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Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of the most common questions we receive. Please review this list after scheduling an inspection for important information. You can also request an email copy upon scheduling.

 

How long does the inspection take?

A typical inspection takes about 3-4 hours on average. Please note, this is only an average and some homes may take less time, or more time depending on the condition of the home, the size of the home, and how many questions the client or agent has for the inspector.

What credentials do NPI inspectors carry and why are they important to me?

NPI inspectors are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Our inspectors are certified through the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and Infrared Training Center.

What insurance does NPI carry and why is it important to me?

NPI carries Errors and Omissions and General Liability insurance. Errors and Omissions insurance protects you in the unlikely event we do not report a major defect in your home. General Liability protects you in the event we accidentally damage something in the home.

Is it necessary to have a new home inspected?

YES! Many people feel that the city inspection and/or the walk-through with the builder is an adequate way to inspect a new home. City inspectors spend about 15 minutes in a home (while a certified home inspector will spend 3-4 hours), and builders are very unlikely to find problems with the homes that they have built because of the costs associated with making repairs. We usually find more problems with newer houses than with older ones. Catching problems early on, while the home is new, can save thousands of dollars in repairs later on. Homeowners will have to correct building code violations missed by city inspectors when they go to sell the house in the future. 

What is the cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your inspection, please call our office at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $150.00 charge. If you are purchasing a new construction home, you or your agent should make sure the utilities are on at least 24 hours before your inspection is scheduled. On-site agents and builders have many homes to keep track of and do not check to make sure everything is complete for the inspection.

What is the Inspection Agreement and do I have to sign it?

The inspection agreement helps to ensure that you will be covered by our errors and omissions insurance. The state requires the inspection will be performed in accordance with standards promulgated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The agreement also includes a list of items inspected, exclusions and signatures of the licensee and the client. The inspector will give you a copy at the inspection. Acceptance of the inspection report means you comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement.

What does the inspection include?

During the inspection, our inspector will look at all aspects of the house, including the exterior, interior, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. The average inspection takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. For a construction phase inspection, the inspector will look at the structural components, as well as the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins. This inspection will take approximately an hour and a half. When scheduling your final inspection, be sure all of the utilities are turned on. Cosmetic items and inaccessible areas are not part of the inspection process. See Inspection Services for a more detailed list of what each inspection includes.

Do I have to attend the entire inspection?

If at all possible, you should attend the inspection. If you cannot attend the entire inspection, you can come to the inspection about an hour and a half after the scheduled time if you do not want to stay for the entire inspection. At that time, the inspector can go through the areas of concern with you.

What does my report include?

At the end of the inspection, the inspector will produce an on-site, 20-25 page computer generated report. For construction-phase inspections, the report is 8-12 pages. Our report includes a mechanical and structural analysis of the exterior and the interior of the home. We provide a hardcopy of the report to you at the time of the inspection, and we can also fax or email it. Your report is confidential and cannot be given it to anyone without both party's permission. You are not required to give the report to the homeowner or the listing agent. If you need additional copies of the report, we can fax or email them from our office. NPI has copyrights to all inspection reports.

How do I pay the inspector?

We accept check, cash or PayPal. Call us to make payment arrangements prior to the inspection.

What if I have questions after the inspection takes place?

Please feel free to ask the inspector any questions when the inspection is complete. After the inspection, if you have additional questions please call or email our office and we will get you in contact with the inspector if our "in-house" inspector is not available.

Can the inspector come back to inspect that repairs were made properly?

If you would like to schedule a re-inspect, the inspector can come back with the original report in-hand and make sure repairs were made, for an additional charge. Please call the office to schedule the reinspect 2 or 3 days before you need it.

Can I send comments to NPI about the inspector?

We can email or fax you an evaluation survey. Honest answers help our company and our inspectors improve and please feel free to include additional comments. You can also submit comments via email.

What is a one-year warranty inspection?

The sale of a new construction home typically includes a one year warranty in which the builder will correct any problems encountered within the first year of ownership. It is wise to have an inspection conducted shortly before the one-year warranty expires, so you will know what to have the builder correct. We will send you a reminder in the mail.

Where can I find information on maintaining my home?

Click here to review our list of Home Maintenance topics. You can also be added to our e-mailing list to receive important information each month about maintaining your home. Just provide us with your e-mail address and we'll add you to the list. We do not give your e-mail address out to any third party.

Does NPI offer radon gas testing and should I have a radon test done?

NPI can arrange to conduct a 48 hour radon test where a continuous monitor is placed in the home and picked up two days later. Results on the radon test are ready shortly thereafter.  Studies by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and others show that radon levels occur in every county in Illinois. IDNS found in its study that 17% of the homes tested in Cook County had indoor radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter of air (piC/L) or greater. The EPA recommends radon testing on the sale of all new or older homes. 

Does NPI offer mold testing and should I have a mold test done?

NPI inspectors do not inspect for mold. If mold is found, always have it tested.

Does NPI inspect alarm systems?

Our inspectors do not inspect alarm systems as part of the normal inspection. 

Do the utilities have to be on for the inspection and who turns them on?

It is in your best interest to have the utilities on for the inspection. Our inspector can perform the inspection without the utilities, but those systems will not be able to be checked while he is there. In new and/or vacant homes, utilities can sometimes be an issue. We make every effort to confirm with you and your agent that the utilities will be on for the inspection. The builder/owner should be able to turn on temporary utilities for the purposes of the inspection and walk-thru. Please confirm with the builder, sales office, listing agent, or homeowner that the utilities will be on for the inspection. The number one reason people cancel inspections is because of problems with the utilities.

Randy Creamer

Randall Creamer
Principal Inspector

(888) 724-5338