Home Matters

     Being both licensed home inspectors AND general contractors allow us a unique ability to see your home's possible problems from both "problem" and "repairing it" angles.

     Purchasing a home - whether it is your first or fourth home, is an intense, emotional time. Understanding the home's condition - thoroughly -- should help alleviate some of your anxiety. We believe that a fully informed home buyer is the optimal outcome in a home purchasing decision. We encourage buyers to attend their home inspection and take the opportunity to ask repair and maintenance questions at that time.

     Home Matters is also on the board of the Triangle's local Licensed Home Inspectors Association (NCLHIA) (link). We believe putting back into our community helps to work toward quality home inspections for all buyers.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a complete check of the home and its installed systems and componets. You take your body to a doctor to get a physical, and you hire a licensed home inspector to perform the visual inspection on your home.

What is covered by a home inspection?

A home inspection is a functional check the following items:

Structural Components: foundation, crawl space/basement, floors, walls, etc.

Exterior: siding, trim, doors, decks, window, etc.

Roof: coverings, flashing, skylights, chimneys

Plumbing System: water heater, pipes, faucets, toilets

Electrical System: meter, main/subpanels, lights, receptacles

Heating System: units, ducts, thermostat, registers, filters

Cooling System: units, ducts, thermostat, registers, filters

Interior: walls, ceiling, doors, windows, cabinets

Insulation & Ventilation: attic, crawl space/basement, vapor barrier

Built-in Appliances: dishwasher, range, oven, microwave

Do I need to be present at the inspection?

It is not necessary for you to be present but it is an opportunity for you to see the many things that we will check and to learn about the systems in your new home. If you do not attend the inspection, we will have to arrange to get a contract signed by you as is required by the NCHILB.

You can download a sample copy of that contract here.

How long will an inspection take?

It depends on the size and age of the house. The bigger and older the house is, the longer it will take to inspect. In general, an inspection will take 2-3 hours onsite at the house. The report itself will also typically take several hours afterwards for us to fully complete. If you can't attend the entire inspection, you could show up near the end and we could discuss the issues we have found during the home inspection.

How will I receive my report?

We send reports via email as an attachment with photos included of problem areas typically within 3 business days of your inspection.

Rates (based on square footage)

Under 1,000 sq ft. on a slab: $275
Under 1,000 sq ft. with a crawl space: $300
1,000 - 2,000 sq ft: $325
2,000 - 3,500 sq ft: $375
Over 3,500 sq ft: $.12 per sq ft.

Additional charges: More than 50 miles round trip between Cary, NC and the destination: $75 flat fee

Home is more than 50 years old: $100 flat fee

Home is more than 75 years old: $125

Reinspections range from $125-$175 depending on sq. footage and number/type of items to be reinspected.

Home Matters, LLC., does not (at the current time) offer well, sewage, pest or radon inspections. Radon inspections are expected to be added to our services in 2007. Please inquire about them.