- HOME
- QUALIFICATIONS
-
SERVICES
- General Home Inspection - Buyer
- Pre-Listing Home Inspection - Seller
- Radon Gas Testing
- Walk and Talk Consultation - Pre-Offer
- Swimming Pool Inspection
- New Construction Inspections
- Termite/ WDI Inspection
- Well Yield Testing
- Sewer Scope Inspection
- Camera Septic Evaluation
- Water Quality Testing
- Thermal Infrared Scan
- Baltimore County Rental Inspection - Licensed Rental Inspector
- Baltimore City Rental Inspections
- SERVICE AREA
- CONTACT US
- SAMPLE REPORT
- KNOWLEDGE BASE
- FAQs
- HOME
- QUALIFICATIONS
-
SERVICES
- General Home Inspection - Buyer
- Pre-Listing Home Inspection - Seller
- Radon Gas Testing
- Walk and Talk Consultation - Pre-Offer
- Swimming Pool Inspection
- New Construction Inspections
- Termite/ WDI Inspection
- Well Yield Testing
- Sewer Scope Inspection
- Camera Septic Evaluation
- Water Quality Testing
- Thermal Infrared Scan
- Baltimore County Rental Inspection - Licensed Rental Inspector
- Baltimore City Rental Inspections
- SERVICE AREA
- CONTACT US
- SAMPLE REPORT
- KNOWLEDGE BASE
- FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasion evaluation of the home and permanently installed, readily accessible systems and components to identify and accurately report on visible issues which affect the construction, general maintenance, and overall safety of the home and its immediate surrounding areas. A home inspection is designed to assist a home buyer, seller, or owner in assessing the overall condition of a home and its immediate surrounding areas at the date and time of inspection.
A home inspector will not pass or fail a home, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate systems and components that may require repair or replacement. A home inspection is not an appraisal and will not determine the home's market value. It is not a municipal inspection and does not verify local code compliance.
2. What is covered in a home inspection?
Not all home inspectors are equal. Maryland requires home inspectors to be licensed but does not require how home systems and components are to be inspected. Stavlas Home Inspections follows the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards or Practice and Code of Ethics. Our inspection is comprehensive and includes every system and component of the home:
exterior components such as walks, driveways, and siding;
visible portions of the chimney or chimneys;
the garage;
the roof;
the structure (foundation and attic, including water intrusion concerns);
water control such as gutters, downspouts, drains, and grading;
the electrical system;
the plumbing system;
the HVAC system;
fuel services;
interior components;
insulation and ventilation;
and appliances to ensure they are in working order and safe.
We walk all accessible roofs and drone those that we cannot access. We test every door, window, and electrical outlet. We will answer all your questions and concerns to provide peace of mind, along with the useful information you need to make an informed homebuying or selling decision.
3. How long does an inspection take?
Inspection time largely depends on the square footage of the home and can vary with the age, the type of systems and components encountered, how well the home was maintained, and other factors. Plan on 2.5 hour for a typical condo, 3 hours for a typical townhome, and 3.5-4 hours for a typical detached home. Let us know if you are limited in time. As long as access is granted, we can start early, and you can arrive later to tour the home and review the inspector's findings.
4. Should I be present for the inspection?
While it is not required to be present for the home inspection, it is encouraged as it allows you to observe the inspector and ask questions throughout the process. Conversing with the inspector often provides a better understanding of the condition of the home and how to maintain it. You will receive the most value from the inspection if you are physically present. With that said, our reports are comprehensive and include plenty of photos to detail the inspector's observations. Stavlas Home Inspections is available after the inspection should questions arise for as long as you need us.
5. Can I see a sample report?
Yes. You can view the sample report on this site. Keep in mind that not every home is the same. The systems and components, along with conditions we encounter, vary from home to home. With that said, we strive to provide a consistent product. We work for you and will take the time needed to evaluate the entire home.
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasion evaluation of the home and permanently installed, readily accessible systems and components to identify and accurately report on visible issues which affect the construction, general maintenance, and overall safety of the home and its immediate surrounding areas. A home inspection is designed to assist a home buyer, seller, or owner in assessing the overall condition of a home and its immediate surrounding areas at the date and time of inspection.
A home inspector will not pass or fail a home, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate systems and components that may require repair or replacement. A home inspection is not an appraisal and will not determine the home's market value. It is not a municipal inspection and does not verify local code compliance.
2. What is covered in a home inspection?
Not all home inspectors are equal. Maryland requires home inspectors to be licensed but does not require how home systems and components are to be inspected. Stavlas Home Inspections follows the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards or Practice and Code of Ethics. Our inspection is comprehensive and includes every system and component of the home:
exterior components such as walks, driveways, and siding;
visible portions of the chimney or chimneys;
the garage;
the roof;
the structure (foundation and attic, including water intrusion concerns);
water control such as gutters, downspouts, drains, and grading;
the electrical system;
the plumbing system;
the HVAC system;
fuel services;
interior components;
insulation and ventilation;
and appliances to ensure they are in working order and safe.
We walk all accessible roofs and drone those that we cannot access. We test every door, window, and electrical outlet. We will answer all your questions and concerns to provide peace of mind, along with the useful information you need to make an informed homebuying or selling decision.
3. How long does an inspection take?
Inspection time largely depends on the square footage of the home and can vary with the age, the type of systems and components encountered, how well the home was maintained, and other factors. Plan on 2.5 hour for a typical condo, 3 hours for a typical townhome, and 3.5-4 hours for a typical detached home. Let us know if you are limited in time. As long as access is granted, we can start early, and you can arrive later to tour the home and review the inspector's findings.
4. Should I be present for the inspection?
While it is not required to be present for the home inspection, it is encouraged as it allows you to observe the inspector and ask questions throughout the process. Conversing with the inspector often provides a better understanding of the condition of the home and how to maintain it. You will receive the most value from the inspection if you are physically present. With that said, our reports are comprehensive and include plenty of photos to detail the inspector's observations. Stavlas Home Inspections is available after the inspection should questions arise for as long as you need us.
5. Can I see a sample report?
Yes. You can view the sample report on this site. Keep in mind that not every home is the same. The systems and components, along with conditions we encounter, vary from home to home. With that said, we strive to provide a consistent product. We work for you and will take the time needed to evaluate the entire home.
Our Promise to You
Not all home inspectors are equal. Selecting the right home inspection company can be difficult. Each has different qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and pricing. Unlike most professionals, you may not have the opportunity to meet the inspector until after they are hired. The decision is often based on information you see on a web site or talking to the inspector on the phone.
A home inspection requires work, a lot of work. Ultimately, a thorough inspection depends heavily on the effort of the individual inspector. We take pride in what we do. We treat every home as if it were our own. If you honor us by permitting us to inspect your home, we assure you that we will provide our very best effort. This we promise you.
Not all home inspectors are equal. Selecting the right home inspection company can be difficult. Each has different qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and pricing. Unlike most professionals, you may not have the opportunity to meet the inspector until after they are hired. The decision is often based on information you see on a web site or talking to the inspector on the phone.
A home inspection requires work, a lot of work. Ultimately, a thorough inspection depends heavily on the effort of the individual inspector. We take pride in what we do. We treat every home as if it were our own. If you honor us by permitting us to inspect your home, we assure you that we will provide our very best effort. This we promise you.