Question/Answers

Questions You Should Ask when choosing a home inspector.


Choosing a home inspection company is an important decision for every home buyer. A thorough, pre-purchase inspection of a house can be your best defense against unwanted surprises after you move into your new home.
On this page of our site, we'll try to give you some insight into what questions you should ask when selecting a home inspection service. Even if you don't choose Harmony Home Inspections, we'd like to help you make an educated decision.


The Company

  1. How long have you been in the business as a home inspection company?


    2. -Harmony Home Inspections is relatively new to the Twin Cities area; however our inspectors have had to meet stringent criteria, which includes completed professional training at the best home inspection training facilities in the country. We require - not only ongoing training, but also accountability opportunities with the home inspection trade community.

  2. Are you involved with or associated with any other business?


    3. -We are not involved in any other business. In accordance with the ASHI® Standards of Practice, we do not participate in any referral or construction related activities. It represents a conflict of interest.

  3. Do you have professional Liability insurance?


  4. Do you have Errors & Omissions insurance?


    5. -Yes, we do carry Errors & Omissions insurance; we consider this as an integral part of our goal to provide the buyer and the agent with complete confidence and satisfaction of our services. In addition we also offer with each inspection (optional) a 90 Day Limited Structural and Mechanical Warranty. We want your buying experience to be the best memory possible - without the hassles!

  5. Do you encourage the client to attend the inspection?


    6. -We always encourage buyers to attend the inspection. Buyers that attend have a better understanding of the property as viewed by the inspector and are better able to read and interpret the final report. The buyer's attendance also helps them understand the scope of a home inspection as well as the limitations.

  6. How soon can you typically schedule an inspection?


    7. -An inspection can usually be scheduled within one or two days.

  7. How long will the inspection take?


    8. -A typical inspection of a 2400 square foot house will take roughly 2.5 hours.

The Inspector

  1. Are you experienced in residential inspections?


    2. -Our inspectors have extensive experience in performing home inspections; their skills in the home inspection process are supported by a network of over 30,000 inspections, second to none! In addition, each of our inspectors have completed the industry's most extensive training program, offered by the American Home Inspection Training Institute.

  2. How many residential inspections have you performed?


    3. -Harmony Home Inspections is expecting to perform more than 200 inspections in 2005!

  3. Have you completed any training courses in home inspecting, or certification from an institution?


  4. Are you a certified member of the National Association of Home Inspectors® (NAHI®) or any other recognized Association? (This can reveal commitment level to ongoing learning and experience - a protection to you, the buyer)?


    5. -All of our inspectors are members of NAHI®. The National Association of Home Inspectors® is a non-profit professional society dedicated to establishing standards of excellence for professional home inspectors.

The Report

  1. How much will the inspection cost?

    -The inspection fees vary slightly depending on the size and age of the house. A full inspection of a 2400 square foot house is $300.00. Radon testing is also available for $62.00 per canister deployed during a home inspection. Call our office at (763) 442-0084 for a specific quotation.

  2. What will the inspection report include?


    3. -A full inspection covers the Site/Grounds, Exterior, Structural Components, Foundation, Roof, Attic, Insulation, Ventilation, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating/AC, Garage, Kitchen, Bathrooms, and Interior.

  3. Will you prepare a written report?


    4. -Yes, we prepare an extensive written report that generally runs 35 pages. Included is a Report Overview that will let you quickly review the recommended improvements to the home. The report is narrative in nature so that you can read, in plain english, the results of the home inspection. We also supply ballpark repair estimates for major improvements, repair time frames, and advice on logical discretionary improvements. A Home Maintenance Encyclopedia (350 pages) is also provided for your home; many of the findings in your inspection report - cross reference directly to the "User Friendly Home" Manual.

  4. Is the report hand written or computer based?


    5. -The report is computer generated. There are no sloppy hand-written checklists! And you don't have to wait for the report.

  5. How soon is the report available?


    6. -The report is available within 24 hours. We also provide for your convenience - a web uplink, where you can view your report - within 12 hours.

  6. Can we see a sample of your report?


    7. -You can receive a sample report by contacting our office.

  7. Does the report conform to ASHI® Standards?


    8. -Yes, our reports conform to (AND EXCEED) the ASHI® Standards of Practice