possible after you have a signed purchase contract. I'm often scheduled a week or more in advance, so make sure that your purchase contract has plenty of time for you to get repair estimates for major problems that may show up during the inspection.

For newly constructed homes, schedule the inspection a few days before your walk-through with the builder so that you'll have my written report in your hands during the walk-through. You should schedule warranty inspections at least a month before your warranty expires.

How Do I Prepare For The Inspection?

Preparing for the inspection is easy.  Be ready to follow me around the home and asking questions about your home.  You may want to bring a notepad and pen to take notes.  All deficiencies are listed on my report, but there are some maintenance items (i.e. like when to change a furnace filter) that will not be on the inspection report.

When Will The Report Be Ready?

All inspection reports are completed on-site.  All of my inspection reports are computerized with digital photos.  You have your choice of me printing the report on-site or e-mail the report later in the day.  I want you to have a full understanding of the home when you leave the inspection.

What If The Inspection Reveals Problems?

I may find things that weren't expected. That's what you want, right? No house is perfect, not even new construction. The report is not a seller's "Must-Fix" list; it's just an impartial reporting of condition giving you clear direction for what should be done about each problem. Every situation is different — it's up to you and your real estate agent to decide how to proceed after the inspection.

Are There Limitations To The Inspection?

Yes, I can't see through walls or predict the future! If I could do either of those, I'd be in another line of work earning a lot more money. Keep in mind that a home inspection lasts only a few hours, and it's not technically exhaustive. A home inspection is not an appraisal or a check for compliance with building codes and it's not an evaluation for any biological or environmental hazards.

See the ASHI Standards of Practice for more information on the limitations of an inspection.

Do You Offer A Guarantee?

No. Something can look just fine today and still break tomorrow. I do my best to give you the most thorough inspection possible.  If you want a home warranty they are available through other sources.  Review the warranty carefully to determine what the warranty covers.

But Some Of Your Competitors Offer A Guarantee!

If you think you're going to get a meaningful guarantee from another home inspector then you need to get the fine print and read it very carefully. Most guarantees from home inspectors are only marketing gimmicks that are riddled with loopholes.

Will Five Star Inspections Perform Or Manage Any Repair Work?

No. That would be a direct conflict of interest.

Are You Licensed?

There is no licensing for home inspectors in Missouri and a licensing bill has passed in Kansas.  Licensing in Kansas will be required to perform home inspections in Kansas starting July 1, 2009.    As of right now anyone can claim to be a home inspector. Hiring a professional, competent inspector with experience is the best way to ensure the quality of your inspection.

Are You Certified?

A certification is only as good as the organization that issues it. Recently, some "organizations" have entered the lucrative business of handing out a certification to anyone who will send them a check, regardless of actual qualifications. Although appearing to be non-profit professional societies, they're actually for-profit companies. Highly deceptive. If someone tells you that they're certified, be sure to check up on the organization that's doing the certification. I'm a full member of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the oldest, largest and most respected professional society in the industry.

What If I Have Questions Later?

Your understanding of the home is my highest priority. You can ask questions for as long as you own your home.