FAQs

Questions You Should Ask

When Choosing A Home Inspector

Choosing a home inspection company is an important decision for every home buyer. A thorough, pre-purchase inspection of a house can be your best defense against unwanted surprises after you move into your new home.

On this page of our site, we’ll try to give you some insight into what questions you should ask when selecting a home inspection service. Even if you don’t choose Lakes Area Home Inspection, we’d like to help you make an educated decision.

Questions about the company

How long have you been in the business as a home inspection company?
We have been in the residential inspection business since 2004
Are you involved with or associated with any other business?
We are not involved in any other business. In accordance with the ASHI® Standards of Practice, we do not participate in any referral or construction related activities. It represents a conflict of interest.
Do you have Errors & Omissions insurance?
Yes, we do carry Errors & Omissions insurance and we are bonded.
Do you encourage the client to attend the inspection?
We always encourage buyers to attend the inspection. Buyers that attend have a better understanding of the property as viewed by the inspector and are better able to read and interpret the final report. The buyer's attendance also helps them understand the scope of a home inspection as well as the limitations.
How soon can you typically schedule an inspection?
An inspection can usually be scheduled within one or two days.
How long will the inspection take?
A typical inspection of a 2000 square foot house will take roughly 2-3 hours.

Questions about the inspector

Are you experienced in residential inspections?
Our inspectors have extensive experience in performing home inspections. Collectively, they have inspected over 2000 properties and have 20+ years of construction and inspection experience. In addition, each of our inspectors have completed the industry's most extensive training program, offered by Carson, Dunlop and Associates.
How many residential inspections have you performed?
Lakes Area Home Inspection has performed more than 2000 inspections.
Are you a certified member of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (inter NACHI)?
All inspectors are members of International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, (inter NACHI), is a non-profit professional association dedicated to establishing standards of excellence for professional home inspectors.

Questions about the report

How much will the inspection cost?

The inspection fees vary slightly depending on the size and age of the house. A full inspection of a 2000 square foot house is $315.00-$600.00. Radon testing is also available for $150.00 with a home inspection. Call our office at 218-736-2214 or Cell 218-731-2897 for a specific quotation.

What will the inspection report include?
A full inspection covers the Site/Grounds, Exterior, Structural Components, Foundation, Roof, Attic, Insulation, Ventilation, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating/AC, Garage, Kitchen, Bathrooms, and Interior.
Will you prepare a written report?

Yes, we prepare an extensive written report that generally runs 30-40 pages. Included is a Report Overview that will let you quickly review the recommended improvements to the home. The report is narrative in nature so that you can read, in plain English, the results of the home inspection. We advice on logical discretionary improvements. A Maintenance Schedule is also provided for your home.

How soon is the report available?
The report is available the same day.
Is the report handwritten or computer based?

The report is computer generated on-site. There are no sloppy handwritten checklists! And you don't have to wait for the report.

Can we see a sample of your report?
You can click here to view our sample report.
Does the report conform to ASHI® Standards?
Yes, our reports conform to (and exceed) the ASHI® Standards of Practice.