Question 1

What is a home inspection or building inspection?

Accepted Answer

A home inspection evaluates a residence, while a building inspection evaluates a commercial or investment property; both are visual, non-invasive evaluations.

Question 2

What does a standard home inspection or building inspection include?

Accepted Answer

It typically covers the roof, structure, exterior, interior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, attic (if present and accessible), and installed equipment, provided it is not specialty or non-typical in nature.

Question 3

Why should I have a home or commercial building inspected?

Accepted Answer

It identifies defects, safety concerns, and repair priorities before a purchase, sale, lease, or investment.  Ultimately, the purpose is to quantify risk exposure so it can be minimized or remediated.

Question 4

What ancillary inspections and assessments may be added?

Accepted Answer

Available ancillary services include:Pools and spasSeawalls, docks, and boathousesAdditional structures, detached buildings, and ADUsLandscaping and irrigation systemsSewers, septic systems, and subterranean componentsMold and indoor air-quality examinationsGenerators and specialty equipmentFour-point, wind mitigation, and roof certification inspectionsInfrared building-performance and safety assessmentsDigital & Physical Vulnerability, Penetration, & Security assessments (VPS-Readiness™)VERIspect™ recurring property condition assessmentsAirSTR™ — Rental & Hospitality Readiness for Airbnb, Vrbo, Furnished Finder, other furnished rentals, and boutique hotelsAirPRO™ — Private Residence Oversight for seasonal, secondary, and absentee-owned homesAvailability depends on the property, agreed scope, accessibility, and applicable licensing.

Question 5

What is outside the scope of a standard property inspection?

Accepted Answer

Concealed conditions, destructive or invasive testing, code compliance, and specialty systems are excluded unless specifically added.

Question 6

What services is Real Property Insights qualified to perform?

Accepted Answer

RPI is licensed and insured, with applicable training, certifications, experience, and qualifications to perform residential home inspections, commercial building inspections and Property Condition Assessments (PCAs), condominium, new-construction, and pre-listing inspections, and every ancillary service listed above. Termite and WDO inspections are the only exceptions and require a separately licensed provider.

Question 7

How long does a home or building inspection take?

Accepted Answer

Most homes take two to four hours; larger or more complex buildings may take longer.

Question 8

When should I schedule the inspection?

Accepted Answer

Schedule it as early as possible within the property’s due-diligence period.

Question 9

Should I attend the inspection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when possible. Attending helps you better understand the property, see important findings firsthand, and ask questions specific to your concerns. It also gives you practical knowledge of the property’s condition and systems, helping you make informed decisions and respond confidently if issues arise.

Question 10

When will I receive my inspection report?

Accepted Answer

Residential reports generally arrive within 24 hours of leaving the property; larger building reports may require additional review. Schedule your inspection as early as possible within the due-diligence period to allow sufficient time for performing the inspection, drafting and reviewing the report.

Question 11

Can a home or building pass or fail an inspection?

Accepted Answer

No; the inspection documents condition, risk, and repair priorities.

Question 12

What is the difference between a property inspection and an appraisal?

Accepted Answer

An inspection evaluates condition, while an appraisal estimates market value.

Question 13

Does an inspection determine whether a home or building meets current codes?

Accepted Answer

No, but an inspection may identify visible safety concerns or improper installations. Building codes may inform certain observations, but an inspection is not a code-compliance evaluation. Questions concerning permits, building history, or code compliance should be discussed with your Realtor, who can direct you to the appropriate building department or qualified specialist.

Question 14

Will the inspection include repair-cost estimates?

Accepted Answer

Firm pricing comes from contractors, although expanded residential and commercial scopes may include opinions of probable cost when negotiated as part of the reporting.

Question 15

Should I inspect a newly constructed home or building?

Accepted Answer

Yes—new construction very frequently contains defects, incomplete work, or improper installations. If you had seen half the things RPI has seen, you would arrange an inspection before accepting possession of any property.

Question 16

What is inspected when purchasing a condominium?

Accepted Answer

Accessible components serving the unit are inspected; common areas require an expanded scope.

Residential • Commercial • Short-Term Rental

Frequently Asked Questions

Home Inspection, Building Inspection & Florida Insurance FAQs