I've Got A Question
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What is the difference between a Home Inspection and a Systems
Inspection?
A Systems Check or Inspection only examines the electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and
kitchen appliances. A Home Inspection examines the whole house, i.e. the above systems as well
as the rest of the house such as the structure, exterior, foundation, windows and doors, garages and
roof.
I am buying a brand new house. Why do I need a home inspection?
Just because a house is new does not mean that there are not concerns. Most people say, "The
house was inspected by the county building inspector. Why do I need to have it independently
inspected?" This is true and most of them do a very good job given how over worked they are, but
county inspectors are examining the house in regard to the building codes which set the minimum
standards that the house must meet. A home inspection may go beyond the building code because
we have the time to spend a few hours in the house, and we are examining the home with you in
mind. Additionally, a county inspector may not check the operation of systems, and therefore a
system may be installed correctly but not operate.
Can I be at the inspection?
Absolutely. The inspection is for your benefit. This is your opportunity to spend a few hours at the
house and become familiar with it. Our job is not simply to identify any defects, but also to educate
you about your new home.
How long will the inspection take?
The average inspection takes about three hours including the preparation and the delivery of the
report.
When do I get the inspection report?
Professional Inspection Services, LLC will take the information back to the office and email you the
report. The goal is always to get you the report the same day as the inspection.
Can you tell me how much the repairs will cost ,or can you do the
repairs?
The general answer is no. Professional Inspection Services does not do repairs because of the
potential conflict of interest. Because we do not do repairs, we may not be able to give you a true
estimate of repair costs. We recommend that you consult a contractor who specializes in the area of
concern. Your real estate agent can provide a list of vendors to assist you in finding contractors who
can give you a cost estimate.
What is Dryvit?
Exterior Insulation and Finished System (EIFS), commonly known as Dryvit (manufacturer), is a
stucco like finish that is placed over a styrofoam base. EIFS has been a problematic siding because
of water intrusion behind the EIFS. Professional Inspection Services will be looking at the seams in
the EIFS to make sure they are properly sealed. We will also be examining the sealing at the base of
the EIFS and its clearance from the ground. If necessary, we may recommend an EIFS Inspection.
This is an examination by an inspector trained in EIFS who will look for water behind the EIFS using
specialized moisture meters. Professional Inspection Services does not perform EIFS Inspections.
Installation instructions for EIFS according to the Dryit
What is Polybutylene Piping?
Polybutylene pipe is a plastic pipe that was used during the late 80s and early 90s. It has been
problematic because of breaks that have occurred usually at the joint fittings. Adjustments have been
made for the fittings, so when Professional Inspection Services, LLC performs the inspection, we will
be looking at the visible piping to determine the type of fittings and examining the piping for leaks.
Is PEX the same as Polybutylene?
No. PEX is a different plastic pipe known as Polyethylene. PEX has been around for years, but has
started to be used more because of the cost of copper. As with every plastic pipe, installation is
important. Professional Inspection Services, LLC will look for proper installation in the visible piping
and will look for leaks. Attached is the installation instructions for PEX from the Plastic Pipe and
Fittings Association. However, each different manufacturer of PEX has there own standards for
installation.
Are you specialist in heating and cooling, roofing and other systems of
the house?
Home inspectors are generalists and have training in identifying problems which may be occurring in
these areas. We may recommend, based on our observations, additional inspections by someone
who is a specialist in a particular system.
What are AFCI breakers?
Simply stated: AFCI breakers are designed to sense a sparking within the electrical circuit and trip
the breaker in order to prevent fires. Beginning with the adoption of the 2008 National Electrical Code
all 15 and 20 amp circuits supplying living areas are to be protected with AFCI breakers. The 2008
NEC has not yet been adopted by GA. For further information you may link to an article on AFCI
breakers at the following address: AFCI Article
Do you look for Chinese Drywall?
Yes. While Chinese Drywall is not prevalent in the Columbus/Phenix City area, it has been identified
in a few houses. Chinese Drywall is difficult to definitively identify without testing, but some are
stamped on the backside as being made in China and visible above the garage where insulation is
not covering the drywall. There are some indicators of the presence of Chinese Drywall like the
discoloration of copper pipes and wiring that if seen during the visual inspection, the inspector will
further examine and attempt an identification of the cause.
Inspection?
A Systems Check or Inspection only examines the electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and
kitchen appliances. A Home Inspection examines the whole house, i.e. the above systems as well
as the rest of the house such as the structure, exterior, foundation, windows and doors, garages and
roof.
I am buying a brand new house. Why do I need a home inspection?
Just because a house is new does not mean that there are not concerns. Most people say, "The
house was inspected by the county building inspector. Why do I need to have it independently
inspected?" This is true and most of them do a very good job given how over worked they are, but
county inspectors are examining the house in regard to the building codes which set the minimum
standards that the house must meet. A home inspection may go beyond the building code because
we have the time to spend a few hours in the house, and we are examining the home with you in
mind. Additionally, a county inspector may not check the operation of systems, and therefore a
system may be installed correctly but not operate.
Can I be at the inspection?
Absolutely. The inspection is for your benefit. This is your opportunity to spend a few hours at the
house and become familiar with it. Our job is not simply to identify any defects, but also to educate
you about your new home.
How long will the inspection take?
The average inspection takes about three hours including the preparation and the delivery of the
report.
When do I get the inspection report?
Professional Inspection Services, LLC will take the information back to the office and email you the
report. The goal is always to get you the report the same day as the inspection.
Can you tell me how much the repairs will cost ,or can you do the
repairs?
The general answer is no. Professional Inspection Services does not do repairs because of the
potential conflict of interest. Because we do not do repairs, we may not be able to give you a true
estimate of repair costs. We recommend that you consult a contractor who specializes in the area of
concern. Your real estate agent can provide a list of vendors to assist you in finding contractors who
can give you a cost estimate.
What is Dryvit?
Exterior Insulation and Finished System (EIFS), commonly known as Dryvit (manufacturer), is a
stucco like finish that is placed over a styrofoam base. EIFS has been a problematic siding because
of water intrusion behind the EIFS. Professional Inspection Services will be looking at the seams in
the EIFS to make sure they are properly sealed. We will also be examining the sealing at the base of
the EIFS and its clearance from the ground. If necessary, we may recommend an EIFS Inspection.
This is an examination by an inspector trained in EIFS who will look for water behind the EIFS using
specialized moisture meters. Professional Inspection Services does not perform EIFS Inspections.
Installation instructions for EIFS according to the Dryit
What is Polybutylene Piping?
Polybutylene pipe is a plastic pipe that was used during the late 80s and early 90s. It has been
problematic because of breaks that have occurred usually at the joint fittings. Adjustments have been
made for the fittings, so when Professional Inspection Services, LLC performs the inspection, we will
be looking at the visible piping to determine the type of fittings and examining the piping for leaks.
Is PEX the same as Polybutylene?
No. PEX is a different plastic pipe known as Polyethylene. PEX has been around for years, but has
started to be used more because of the cost of copper. As with every plastic pipe, installation is
important. Professional Inspection Services, LLC will look for proper installation in the visible piping
and will look for leaks. Attached is the installation instructions for PEX from the Plastic Pipe and
Fittings Association. However, each different manufacturer of PEX has there own standards for
installation.
Are you specialist in heating and cooling, roofing and other systems of
the house?
Home inspectors are generalists and have training in identifying problems which may be occurring in
these areas. We may recommend, based on our observations, additional inspections by someone
who is a specialist in a particular system.
What are AFCI breakers?
Simply stated: AFCI breakers are designed to sense a sparking within the electrical circuit and trip
the breaker in order to prevent fires. Beginning with the adoption of the 2008 National Electrical Code
all 15 and 20 amp circuits supplying living areas are to be protected with AFCI breakers. The 2008
NEC has not yet been adopted by GA. For further information you may link to an article on AFCI
breakers at the following address: AFCI Article
Do you look for Chinese Drywall?
Yes. While Chinese Drywall is not prevalent in the Columbus/Phenix City area, it has been identified
in a few houses. Chinese Drywall is difficult to definitively identify without testing, but some are
stamped on the backside as being made in China and visible above the garage where insulation is
not covering the drywall. There are some indicators of the presence of Chinese Drywall like the
discoloration of copper pipes and wiring that if seen during the visual inspection, the inspector will
further examine and attempt an identification of the cause.