FAQs

What is a home inspection?
What areas are included in a Home Inspection?
Who needs a home inspection?
How long does an inspection take?
What type of report do I receive?
Should my Realtor receive a copy of your report?
Should I be present for the home inspection?
Are you available to answer questions about the property or report after I close and move into the home?
Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?
Can anyone perform a home inspection?
Why can’t I inspect the home myself?
Why should I have a home inspection?
Will the home inspection identify all problems?
How do I request a home inspection?
Are all inspection reports the same?
If, following the home inspection, the seller repairs an item found in the home inspection, may I have the Home Inspector perform a “re-inspection”?
What does a home inspection cost?
Can a house fail a home inspection?
Is a home inspection a “code” inspection?
When do I call a home inspector?
What if the report reveals problems?
Do you offer repairs?
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Who will actually perform the inspection?
What type of license do you have?
How will you gain access to the property?
What is required prior to the inspection?
What about mold?
What about Radon?
What about Asbestos?
What areas or locations do you serve?
The home is being appraised/inspected by the FHA, VA or Rural Development, is hiring a professional home inspector redundant or a waste of money?

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an evaluation of the visible and accessible systems and components of a home. Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

What areas are included in a Home Inspection?
A typical inspection includes the roof, exterior, interior, structural, garage, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems, insulation and ventilation & attached appliances.

Who needs a home inspection?
Buyers and sellers. If you’re buying a home, pre-owned or new, an inspection tells you the condition of the property. That way, there are no surprises after you close on the home.
If you purchased a new home and it still has a warranty from the builder, it’s a good idea to have a home inspection before it expires. It’s a rare case that even a new home doesn’t have some problems that were overlooked by the builder. Those repairs or corrections could easily exceed the cost of an inspection. If you catch problems prior to warranty expiration, your warranty should cover them.
Sellers benefit by knowing the condition of their home before they place it on the market. Then, any needed repairs can be made prior to listing. A sellers inspection can also be used as a comparison to what the buyer’s inspector finds.
A home is one of the largest investments you will ever make. While an inspection cannot remove all the risk, of the purchase, a professional inspector can remain objective in his analysis, having no emotional ties to the property. Sellers may have no objection to a professional inspector spending time in their home to evaluate the property, but may object to buyers alone, performing the same task. A trained professional inspector will help you know, as much as possible, what to expect after the purchase. Serious structural problems can lurk under fresh paint. Has anyone been “in” the attic lately? Homes have good points as well, the trained professional will point them out and offer tips on maintenance as well as suggestions on preventative measures that will help avoid future problems.

How long does an inspection take?
Anywhere from two to four hours depending on the condition of the property, the number of services you’ve requested and the size of the home. It takes time to perform a thorough inspection of the entire property and I pay attention to the details.

What type of report do I receive?
You’ll receive your report access via e-mail which will provide you with a link and password to allow access to your report on our secure report website. We also provide photos of any areas of concern and we include them in the report. Our report is easy to understand and is usually available to you the evening of inspection.

Should my Realtor receive a copy of your report?
Yes. Your REALTOR can assist you in determining if any items in the report are significant enough to warrant re-negotiation with the seller. Having your REALTOR review the report also insures that you both are “on the same page” at the closing.

Should I be present for the home inspection?
Yes, we encourage you to plan to attend the inspection for a wrap up. There are always items in the inspection that can best be explained on-site. We will include them in the report of course, but your presence at the property always makes it easier for you to understand important information about the property.

Are you available to answer questions about the property or report after I close and move into the home?
Yes, we will be happy to assist you any way we can in clarifying the information we present in the report. Even after you’ve moved in and settled down to enjoy your new home. We’re always available to you, for as long as you own the home, to offer unbiased advice and recommendations.

Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?
Absolutely! New homes are routinely inspected. It is encouraged. We have never inspected a house where we didn’t discover defects. Examples of problems often found in new homes are: leaking water supply lines or drains, damaged roof shingles, broken or mal-functioning windows, furnaces and water heaters improperly vented (creating fire hazards), bathrooms vented into attics, floor and ceiling joists excessively drilled or notched, etc .

Can anyone perform a home inspection?
No. A license is required. The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues licenses to individuals who have met the minimum training requirements, (initial & continued education), pass the required examination & agree to abide by the state’s Standards of Practice.

Why can’t I inspect the home myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. We are familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. We know know how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by Integrity Home Inspection.

Why should I have a home inspection?
By using the services of Integrity Home Inspection, you can gain a better understanding of the condition of the property, especially whether any items do not “function as intended” or “adversely affect the habitability of the dwelling” or “warrant further investigation” by a person who specializes in the item in question.

Will the home inspection identify all problems?
Unfortunately, no. We are experienced at evaluating a home and follow clues to reveal defects however, some defects can go unnoticed for many reasons including personal items blocking/covering areas in the home and defects not evident on the day of inspection. A home inspection is a lot of work and if you select Integrity Home Inspection to do your home inspection, I promise I will do my best to provide the best evaluation possible.

How do I request a home inspection?
You can call 217-303-8633 anytime or click here and schedule your inspection.

Are all inspection reports the same?
No. While the the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation has established a minimum requirement for inspections, reports can vary greatly. They can range from a “checklist” of the systems and components to a full narrative evaluation or any combination of the two. We receive complements on a regular basis about how our reports are thorough and easy to read. Our reports include photos of all found deficiencies and can include video if a defect can be better documented with it.

If, following the home inspection, the seller repairs an item found in the home inspection, may I have the Home Inspector perform a “re-inspection”?
Yes. Some repairs may not be as straightforward as they might seem. The inspector may be able to help you evaluate the repair, but you should be aware that the re-inspection is not a warranty of the repairs that have been made. We recommend getting a copy of any warrantee from the contractor completing the repair.

What does a home inspection cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as radon testing, Thermal imaging or mold or asbestos testing.
Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Our qualifications, experience, training, compliance with our state’s regulations, and our professional affiliation with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) can assure you that you will receive the best professional home inspection possible.

Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

Is a home inspection a “code” inspection?
Although local codes and the IRC (International Residential Code) and various other references are consulted and often referenced, A home inspection is not a code Inspection.

When do I call a home inspector?
If you are a buyer, typically, we are contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If we identify problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs. Your Realtor can help guide you through this process.

Do you offer repairs?
No. Integrity Home Inspection only provides inspection services.

If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Absolutely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspection provided by Integrity Home Inspection, and will have that information for future reference.

Who will actually perform the inspection?
Bill Penn, the owner of Integrity Home Inspection, who is fully licensed by The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and is a member of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). With over 25 years experience in the building trades, Bill is very knowledgeable and this knowledge is a key component in performing the inspection and creating your inspection report. We don’t use sub-contractors. Be aware many other home inspection companies proudly proclaim their certifications or credentials, but they send uncertified employees or sub-contractors to perform your inspection. In some cases, the employee or sub-contractor is an “associate inspector”, meaning they are not a fully State licensed inspector; they could be an apprentice.

What type of license do you have?
I am licensed to perform home inspections by the state of Illinois. The state of Missouri has no licensing requirements. Licensing and certification should be considered no matter where the inspection will take place. Illinois licensing procedure is rigorous and requires annual re-training. You have a higher probability of hiring a competent inspector if he is licensed by state of Illinois. I am licensed and hold certifications in Radon Testing. I also am certified to provide thermal imaging services, mold testing and asbestos testing.

How will you gain access to the property?
If the property is located in Quincy Il, then we have the capability to unlock any Supra lockbox installed by a realtor. Otherwise, we will make arrangements to have the property unlocked at the time of the inspection.

What is required prior to the inspection?
A signed agreement. Also, the utilities (electric, water, gas) need to be turned on at the property prior to the inspection. Pilot lights need to be lit. All rooms, crawl spaces, etc. need to be unlocked and panel boxes and attic openings need to be made accessible.

What about mold?
There is no “safe” or “unsafe” limit or standard set by the EPA, OSHA, or any other government agency for mold–it is completely unregulated. So while there is no limit on mold, it is not something you want to have in abundance in or under your house. Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce and the spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, and other organic substances. When excessive moisture or water accumulates, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in a building; the way to control mold growth is to control moisture. While there is no regulatory limit for mold, it may adversely affect the health of those with certain allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses, and if you consider yourself at risk we encourage you to retain an industrial hygienist and/or have Integrity Home Inspection perform mold testing. (Additional fees apply).

What about Radon?
Exposure to radon in the home is responsible for an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. The EPA recommends every home be tested for elevated levels of radon. Radon is a serious health hazard. Integrity Home inspection can perform a professional radon test for you at the time of inspection. (Additional fees apply).

What about Asbestos?
Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. Older homes can often have asbestos. Common areas are: attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite, vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives, roofing and siding shingles, textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceilings, walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets, hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape. Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. In general, exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air. Integrity Home Inspection can provide Asbestos testing. (Additional fees apply).

What areas or locations do you serve?
We provide home inspections and testing services in the Quincy, Il and Hannibal, Mo areas. This includes Adams, Pike, Ralls, & Marion Counties.

The home is being appraised/inspected by the FHA, VA or Rural Development. Is hiring a professional home inspector redundant or a waste of money?
It is a common error of equating an FHA inspector with a home inspector, when in fact, there are no similarities of any kind when comparing these two distinct professions.
Integrity Home Inspection provides disclosure of visible property defects and spend several hours evaluating each home. We operate and inspect plumbing, heating and electrical fixtures; we walk on the roof; we crawl through the attic (if possible); we inspect the electrical wiring in breaker panels; test electrical outlets; and inspect the foundation crawlspace beneath each building. We evaluate fireplaces, test built-in appliances and verify compliance with numerous safety requirements. We review site drainage conditions, check for signs of faulty construction, and report on physical damage and substandard workmanship.
FHA inspectors do little, if any, of this. In fact, they are more correctly called “FHA appraisers.” Their inspection, when compared with an actual home inspection, is best described as a brief walkthrough. Basically, they look around, take measurements and note the apparent overall condition of the property. They operate nothing. They test nothing. They generally do not go on the roof; they do not enter the attic or crawlspace; and they do not determine functional conditions of fixtures.