Frequently Asked Questions
QUICK ANSWERS HUB
new Construction inspections
Many home buyers assume that local government inspectors will catch every issue in a new build, but their focus is primarily on the minimum code compliance, not the finer details that impact your home’s quality and longevity. That’s where Home IQ Inspections makes a difference. Working exclusively for you. We conduct a comprehensive, unbiased evaluation to ensure nothing is overlooked, giving you confidence that your home is built to the highest standards.
Even the most skilled contractors can make mistakes, whether due to tight schedules, miscommunication, or human error. Small oversights in framing, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC can lead to costly problems down the road. Our home inspectors have the expertise to catch these issues early, allowing them to be addressed before they become major headaches, ensuring your home is safe, sound, and built to last.
Even with the best craftsmanship, no new home is completely free of issues. A Home IQ inspection acts as an extra layer of quality assurance, identifying potential concerns before your final builder walk-through. This allows you to address any problems before closing, ensuring your home is move-in ready and meets the highest standards. Our thorough inspection gives you peace of mind, knowing that everything from structural components to electrical and plumbing systems will be carefully evaluated.
Reputable builders stand behind their work and should be willing to correct any defects found during the inspection. Additionally, many new home warranties have expiration dates, making it crucial to identify and resolve any issues before your coverage runs out.
The cost of New Home Construction Phase Inspections depends on factors like location, home size, and inspection complexity. The three key phase inspections are: [I] Pre-Slab/Foundation, [II] Pre-Drywall/Framing, and [III] Final Inspection.
We at Home IQ Inspections provide bundled packages for all three phases, offering seamless oversight throughout the construction process. While pricing may vary, the long-term benefits of phase inspections far outweigh the initial investment. Identifying potential issues early helps prevent costly repairs, delays, and structural concerns in the future. Ensuring that your home is built to your expectations.
Scheduling your home inspection at the right time is essential to avoid delays while ensuring a thorough review. You don’t want to wait too long and risk postponing your closing, but it’s also wise to let your local government inspector complete their assessment first.
For the most comprehensive evaluation, consider a two-phase inspection approach—one before drywall installation [Phase II] and another at completion [Phase III]. The pre-drywall inspection allows your inspector to examine critical components like electrical, plumbing, and framing before they’re covered, while the final inspection ensures everything is properly finished.
The timeline for New Home Construction Phase Inspections varies depending on the size, complexity, and progress of the build. Each phase inspection typically takes 1 to 4 hours, with more extensive homes requiring additional time. Below is a typical breakdown:
[Phase I] Pre-Slab/Foundation Inspection – 1 to 2 hours (before concrete is poured, ensuring proper site prep, reinforcement, and plumbing)
[Phase II] Pre-Drywall/Framing Inspection – 2 to 4 hours (after framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are installed but before drywall)
[Phase III] Final Inspection – 2 to 4 hours (comprehensive check of all systems and finishes before closing)
While the inspection itself may take a few hours, detailed reports with findings and recommendations are typically provided within 24 hours, ensuring you have timely insights to address any concerns.
The Final Inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of the entire home, ensuring everything is safe, functional, and up to code before you take ownership. Key elements typically inspected include:
Structural & Exterior
✔ Foundation, walls, and framing for stability and cracks
✔ Roofing, gutters, and drainage for proper installation and potential leaks
✔ Siding, stucco, or brickwork for defects or improper installation
✔ Windows and doors for proper sealing, operation, and security
✔ Driveways, walkways, decks, and patios for safety and compliance
Interior Components
✔ Flooring, ceilings, and walls for defects, cracks, or poor installation
✔ Stairways and railings for safety and building code compliance
✔ Attic and crawl spaces for insulation, ventilation, and moisture issues
Major Systems & Utilities
✔ Electrical – Wiring, outlets, switches, and panels for safety and function
✔ Plumbing – Pipes, water pressure, drainage, and leaks
✔ HVAC – Heating and cooling systems for proper operation and efficiency
✔ Water Heater – Functionality, safety, and temperature settings
✔ Appliances (if included) – Proper installation and operation
Safety Features
✔ Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for placement and functionality
✔ Fire exits and egress windows for emergency safety
✔ Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) for electrical safety
The Final Inspection ensures your home is move-in ready, identifying any last-minute issues that should be addressed before closing.
No, the Final Inspection and the Builder’s Walk-Through serve different purposes.
The Builder’s Walk-Through is a final tour led by the builder, where they showcase the home’s features, demonstrate how systems operate, and address any cosmetic concerns. While this is an opportunity to ask questions, it is not a detailed inspection of the home’s structure or systems.
A Final Inspection, conducted by our inspectors, is a comprehensive evaluation of the entire home. We examine the critical components such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and structural integrity to ensure everything is properly installed and functioning. Unlike the builder, Home IQ Inspections works exclusively for you, identifying potential issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
While both are important, a Final Inspection provides an unbiased assessment, ensuring your new home is safe, fully functional, and built to the highest standards.
Not necessarily. Builders are generally responsible for addressing defects covered under their warranty or those that do not meet building codes or agreed-upon construction standards. However, they are not legally required to fix every issue noted in the inspection report unless it violates local building codes or the terms of your contract.
If deficiencies are found, it’s important to review your builder’s warranty and contract to determine what repairs they are obligated to make. Many builders will address structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC issues, but cosmetic concerns may not always be covered. Now, reliable builders do take pride in their work and are typically willing to address any defects identified during the inspection. Your Home IQ Inspections report provides the documentation needed to discuss necessary repairs with the builder before closing.
buyer's inspections
A buyer’s inspection is essentially a home inspection, but it focuses on protecting the buyer’s interests. It’s a comprehensive, non-invasive evaluation of the property’s condition. During the inspection, we thoroughly assess key elements of the home, including the roof, foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and overall structure, to identify any defects, safety hazards, or maintenance needs.
The answer is clear: absolutely. A home inspection provides a thorough look at the true condition of the home, going beyond what’s visible on the surface. This insight can save you thousands in potential repairs, uncover hidden safety hazards, and even give you negotiation leverage. While some buyers may consider waiving the inspection in a competitive market, it’s always highly recommended to have one. It’s a crucial step in protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind.
Home inspections typically take 2 to 4 hours to complete, though the exact duration can vary based on several factors. These include the size and condition of the home, as well as how easily certain areas, like the roof and attic, can be accessed. At Home IQ Inspections, we ensure a thorough inspection to provide you an accurate and detailed report.
At Home IQ Inspections, we pride ourselves on providing detailed, comprehensive inspections. Our certified inspectors thoroughly examine over 400 key points of your home, including:
Electrical systems
Interior and exterior foundations
Heating and air conditioning systems
Plumbing systems
Roof and attics
Any findings are carefully documented in your detailed inspection report, which also includes vital information like the location of shut-off valves and HVAC filter sizes, ensuring you have all the details you need to maintain your home effectively.
As a buyer, the most important step to prepare for a home inspection is to make a list of questions you’d like answered. Pay attention to any unusual details or things you don’t fully understand from the showing. During the inspection, your Home IQ Inspections inspector will walk through each item with you, offering valuable insights and even maintenance tips you can use to care for your home once you own it. This preparation helps ensure you get the most out of your inspection.
The cost of a home inspection depends on factors like the size, age, and location of the home. For a personalized quote, feel free to call, email or schedule an appointment online today!
While it’s not required to be present during the inspection, doing so offers many benefits. It allows you to gain first-hand insight into any issues the inspector uncovers and gives you the opportunity to ask specific questions as they arise. Being there ensures that all your concerns are addressed and provides you with peace of mind, knowing that every detail has been thoroughly examined.
It’s quite common for your realtor to attend the inspection. As your representative, they benefit from understanding any issues with the property, making it easier for them to advocate on your behalf and navigate any necessary negotiations. Their presence ensures they are fully informed and can better support you throughout the process.
It’s important to remember that no home is perfect. At the end of the inspection, we will provide a detailed report outlining the property’s physical condition, complete with high-quality images highlighting areas that may need repair or replacement. This information empowers potential buyers to make informed decisions about proceeding with the purchase. A home inspection is not a pass/fail process, it’s an opportunity to understand the true condition of the property.
aging-in-place inspections
An aging-in-place inspection is a home inspection that identifies potential hazards and suggests modifications to help those in need who desires to stay in their homes safely and comfortably.
Yes, at Home IQ Inspections, our inspectors hold the CAPS [Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist] through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Certified Aging-in-Place Professionals designation from InterNACHI. We are dedicated to ensuring your home is not only safe but also accessible and comfortable for every stage of life. With our expertise and personalized approach, we provide the insights you need to create a home that will support your needs for years to come.
The are several key areas covered in an Aging-in-Place inspection performed by Home IQ Inspectors. These include:
Entrance & Exits – Assessing steps, ramps, and doorways for ease of access. Ensuring that entrances are wide enough for walkers or wheelchairs.
Hallways & Doorways – Checking if hallways are wide enough to accommodate mobility aids and ensuring doorways are free from obstacles.
Bathrooms – Evaluating the safety of bathrooms, including grab bars, shower accessibility, and non-slip flooring.
Lighting – Ensuring adequate lighting to reduce fall risk and help individuals with low vision.
Staircases – Verifying that stairs are safe, with proper handrails, and considering options for stairlifts if necessary.
Floors – Checking for trip hazards such as uneven floors or loose carpeting, and ensuring floors are smooth and even.
Kitchen & Appliances – Reviewing counter heights, ease of appliance access, and safety features like non-slip mats or drawers.
Bedroom Accessibility – Ensuring easy access to the bed and considering alternatives like adjustable beds or bedside grab bars.
Emergency Preparedness – Reviewing safety systems like smoke detectors, emergency exits, and alert systems.
Once your home inspection is complete, you will receive your Home IQ Inspections report, typically within 24 hours.
general questions
Yes, Home IQ Inspections inspectors are fully licensed in accordance with State of Florida regulations. The company is also protected by Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance and General Liability (GL) insurance, ensuring you peace of mind throughout the inspection process. Additionally, we carry the insurance coverage required by builders, offering our services, complete protection.
Common, higher-cost issues that may arise during a home inspection include structural movement, non-functional HVAC systems, roof damage or leaks, damaged or non-functional electrical fixtures (including exposed or damaged wiring), and leaking or damaged water supply lines and drain pipes.
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that can be found in homes across the United States. It forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, seeping into homes through small cracks and openings in the foundation, where it can become trapped. Estimates show that nearly one in 15 homes has elevated radon levels. This issue can affect any home, regardless of age or foundation type—including basements, crawl spaces, and slab constructions.
Any level of radon exposure carries a risk of lung cancer. The Surgeon General and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommend testing for radon to determine if dangerous levels are present. If elevated radon levels are detected, effective mitigation methods can be implemented to reduce exposure and protect your home and family.
During a comprehensive home inspection, Home IQ Inspections conducts a thorough evaluation of the main electrical panel, any subpanels, and the overall electrical system to ensure safety and functionality. The inspector will remove the panel cover to verify that the wire sizes match the corresponding fuses or circuit breakers. They will also check if the electrical system is properly grounded and inspect branch circuit wiring. The main service line and mast are also examined to ensure they meet safety standards.
Inside the home, all accessible receptacles will be tested, while the inspector looks for exposed wires, improper splices, and incorrectly used Romex™ or stranded wiring. On the exterior, they will verify the presence of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) receptacles for added protection.
No, you are not required to take action. The inspection report is designed to serve as a general guide to help you assess the overall condition of the home. It does not determine the value of the property or advise on the decision to purchase. The report reflects the professional observations of the inspector based on a visual evaluation of the home’s condition at the time of the inspection.
