We appreciate and understand the concerns associated with opening your home for inspection. From our perspective, entering a client’s home is both a privilege and a responsibility that should always be handled with discretion and sensitivity. With that in mind, the Prestige Professional will present a business card and photograph identification upon arrival. Our inspectors are some of the most thoroughly trained and experienced in the industry. Each inspector must undergo extensive background checks that search for criminal records, motor vehicle records, civil records, credit records, domicile records and prior employment verifications. On the back of each business card is a link to the survey page  on our website. At the conclusion of the inspection, each homeowner is personally invited to visit our website to rate the inspector along with any phase of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):

For most people, their home is their most valuable asset. The majority of homeowners take significant steps to care for their home and protect the valuable possessions and memories that it shelters. We all know the purpose of homeowner’s insurance and how important it is that the level of coverage is sufficient to replace our home with today’s dollars. Of course, most policies have some form of annual factor for increasing coverage limits, but due to inflation and the steep increases in reconstruction costs, building materials, architectural fees and builder overhead, these policy adjustments may not be enough to keep pace with real costs. This is particularly true if the initial coverage limit established for the home was too low at the onset of the policy. In fact, recent statistics indicate that the average home in the United States may be underinsured by as much as 20%! Accurate coverage limits are vital to the homeowner, but of equal importance is the need to perform a comprehensive risk analysis. This process thoroughly evaluates any hazards or exposures that may exist, and provides valuable recommendations that are designed to help the homeowner prevent future losses.

This type of inspection is the most accurate method for determining the cost to rebuild a home in today’s market, and the best procedure for performing a comprehensive insurance risk analysis. The service is provided to the homeowner at no cost, and can provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the home is properly protected.

Replacement cost is defined as “the total cost to replace a structure with like-kind materials and craftsmanship without factoring for depreciation.” To arrive at this value, the home is segmented into components such as, foundation, framing, roof structure, roof cover, and mechanical elements. These components are then assessed in conjunction with other items and factors unique to the home. Examples of these items and factors would be building materials, unique features, craftsmanship levels and building challenges specific to the site. This data is then processed using state-of-the-art valuation engines that contemplate additional factors related to the home’s location. In the typical single-family home, contents such as furniture, art, jewelry and personal possessions are not included or contemplated in the replacement cost. However, it is important to realize that items “attached” or “built-in” such as chandeliers, cabinetry, kitchen appliances, flat screen televisions and window treatments, are contemplated and included in the replacement cost value.

Most reconstruction scenarios have unique challenges that are often not present with new construction projects. Reconstruction usually involves demolition and debris removal, the builder may have to work around trees, landscaping, existing structures and neighboring houses. In addition to these conditions, congested streets and parking restrictions can cause delays resulting in increased labor costs. If your home was built as part of a development, it’s likely that the builder experienced significant savings resulting from economies of scale. These savings would not be available to the builder who reconstructs the home.

There have been periods over the years when different architectural and building techniques were employed. Generally, homes built during the period of 1900 through 1945 are costlier to replace with like-kind construction and materials than are homes built after 1945. Reconstructing homes built prior to 1900 is even more expensive. In addition to the different architectural and building techniques that were used, these homes commonly have other factors that contribute to the increased replacement cost. Some examples of these factors are true-dimensional lumber, stone or brick foundations, plaster & lath ceilings and walls, plaster moldings, custom millwork, antique fixtures and hardware, water-floated glass, and high percentages of hardwood flooring. In situations where historical associations have prevue, costly building delays can be encountered due to numerous review and approval processes.

The on-site inspection is comprised of the following four segments. For the average home, the interior portions of the inspection take approximately 45 minutes, and the exterior portions take approximately 30 minutes.

• Homeowner Interview
During the interview, the inspector will ask the homeowner or designated representative a series of questions specific to the home. Click here  to view and print a comprehensive list of the interview questions. Reviewing this list will help the homeowner to provide valuable information and expedite the inspection process.
• Inspect the Home’s Interior
After the interview, the inspector will walk through the entire home to document and photograph items such as building materials, unique features, material conditions and craftsmanship levels. Additionally, the inspector will identify and evaluate any potential hazards or exposures that are present. The homeowner is encouraged to accompany the inspector through this process, but it can also be conducted without the homeowner’s accompaniment.
• Measurements
Based on the home’s architecture, certain interior measurements may be taken while the inspector is inside the home. However, the main measurements will be conducted on the exterior of the home. These measurements will determine the square footage and volume of the structure along with the dimensions of any attached structures such as porches and patios. Additionally, all detached structures such as sheds, guesthouses and cabanas will be measured.
• Inspect the Exterior of the Main Residence along with all Detached Structures
A thorough inspection of the home’s exterior and all other structures located on the property will be conducted to determine the building materials, unique features, material conditions and construction classifications. Additionally, the exterior of the home and all other structures will be inspected to identify and evaluate any hazards or exposures that may be present.