Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspections in Dothan & Southeast Alabama
Buying or selling a home comes with questions. At Cornerstone Home Inspectors, we’ve answered thousands of them since 2013 while inspecting more than 6,000 homes in Dothan, Ozark, Enterprise, Eufaula, and across the Wiregrass region. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and buyers, along with clear answers you can rely on.
How long does a home inspection take in Dothan?
Most inspections in Southeast Alabama take about 2–3 hours, depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Larger or older homes may require extra time, while smaller homes can often be completed more quickly. Our reports are delivered the same day.
What does a home inspector look for in Alabama?
A certified home inspector in Alabama evaluates the major systems of a home, including the roof, foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, attic, and structure. At Cornerstone, we also look closely for safety concerns like smoke detectors, outlets, and water heaters, giving you a complete picture of the home’s condition.
What does a home inspection include?
Every client receives a detailed digital report the same day as the inspection. Our reports cover 1,800+ items across all major systems of the home and include high-resolution photos, clear explanations, and prioritized recommendations. This way, you know which issues are urgent, which are maintenance-related, and which are minor.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual assessment of a house’s physical structure and mechanical systems. The structures and systems we assess include the roof, ceilings, walls, floors, windows, and doors.
We also check major appliances to ensure they are functional and assess your heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. And if the house has an attic or crawlspace, we get into those and report anything we find that may be unsafe or not functioning as designed.
What happens during a home inspection?
Our home inspectors take 2-3 hours to complete an inspection. During that time we complete a thorough walk-through (and in some cases, a crawl-through 😆), of the home you’re looking to purchase.
We take copious notes and detailed photographs and put them in our written report. We take what we see and provide you with an objective opinion of the home’s condition during our walk-through with you and in our report.
Keep in mind that our assessment is based on the InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of
Practice and not upon local building codes. We also won’t comment on aesthetics unless it is related to a problem such as overgrown vegetation.
And while our inspectors are literally looking out for your best interests, we won’t be able to see inside walls and underground. This means hidden asbestos, mold, or pests may go unnoticed.
Also, areas like septic tanks and wells that aren’t readily accessible, won’t be covered in our inspection either. These areas and mechanisms can require specialized evaluations.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A home inspection isn’t a pass/fail test. We provide unbiased information about the home’s condition so you can negotiate repairs, request credits, or proceed with confidence.
What is a Home Inspection Contingency?
This is an addendum to an offer contract that specifies that the purchase depends on the results of a home inspection. In other words, the contingency allows a buyer to back out of a deal if they’re unsatisfied with the home’s condition.
In competitive markets, buyers tend to waive this contingency so they can make their offer more attractive to the seller. That said, these buyers understand that they are on the hook for any repairs the home may require.
What Does a Typical Home Inspection Contingency Include?
Every contract is structured a bit differently, but it will usually state something along the lines of “the buyer must find the condition of the home satisfactory.” If the home is not in the expected condition, the buyer may renegotiate the deal or call it off.
Sellers should go through the offer beforehand and ask any questions they may have to their realtors.
Who Pays for a Home Inspection?
In most cases, the buyer pays for the home inspection. However, sellers often choose a pre-listing inspection to identify issues before putting their home on the market.
Sellers who want to avoid unexpected hiccups during the sale process pay for a pre-listing home inspection. This allows the seller to confidently price their home and market it more effectively. It’s important to note that sellers are required to reveal issues found in the inspection to the buyer.
How much does a home inspection cost in Dothan, AL?
Most inspections in the Dothan area range between $325 and $500. However, that price depends on the size of the home being inspected and if any special inspections apply such as outbuildings or swimming pools. Additionally, if a seller or prospective buyer wants to add Radon or Mold testing, or have the sewer line scoped, the home inspection cost can be more.
When should I schedule a home inspection?
Schedule your inspection as soon as your offer is accepted, ideally during the inspection contingency period. This ensures you have time to review the report and make informed decisions.
How Long Does a Buyer Have to Request Repairs from a Home Inspection?
The buyer can ask the seller to make reasonable repairs and fix issues right after the inspection. Oftentimes it is easier to simply price the items in need of repair, deduct them from the sales price of the home, and repair them once the purchase is complete.
Should I attend the home inspection?
Yes. We encourage buyers to attend. Walking through the home with the inspector gives you valuable insights and allows us to answer your questions in real time.
