Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re a potential buyer looking to purchase a house or simply want to keep your home in pristine shape for future buyers, you probably have questions about the necessity of home inspections for both buyers and sellers. Security Home Inspections has provided answers to some of the most common concerns about inspections and general home maintenance. For questions that can’t be answered here, feel free to speak to one of our experts by calling (800) 878-1744 or (317) 848-1744. You can also view our printable media for more information on our services, and watch our do-it-yourself videos for tips on simple home tasks. We serve Indianapolis, Lafayette, and nearly all of Indiana.
Even if you are familiar with home construction, we still recommend having a professional home inspector perform an inspection. All of Security Home Inspections’ inspectors are licensed by the State of Indiana and are experts in nearly every aspect of home systems and structural components. Moreover, our inspectors act as an impartial third party, giving you an honest and unbiased opinion on their findings. Having completed over 200,000 inspections statewide, you can trust that we’ll know exactly what to look for and where to look for it.
When doing a basic inspection, a home inspector will thoroughly examine the structural and mechanical elements of a house to determine their quality and functionality. This includes evaluating the heating and air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation and basement, and other structural components.
If our inspectors uncover any issues in their report, don’t fret. Most problems (even the major ones) aren’t too complicated, and we are happy to offer suggestions on what to do if a problem arises. It is up to you to discern if the problems will affect your decision to buy the home. You can always have a real estate agent negotiate repairs with the seller prior to purchasing.
Radon is a radioactive gas that is released in the air after the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US according to the American Cancer Society. While radon can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted, exposure usually occurs at home, where you spend most of your time. Radon testing is the only way to know if your home and family are at risk.
There is no reason to re-wire if the aluminum wire was installed properly and is in working order. If problems are found, have them repaired. It’s recommended that a qualified electrician periodically inspect a house with this type of wiring. Some people choose to redo all connections to eliminate the need for any subsequent inspections.
This type of siding is very popular because of its low maintenance. Once installed, periodic caulking and painting are all that should be needed to keep it looking nice.
Yes, our home inspections test all major appliances, except the washer and dryer, for basic operation in the standard home inspection.
It is advantageous for potential homebuyers to learn as much as possible about a house before committing to such a large purchase. A pre-purchase inspection can uncover existing problems or builder oversights, allowing you to make a decision with confidence.
Planning to sell your home in Indianapolis? Having an inspector evaluate your house before listing it may help identify repairs that could decrease the value of the home. Even if you’re not looking to sell at this time, you can still benefit from an annual inspection to determine your home’s condition and ensure it is safe and sound for your family.
We do encourage our customers to be present during the inspection process if at all possible, as it allows you to walk through the home with our inspectors, giving you the opportunity to address any immediate questions or concerns. It also lets the inspectors explain things in person and cover items not covered in their report.
Security Home Inspections has a competitive base rate for our standard home inspection. If you like to request a quote on any of our services, feel free to contact us.
A mold inspection is the best way to assess a home for mold problems. Security Home Inspections offers a number of different mold-related services, including sampling and infrared services in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Our inspectors will use their expertise to figure out the probability of mold in a house and then advise you on ways to control and even prevent it.
Most states have minimum standards for installing wood shakes and shingles. The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau is an excellent resource for guidelines on proper installation and maintenance of cedar shakes and shingles. Be sure to also check with the supplier for any installation requirements on new cedar shake and shingle products.
Granite has pits and fissures in its surface, so it is recommended that you have it sealed annually. Stains can be treated with hydrogen peroxide or a paste made with flour and dish soap. Do not use abrasives or acids on granite.
Quartz is easier to clean and doesn’t require sealing. It’s not as hard as granite, so don’t use a quartz surface as a cutting board or subject it to heat.
Security Home Inspections takes pride in earning and keeping the trust of our customers for life. We make it a priority to provide continuous, professional service during every step of the inspection process and even after for both our residential and commercial clients. If you ever have home related questions, don’t hesitate to call us at (800) 878-1744 or (317) 848-1744. We look forward to serving you in Indiana.
