Cornerstone Building Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a home inspection?
Why should I get a home inspection?
What is the best time for a home inspection?
How do I know my inspector is qualified?
What areas of the home do you inspect?
What if the report reveals problems?
If the report is great, did I really need an inspection?
Can a house fail an inspection?
Is a termite inspection included in a home?
People are worried about mold these days, and I do not want a house that's full of mold. Will the inspector test for mold?
Can I perform a home inspection myself?
Can I be present during the inspection?
How much does an inspection cost?
Will you repair the things you find wrong during the inspection?
What is FABI?
What is NAHI?
What is NACHI?

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the buildings physical structure and its mechanical contents.
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Why should I get a home inspection?
A home inspection will put your mind at ease when investing in a home.A home is usually the largest single investment a person will ever make. A home inspection will let you know what to expect in terms of repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Water marks on the ceiling, roof decking or floor joists may indicate a chroinc leakage problem or may be the result of a single incident. The home inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents his professional opinion as to the condition of the property. By investing in a home inspection before you buy, unpleasant surprizes will be avoided. A home inspection allows you the buyer to enter the purchase with a working knowledge of what, if anything needs to be repaired in the home. Of course, a home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the type of maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have the knowledge to confidently proceed with your purchase.
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What is the best time for a home inspection?
The best time to call in the home inspector, is after your've made an offer on the house, and before you sign the contract; or you can ask your realtor to include an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contigent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.
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How do I know my inspector is qualified?
Ask for his current certifications and about his past experience. Unfortunately, some inspectors experience is limited to what they read in a two week book course. Question any company you choose. Ask them specifically about their previous job descriptions. Did they answer phones for a construction company, work in the field, or did they own the company? Do not be afraid to ask about their specific background. Feel free to ask for references. A qualified inspector with years of hands on construction experience is the one you want.
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What areas of the home do you inspect?
Our inspections are comprehensive. They include but are not always limited to the following: Interior and Exterior Structure of The Home, Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, Doors & Windows, Heating & Cooling Systems, Insulation, Major Appliances (are they working?), Pools, Spas, Decks, Attics, Basements, Garages, Crawl Spaces, Foundations, Landscaping Drainage. We also provide, for an additional fee, Wood Destroying Organisims (temites, wood decaying fungi etc.), Radon,and Mold inspections.
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What if the report reveals problems?
If the inspector finds fault in a home, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you know in advance what types of repairs are needed. You may begin to negotiate the cost of those repairs with the seller. Usually, the seller and buyer come to an agreement and the sale proceeds as scheduled.
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If the report is great, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely! Now you can complete the purchase of your home with "Peace of Mind." You can feel confident and assured that you will not face unknown repair costs. You can move in to your new home and enjoy it!
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Can a house fail an inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code Inspection. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items, if any, will be in need of immediate or future major repair or replacement.
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Is a termite inspection included in a home?
Some home inspection companies include the termite inspection and others do not. At Cornerstone, we can set up your termite inspection for you. We use an independent, state certifed licensed company. If a home inspection company does there own termite inspections, be sure that the inspector is licensed to perform termite inspections.
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People are worried about mold these days, and I do not want a house that's full of mold. Will the inspector test for mold?
It is impossible to guarantee that a property is free of mold. Fungal growth can be concealed. In addition, mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours if the conditions are right, so a room can be mold-free one day and full of mold a week later. Mold needs moisture to grow, so the best strategy to combat mold growth is to prevent water intrusion or leakage and to keep levels of relative humidity low. We will use a moisture meter in various areas of the home to determine if there is water present in the walls.
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Can I perform a home inspection myself?
Most homeowners have the ability to see obvious areas of concern. A home inspector is a professional who has performed hundreds, perhaps thousand of home inspections. His background, experience,and knowlege allow him to see areas that the average homeowner may overlook. His ability to remain completely objective will give you a clear picture of the home you are purchasing.
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Can I be present during the inspection?
If possible, a buyer or their realtor should be present during the inspection. This is an opportunity to find out the strengths and problems of a property first hand and to ask questions of the inspector. At Cornerstone Building Inspections we consider the interaction between a buyer and our inspectors to be an important part of the services we offer.
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How much does an inspection cost?
The fee for a home inspection varies depending on the size of a house, particular features, age, special structures etc. However, cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a home inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to renegotiate the purchase price based on significant problems revealed by the inspector. Consult your realtor for guidance.
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Will you repair the things you find wrong during the inspection?
Although our background gives us the ability and knowledge to make the repairs, we do not bid to repair any problems we detect.
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What is FABI?
FABI is the acronym for The Florida Association of Building Inspectors. Inspectors that are FABI certified have passed a rigorous test, and must meet continuing education standards each year.FABI inspectors must also meet the recognized Standards of Practice set forth by the organization. Click on the link on our home page for more information about FABI.
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What is NAHI?
NAHI is the acronym for The National Association of Building Inspectors. Inspectors who are certified through NAHI have passed a rigorous, detailed, examination. A NAHI certified inspector is required to attend seminars, and acquire continuing educations units each year. NAHI inspectors must meet the Standard of Practice set forth by the organization. NAHI has three levels of certification. Cornerstone has qualified for the highest level of certification. Click on the link on our home page for more information about NAHI.
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What is NACHI?
NACHI is the acronym for The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Inspectors who have passed the initial NACHI test must continue to be tested yearly. NACHI believes that just as continuing education is vital, so is continual testing. Rest assured, that a NACHI certification is awarded to inspectors that have proven their ability, knowledge, and competence. Click on the link on our home page for more information about NACHI.
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Cornerstone Building Inspections

Serving All Of Central Florida

"The Orginal Cornerstone Inspectors"

Brian Bogen

Owner

Phone: 407-957-5222

Email: brian@cornerstonebuildinginspections.com

Florida State License HI518
Certified Wind Mitigation
FABI * Florida Association of Building Inspectors
Registered Professional Inspector #0032
NAHI * National Association Of Home Inspectors
Certified Real Estate Inspector CRI#2004148
HIAF * Home Inspectors Association of Florida
NACHI * National Association of Certified Home Inspectors #04110395
Florida Department of Environmental Protection #16349
Lic. Nbr. 04-09917
Lic. Nbr. 3001-0077507

Hours of Operation

24/7 "ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CALL AND WE'LL BE THERE"