After Inspections

Frequently asked questions for buyers of homes after their inspections take place.

Water Testing in Buncombe County

Water Testing in Buncombe County NC Homes with well water can be tested through the county Environmental Health Department (828 250 5016).  Water tests are sent to the State Lab at the Department of Environmental Quality.  Buncombe County Residents can ‘self collect’ and test for...

Read More

Do we do re-inspections after repairs?

Generally, we do not inspect repair work.  When issues are identified during our inspection, a licensed contractor should be hired, and buyers coordinate repair work and negotiate for repairs as needed before closing (new construction may be an exception).  If the seller DOES take responsibility for...

Read More

Where should Smoke/CO detectors be placed?

Where Should I Place a Smoke Detector? According to the NFPA: Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or...

Read More

Typical Service Life of Components of Home

All components of a home have a service life expectancy.  Knowing the typical service life schedules of construction materials help homeowners and homebuyers budget for repairs. See also:Determine the Age of Your Heat Pump, AC, or FurnaceHow old are my Kitchen and Laundry Appliances?Determine the...

Read More

Viewing Inspection Reports in PDF format

We recommend viewing the Full Report PDF version of your report at least once to view all the information in one place. Viewing the Report In PDF format To View the Report in PDF format Find the email with the link to your report Select...

Read More

Viewing Reports in HTML format

Viewing reports in HTML format is a great way to view videos, expand pictures, follow hypertext and to navigate quickly through the report. Keep in mind that many items are hidden in the HTML format unless clicked on or expanded.  We recommend viewing your full...

Read More

Interpreting a Mold Test Result

The purpose of a mold test is to confirm that the air quality inside the home (especially in basements) is not significantly out of range from the outside environment.  Mold thrives on decaying tree and plant matter among many other things which is why it...

Read More

Which Type Of Smoke Alarm Is Best?

We recommend replacing your smoke detectors every 10 years with either a hard-wired detector with a battery back-up (typically 9V) or a 10 year lithium ion detector– in both cases it is highly recommended that the detectors are interconnected (which means they will alarm at...

Read More

Where Are My Home Inspection Reports?

If you’ve received an email saying your report(s) are ready but you still do not see your reports on your dashboard make sure that you’ve signed your agreements and paid your invoice. To sign your agreement(s) and to pay for your inspection(s) please follow the prompts...

Read More

Not Meeting the Inspector After the Inspection

It is very common for buyers to be out of town during the inspection.  In this case we recommend that the client/agent review the written inspection report carefully and then email us at office@builderbuddy.com to set up a phone consultation with their inspector if they...

Read More

Interpreting My Radon Test Results

EPA Guidance and strategies based on different radon test results: PASS (Low): 2pCi/L or less PASS (elevated): between 2 and 3.9pCi/L FAIL : 4pCi/L or more

Read More

Water test results: When contaminants are absent or present

When contaminants are absent With water filtration in place This is a good result.  The buyer should contact the company that installed/maintains the water filtration equipment.  The water should be retested with the county health department and the equipment should be serviced annually with the...

Read More

Should I Get An Annual Inspection?

Q: Should I get an Annual Inspection?  A:  Yes!  It is highly recommended to have your home inspector come back each year for an Annual Home Inspection– this is an essential service for all home home owners and is at the heart of any good...

Read More

How Do I Negotiate?

Please consult your agent about the negotiability of items in the report. Buyer repairs are preferred over seller repairs because buyers are more invested in the long-term condition of the home.  There are ‘good’, ‘better’ and ‘best’ repairs and repair costs can vary greatly.  Typically...

Read More

Contractors and Sub-contractors

Your agent may have referrals for you Unfortunately we cannot give referrals for repairs.  We generate so many leads over such a large geographical area that it is impossible for us to maintain a reliable network of contractors to provide to our clients.  We recommend...

Read More

How to Create Documents Based off the Inspection Report

How to create documents based off the inspection report with the Repair Request Builder feature. The software that we use has a ‘Repair Request Builder’ which allows clients and agents to create repair or negotiating documents based off the report.  This feature allows clients/agents to...

Read More

Please Review Us

Google and Facebook Even if it’s just a few words, one word or no words.  Please give us a rating, it really means a lot to us personally and professionally.  If you had a great experience with us please consider leaving us review us on GOOGLE or FB or...

Read More

I Had Some Issues With An Inspector Or An Inspection

We are sorry you had this experience.  Please give us a chance to listen to your grievances and to take steps to help you if possible.  We also learn from our mistakes and take steps to try to prevent them in the future.  Please fill...

Read More

When should I follow up with a Structural Engineer?

When should I follow up with a Structural Engineer? When there are items in a home inspection report that call for a structural engineer, the buyer should consult a structural engineer during their due diligence period in order to get a better understanding of the...

Read More