Everything you need to know about Home Inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a home inspection cost in North Carolina?
A: Home inspection costs can vary, but at Point Break Inspections a standard home inspection starts at $425 for average-sized homes. Larger or older homes may incur higher fees due to the extra time and complexity involved. We always provide transparent quotes up front. Use our online quote calculator to answer a few questions and find out your price.
Q: How long does a home inspection take and when do I get the report?
A: The time it takes for a home inspection can vary, but it is typically 3-5 hours. The square footage, age of the home and the type of foundation are the key factors. Have any detached garages or buildings? Have any decks? All of these items can add time to a thorough home inspection.
When it comes to receiving the report, time is usually of the essence, especially during the due diligence period. You will typically receive your detailed digital report within 48 hours after the inspection is performed.
Q: Why do I need a home inspection?
A: The two most common reasons you may choose to have a home inspected:
1) When you purchase a home: you want clarity, understanding and peace of mind about one of the largest investments in your life. A home inspection is a must have to identify any defects and takes place during your due diligence period.
2) When you sell your home: prior to listing your home, a home inspection will give you insight about what systems and components of your home may need to be repaired or what you might expect to be negotiated by the buyer.
3) Maintenance: Less common is for current homeowners that want clarity on the condition of the home. You may be planning a renovation and would like to know how to prioritize your budget so instead of spending money on the new paint colors that you "want", you might want to invest that money into something that you "need", like a new HVAC system or roof.
Q: I am having a home built for me, should I still get an inspection?
A: Absolutely! Builders are amazing but there is no such thing as a perfect home, even brand new homes have defects. In fact, a new home can be inspected in several different phases to ensure the best quality:
1) Pre-Drywall: This is the phase where the house is framed, your plumbing/electrical/HVAC are in (roughed in), but your insulation and drywall are not up. This gives the best access to these systems before they get covered up by drywall. This inspection should be done a few days prior to the builder's walkthrough so remember to get this into the timeline during negotiations so there are no time constraints.
2) New Construction: This is the 2nd phase, when the drywall is up, appliances and fixtures are in, siding and roofing are installed and it is looking like the home you dreamed about. Another inspection should be done prior to closing on the home and all required systems are inspected/operated to ensure they are functioning as intended.
3) 11-Month Warranty: This is the final phase. New construction will likely come with a 12-month warranty where the builder will come back and fix items within that first year. A home inspection at the 11th month will provide a "punchlist" that you can submit to the builder before your warranty expires.
Be sure to ask about our discounted inspections for the different phases of new construction!
Q: Do I have to be present during the inspection?
A: No, as long as we have access to the home, you do not have to be present during the inspection.
However, we do encourage you to attend the end of the inspection so we can answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. We can also discuss the findings that you will see in the final report.
Q: Should I get a radon test?
A: The short answer is, yes. The peace of mind and understanding you gain from a radon test is worth it. The state of North Carolina as well as the EPA recommend radon testing. More information and radon maps can be found here.
Terms and Definitions
Structural Terms
Beam – A horizontal structural member that supports loads from above.
Girder – A large beam that supports other beams or floor framing.
Joist – Repetitive framing members that support floors or ceilings.
Rafter – Sloped framing members that support a roof.
Truss – An engineered roof or floor framing system made of interconnected members.
Load-Bearing Wall – A wall that supports structural weight from above.
Foundation – The structure that transfers the home's weight to the ground.
Deflection – Bending or sagging of a structural component under load.
Roofing Terms
Flashing – Metal or other waterproof material installed to direct water away from roof penetrations and joints.
Step Flashing – Individual pieces of flashing installed where a roof meets a wall.
Counter Flashing – Flashing installed over base flashing to prevent water intrusion.
Drip Edge – Metal flashing installed at roof edges to direct water into gutters.
Valley – The area where two roof slopes meet.
Ridge – The highest horizontal point of a roof.
Fascia – The vertical board at the roof edge where gutters are typically attached.
Soffit – The underside of the roof overhang.
Kickout Flashing – Flashing that directs roof runoff away from a wall and into a gutter.
Exterior Terms
Cladding – The exterior covering of a building, such as siding, brick, or stucco.
Veneer – A non-structural exterior facing material.
Weep Hole/Screed – An opening that allows water to drain from behind masonry veneer.
Expansion Joint – A gap designed to allow building materials to expand and contract.
Grade – The slope of the ground around the home.
Negative Grading – Ground that slopes toward the house instead of away from it.
Moisture Intrusion – Unwanted water entering a building.
Crawlspace and Foundation Terms
Crawlspace – A shallow space beneath a home that provides access to utilities and framing.
Slab - A solid concrete pad poured directly on the ground that supports the entire house and serves as the home's floor structure.
Pier – A support column in a crawlspace or basement.
Vapor Barrier – Plastic sheeting installed to reduce moisture migration from the soil.
Efflorescence – White mineral deposits left behind by evaporating moisture.
Sill Plate – The wood member attached directly to the foundation.
Electrical Terms
GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) – A safety device that reduces shock hazards near water.
AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) – A safety device that helps prevent electrical fires.
Branch Circuit – Wiring that runs from the electrical panel to outlets, switches, and fixtures.
Breaker – A resettable device that interrupts electrical power during faults or overloads.
Double-Tapped Breaker – Two conductors connected to a breaker not designed for two conductors.
Bonding – Connecting metal components together to reduce shock hazards.
Grounding – Providing a safe path for electrical faults to travel to earth.
Service Entrance Conductors – Wires that bring power from the utility to the home.
Subpanel – An electrical panel supplied by the main service panel.
Plumbing Terms
Supply Line – A pipe that delivers water to fixtures.
Drain Line – A pipe that carries wastewater away.
Trap (P-Trap) – A curved pipe beneath a fixture that holds water to block sewer gases.
Vent Stack – A pipe that allows air into the plumbing system and vents sewer gases.
Shutoff Valve – A valve used to stop water flow to a fixture or area.
Cross Connection – A connection between potable and non-potable water systems.
Dielectric Union – A fitting that helps prevent corrosion between dissimilar metals.
HVAC Terms
HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Air Handler – The indoor unit that circulates conditioned air.
Condenser Coil – Typically the outdoor portion of an air conditioning system.
Evaporator Coil – Typically the indoor coil that absorbs heat from the home.
Heat Exchanger – The component in a furnace that transfers heat to air.
Refrigerant – The fluid used in cooling systems to absorb and release heat.
Condensate Drain – A pipe that removes water produced during cooling.
Return Air – Air drawn back into the HVAC system for conditioning.
Supply Register – A vent that delivers conditioned air into a room.
Insulation and Ventilation Terms
R-Value – A measure of insulation's resistance to heat flow.
Baffle – A device that keeps insulation from blocking attic ventilation.
Ridge Vent – A vent installed along the roof ridge.
Soffit Vent – Intake ventilation located beneath roof overhangs.
Safety Terms
Guardrail – A barrier designed to prevent falls from elevated surfaces.
Handrail – A graspable rail intended to assist users on stairs.
Fireblocking – Materials installed to slow the spread of fire within concealed spaces.
Tempered Glass – Safety glass designed to break into small pieces rather than sharp shards.
Egress – A means of exiting a building during an emergency.
Smoke Alarm – A device that detects smoke and alerts occupants.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm – A device that detects carbon monoxide gas.