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UNITED
Home Inspection Services, LLC
Philadelphia - Bucks County - Montgomery County - Delaware County - Chester County - Philadelphia - Bucks County - Montgomery County - Delaware County - Chester County - Philadelphia - Bucks County -
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the purpose of a home inspection?
A. The purpose of the pre-purchase home inspection is to provide the home buyer with a general opinion of the specified components of the home at the time of the
inspection. Often, our findings may lead to a recommendation for further evaluation and/or repairs by a licensed specialist. The inspection and report is intended only as a
general guide to help the client make his/her own evaluation of the condition of the home, and is not intended to reflect the value of the premises, nor make any
representation as to the advisability of purchase.

Q.
Are your Home Inspectors certified and insured?
A. Yes, each of our Inspectors are certified by nationally accredited training institutes and are full members of NACHI (The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
and HIF
(The Housing Inspection Foundation). UNITED Home Inspection Services, LLC is an insured member of the National Association of Real Estate Professionals
(Certificate# 191676) with E&O and General Liability coverage that meets and/or exceeds that required by Pennsylvania state law.

Q.
How far ahead of time should I schedule my home inspection?
A. We recommend contacting us to schedule the inspection within 1 - 2 days of signing your agreement of sale. Since most sale agreements limit the number of days you
have to conduct an inspection, this helps ensure scheduling within your allowed time period.

Q.
How long will the home inspection take?
A. Normally, homes of average size and condition take from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. However, inspection times can vary based on property size, condition and complexity of the
inspection.

Q.
Do I need to be present for the home inspection?
A. While we do not require the homebuyer to be present for the inspection, we strongly recommend the buyer's attendance. Not only is the client able to witness the
inspection take place, but the inspector will be able to provide you with direct information about the home's components and personally explain any recommendations for
each.

Q.
How will I know if the home passes or fails the inspection?
A. The home inspection does not provide a rating of pass or fail. Often the pre-purchase inspection is confused with a code compliance inspection. While our inspectors do
refer to National Building Standards in regards to defects and safety concerns, we do not perform a "code" inspection or report on violations of the local building codes of
your municipality. Code compliance inspections are conducted by officials of your local municipal authority and do not serve the same purpose as a pre-purchase home
inspection. You will be provided with a detailed report of the condition of the components and systems inspected followed by our recommendations.

Q.
When will I receive the inspection report?
A. All reports are mailed via USPS Priority Mail and should be received within 2-5 business days after the inspection. Additionally, with your approval, a copy of the
summary page(s) and full report will be faxed or emailed within 24 to 48 hours of the inspection to your Realtor or other party representing you. If you fail to receive your
report within 5 business days, please call our office and we will contact the Postal Service with the tracking number to try and determine the reason for the delay.

Q.
What do I do if the Inspector finds things that need to be repaired, replaced or require further evaluation?
A. Refer to your Agreement of Sale for limitations set within regarding responsibility for repairs. Most homes are found to have several defects that are usually the result of
normal wear, weathering and/or aging. These types of defects are most often considered maintenance items and are usually the responsibility of the buyer. Homes found
to have major defects; damage or deficiencies that require immediate attention may need to be addressed before the sale is finalized. Any items requiring repair or
replacement that you consider to be of issue, should be discussed with your Realtor and/or the seller prior to settlement. When further evaluation or repairs are needed, in
all cases we recommend that they be performed by a licensed specialist.

Q.
Can the Inspector conduct repairs or recommend a contractor to conduct the repairs?
A. No, we do not conduct repairs or recommend contractors, as it is a violation of the NACHI Code of Ethics.

Q.
Does the Home Inspector also do a Termite Inspection?
A. No, while the visible areas of the framing are inspected for damage, the inspection is limited to the structural significance of the damage. The inspector does not
determine which type of wood destroying insect caused the damage, whether there is active infestation, the type of treatment needed or provide any Termite Certification
or documentation.

Q.
Why should I have my home tested for Radon?
A. Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil and moves up through
the ground and into your home through cracks and other openings in the foundation and slab. Your home can cause radon to get trapped inside creating elevated levels.
In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend the most time. According to the EPA, nearly 1 out of
every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4pCi/L or more). The National Academy of Sciences has concluded that after smoking,
radon is the second leading cause of death due to lung cancer in the United States. Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon levels. The EPA and the Surgeon
General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. When elevated levels are confirmed, the problem should be corrected. To find out more about
radon in the home go to: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html. To order a copy of the EPA publication " A Citizens Guide to Radon" EPA Document #
402-K-02-006 log onto http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/ or call 1-800-438-4318.

Q.
Why should I have a Bio-Growth Review (Mold Inspection) performed on my home?
A. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic
substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type
symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also
cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic
and non-allergic people. To find out more about mold go to: http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html. To order a copy of the EPA publication "A Brief Guide to Mold,
Moisture and Your Home" EPA Document # 402-K-02-003 log onto http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/ or call 1-800-438-4318.
UNITED Home Inspection Services, LLC / P.O. Box 17703, Philadelphia, PA 19135 / Phone: 215-969-2243 / Fax: 215-676-6096