Answers to common questions about inspections, scheduling, qualifications, and reports.
Scheduling and Fees
How are fees structured?
A standard visual inspection is based on the home’s heated area square footage (not including the garage or porches), also called the heated and cooled area. The first level starts with homes 1,200 square feet and less. The levels are organized in 300-square-foot increments.
What’s the best way to request an inspection?
The best way is to fill out my online form. I’ll be notified and will review the request, and you’ll receive a notification, or I’ll call you. Request an inspection.
What days of the week are you available?
I’m available five days a week, Monday through Friday. My inspection day usually starts at 8:30 a.m. I inspect one house per day, giving you my undivided attention. My calendar is on the inspection request form.
Inspection Services
Do you inspect crawl spaces?
Unfortunately, I’m recovering from a neck injury, and I’ve temporarily suspended crawl space inspections until further notice.
I’m concerned about the foundation.
That’s a common concern. Central Mississippi has expansive soil, and conditions vary by subdivision. Uneven foundation levels can indicate certain foundation movements. I’m not an engineer; however, I provide nontechnical foundation measurements for an additional charge. Review available services when you request an inspection.
Do you inspect central vacuums?
Central vacuums, alarm systems, outside and inside sprinkler systems, intercom systems, speaker wiring, and other low-voltage systems are not inspected.
Do you re-inspect the property after repairs have been completed?
Yes. If the repairs are simple, I’ll explain how you can inspect them yourself and save money. If you choose, I’ll be happy to make a return visit. You can review the available service and fee on the Request Inspection page.
What about barns, storage buildings, and such—are they included with the fee for inspecting the house?
No. If you’d like, I’ll inspect those components as a specific-area inspection. See the Request Inspection page.
Do you provide annual maintenance inspections?
Yes. Maintenance is vital; keeping an eye on your property’s condition should start the day you move in. I recommend annual property inspections to help protect your investment. See Request Inspection or call 601-691-1496.
What is included in the appliance inspection?
Appliances.
Qualifications and Standards
I’ve read your bio. What other certifications do you hold?
I’m an FHA 203(k) consultant and an FHA compliance inspector. I hold an ICC Code Certification as a B1 designation (building inspector). I am a licensed home builder #MS 109. I’m licensed to inspect new homes. My license #MS0269NH.
What is special about new construction homes in Mississippi? Aren’t all licensed inspectors in Mississippi able to inspect new homes?
No. An individual must have three distinct and separate designations before inspecting new construction. The inspector should hold a home inspector’s license, a certification as a code inspector, and a current builder’s license.
As an inspector, what continuing education is required?
Mississippi license law requires the inspector to attain 20 hours of continuing education every two years (10 hours per year).
How often are you required to renew your home inspector license?
Every two years.
How do you reference codes and standards in your report?
My home inspection reports may include examples of relevant building codes and manufacturer guidelines to illustrate points. However, I do not claim to conduct a full code compliance check or verify that all manufacturer procedures have been followed correctly.
With new builds, I occasionally reference the performance guidelines from the Residential Construction Performance Guide, a widely used industry resource on home construction during warranty periods. My citations do not imply the builder has endorsed or adhered to this publication. It is strictly for illustration.
Mississippi currently has no mandatory statewide minimum building code. Some counties have individually adopted versions of model codes, while other areas have no locally adopted building codes. Local requirements and enforcement differ.
When major renovations trigger building permits, officials may require updates to meet the current code. The exact requirements depend on the jurisdiction. My inspection reports aim to depict conditions accurately, not ensure code compliance.
Reports and Recommendations
How are finished reports delivered?
My reports are emailed (usually on the same day), and the report sits on a live page where you may print to PDF. Other features are available on the report delivery page to help you and your agent convey information through the transaction.
Generally speaking, what features are included in the report?
I annotate photos of conditions and include video when necessary. I record a desktop review video included or embedded in the report for clients who find it challenging to be present during the inspection.
Do you have a website privacy policy and terms of service page?
Yes. Visit the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy pages.
How do you determine repair suggestions?
With my background as a home builder, I may include repair recommendations in my inspection reports where appropriate. These suggestions do not represent the only possible methods or all available options to address an issue. Various viable courses of action would need to be evaluated professionally during repair work.
I present repair ideas mostly for illustrative purposes and to demonstrate one potential fix for the homeowner’s reference. My core objective is to supply comprehensive condition data to inform decisions, not provide definitive repair requirements or instructions. Qualified contractors undertaking repairs are responsible for selecting the appropriate approach based on hands-on assessment.
I recommend homeowner maintenance resources for additional guidance. When my reports highlight the need for repairs, replacement, or further evaluation, enlisting qualified trade professionals to determine the work scope is wise.
My report’s content aims to educate homeowners on the home’s general condition, not serve as the final word on prioritizing and completing repairs. Those decisions fall to the homeowner, ideally in consultation with real estate and contractor partners.