Frequently Asked Questions
A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the buying or selling process- and one of the best ways to protect your investment as a homeowner. Whether you’re evaluating a new property or maintaining the one you live in, a professional inspection from Bourbon Country Home Inspections provides you with the clarity, confidence, and peace of mind that you deserve.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is non-invasive, visual evaluation of a property’s major systems and components. During the inspection, your Certified Professional Inspector evaluates the home-inside and out- looking for safety concerns, structural issues, deferred maintenance, and defects that may affect the home’s value or functions. The goal is simple: give you a clear understanding of the home’s condition at the time of the inspection.
Why is a home inspection important for Buyers?
A home is likely the biggest investment most people will ever make. A thorough inspection helps buyers:
identify hidden defects
understand upcoming repair or maintenance needs
gain leverage for negotiations
make confident, informed decisions
For many buyers, a home inspection is the difference between buying with uncertainty and buying with peace of mind.
What does a typical home inspection cover?
To insure a proper and thorough inspection, Bourbon Country Home Inspections follows the Standards of Practice set forth by InterNACHI, the industry leader in home inspections. Our inspections cover:
Roof and Exterior- shingles, gutters, siding, windows, grading
Structure- foundation, framing, walls
Electrical- panels, breakers, outlets, grounding
Plumbing- supply lines, drains, water heaters
HVAC- furnace, air conditioning, ventilation
Interior- doors, floors, ceilings, stairs
Attic and Crawlspaces- insulation, ventilation, leaks
Safety Features- smoke detectors, handrails, guards, GFCIs
We document our findings with photos and descriptions, then explain what is normal, what needs repair, and what might require a specialist.
What isn’t covered in a home inspection?
Home inspections are visual only-they don’t open walls, move furniture, or perform destructive testing. They also don’t typically include:
Sewer scope inspections
Chimney flue inspections
Pest inspections
Pool inspections
Mold sampling
Asbestos or lead testing
Radon testing
These can often be added to your home inspection to increase the value you are receiving.
Should sellers get a Pre-Listing inspection?
More sellers are choosing pre-listing inspections because they:
Reduce surprises during negotiations
Allow time for repairs
Increase buyer confidence
Help homes sell faster
A pre-listing inspection is an affordable way to make your listing stand out and attract more buyers.
What are the most common issues found in home inspections?
Some of the defects inspectors see most often include:
Roof wear
Gutter or drainage issues
Minor electrical issues
HVAC maintenance issues
Plumbing leaks
Grading problems leading to water intrusion
Aging water heaters
Most issues are manageable when caught early- which is why inspections are so valuable.
When should homeowners schedule maintenance inspections?
Even after you’ve purchased your home, periodic inspections help protect your investment. Many homeowners schedule:
Seasonal roof checks
Annual HVAC inspections
A full home maintenance inspection every 2-3 years
Catching issues early saves money.
How long does a home inspection take?
Most home inspections take between 2 and 3 hours, depeding on:
Home size
Age
Condition
Complexity (crawlspace, attic access, multiple HVAC units, etc.)
Bourbon Country Home Inspections is dedicated to providing you the best inspection possible, so however long it takes we will take the time necessary to do so.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Pricing varies based upon home size, age, and location. Base price for an inspection begins at $459. Add on services like Radon testing, Mold testing, and Termite inspections can increase the cost but provide valuable insight.
What happens if the inspector finds problems?
Almost every home-new or old-has defects. When issues are found, buyers typically have a few options:
Ask the seller to make repairs
Request a price reduction or credit
Accept the issues and plan for repairs at a later date
Walk away, if the contract allows
We won’t just identify issues, helping you understand severity and next steps is our priority.
How should a homeowner prepare for a home inspection?
If you are selling or preparing for a pre-listing inspection:
Clear access to the attic, basement, electrical panel, and mechanical systems
Make sure utilities are on
Unlock gates, garages, and outbuildings
Secure or remove pets
Replace dead smoke detector batteries
Small steps make the inspection smoother and help avoid delays.
What’s included in the inspection report?
A modern inspection report includes:
Photos of defects and important components
Descriptions of issues and recommended actions
Severity ratings of defects
Maintenance tips
A summary of key concerns
Most reports are delivered within 24 hours.
Can a home fail an inspection?
No. Home inspections are NOT pass/fail. They are strictly informational- designed to give you a clear understanding of the home’s condition, at the time of the inspection.
Home inspection vs. appraisal: what’s the difference?
Appraisals focus on the property’s value based on comparable sales, whereas inspections identify potential major issues and evaluate the major systems of the home.
An appraisal provides a value estimate used for mortgage lending, while an inspection while an inspection generates a detailed report that helps you make an informed decision.
What tools and technology do we use for an inspection?
At Bourbon Country Home Inspections we use:
Moisture meters
Thermal Cameras
Photography drones
Gas leak detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors
Electrical testers
Specialized equipment for add-on services