Frequently Asked Questions

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A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property. It is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components of a home that are both observed and deemed material by the home inspector. This can include key components of the home, such as the roof, the siding, the electrical, the foundation, and plumbing. It also includes major appliances, such as HVAC systems, water heaters, and kitchen stoves, among other systems. 

Our certified and licensed home inspectors check the home from top to bottom.  We inspect the roof, attic, walls, foundation, windows, interior, exterior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structure, fireplace, chimney, grading and more. Some things that come up in an inspection, such as as a dirty fireplace or HVAC unit, might require a cleaning and deeper inspection by a professional. 

A home inspection covers only what can be visually accessed. A home inspector cannot tear into drywall to examine electrical wiring, for instance, but the inspector can test an outlet to make sure it is properly grounded. A home inspector can check the functionality of a furnace and air conditioner and can visually inspect a unit. However, the inspector does not perform a compression test. Outlets that cannot be accessed because they are covered by furniture or components in a room or an area that is locked cannot be inspected. If water or gas to a home is shut off, we would seek permission in writing from the listing real estate agent in order to inspect those aspects of a home. 

A standard home inspection does not include many components that a home buyer might want to have inspected. These aspects include mold testing, radon testing, or testing for the presence of termites or other pests. However, Clarity Home Inspections does offer these services at an additional cost.

Many things play a factor into the pricing of a home inspection. That includes square footage, age and condition of a house, and type of foundation the home is on.  Not all homes are created equally. This is also true in regards to inspection pricing.  Inspections can range from $300 to several thousand dollars, depending on these many factors.  You most certainly do not want to skimp on the inspection, as your home is one of the most important buying decisions you will ever make. A comprehensive home inspection report will give you full clarity on the condition of your home.  

Cheaper is not always better. You want a licensed professional that is going to work hard for you and identify every defect in the home, not someone that is going to provide a quick visual.  The inspection services offered by Clarity Home Inspections are the most thorough and priced the most competitively in the Louisville market.  We offer to match any of our competitors' pricing.  Provide us with a written quote, and we will match that price, no questions asked.  

The amount of time it takes for a home inspection depends on a number of factors. Things such as the condition of a house, its age, and the square footage of the residence can impact the time needed for a thorough inspection. A home with a basement or crawlspace will have more to go through than a small home built on a slab.  The typical time it takes our home inspectors from start to finish is 3 to 4 hours for homes up to 2,400 square feet.

A detailed inspection report of the home will be emailed to you the same day of the inspection.  These reports are very descriptive and include images and videos of each and every defect observed. This gives you a better understanding of what improvements a home might need to undergo and, if needed, gives you visual evidence that can be shared with a seller or listing agent in order to negotiate for you a better agreement on your home purchase. We believe that it is important for you to have ample time to review it thoroughly, and we are with you at every step to address any concerns you may have during the home-buying process. 

In making such a key investment, such as buying a home, you want to make sure the house you're buying is safe and sound. Just as you would have a mechanic look over a car before you buy it, a home inspector should be hired to go through a house before you put your name on the deed. You want to keep you and your family safe for years to come. Making sure that the structure of a house has not been compromised and that its electrical, plumbing and appliances are in good shape can do just that, and it can potentially save you thousands in maintenance costs over the years that you own your home. It also makes you more aware of any potential problems and repair costs that you might face down the road. 

A home inspection can also be a good idea for a home seller. Such an inspection helps lessen any concerns that might arise with the condition of your home, making for a smoother closing process and ensuring that you get top dollar in a competitive housing market.

In many states, including Kentucky, a home inspector must be licensed, passing a state-mandated test. The home inspectors with Clarity Home Inspections are licensed and have passed national certification tests in a number of critical areas important to inspecting homes, as recognized by the national industry trade group, InterNACHI. Do not just trust your home to anyone when it comes to making sure that it is up to code. It is worth it to you and your investment to pick the best person for the job.