Frequently Asked Questions

The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your home inspection report.

Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you'll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence. If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing. Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state's regulations, if any, and professional affiliations as a guide.

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

While it's not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don't want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You'll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will have that information for future reference.

Why is the first month $395 for Cingo and Cingo+ Plans? Only Cingo offers Protection Promise, with comprehensive coverage from every single pest. To ensure a smooth transition to a Cingo Plan, your pest professional will spend approximately 3 hours at your home on the initial visit. This includes a thorough inspection, both inside and out, to identify any existing problems or conducive conditions for future issues. Your pest pro will treat appropriately and let you know if any additional follow-up is needed. After that, your home will be covered by Cingo's guarantee, and you'll be charged the low monthly rate.

To protect your home from termites, your Cingo pest pro will strategically install Sentricon stations around your house. This uses termites' natural foraging behavior against them and ensures protection of your investment. These termite baiting stations are always active to prevent termites from reaching your home. All Cingo plans include a lifetime termite warranty.

With Cingo, we will schedule a minimum of 6 preventative visits per year, and at least 9 for Cingo+. Our professional experience and industry best practices indicate that this is optimal frequency to keep your home free of every single pest. You will receive an email 7-10 days before each visit. These notifications include a photo of your Cingo Pest Pro. You can learn more about the Cingo product details including when we visit, what we do and how we do it.

The prices listed above are for homes < 400 linear feet. Plan pricing for larger homes (generally those with 5+ bathrooms) is based on linear footage of the home.

There is no additional annual fee. The monthly payment includes all fees, and your plan includes a lifetime termite warranty.

Cingo literally means to surround and secure. With Safe Surround we protect your home and family from the outside. However, for initial visits or if you have a need for extermination, your Cingo Pro will want to access the interior of your home. The goal is long-term pest prevention, and 99% of pests can be controlled from the exterior. Should you ever experience an unwanted guest inside, just let Cingo know so your pro can take care of every single pest.

Yes. While our goal is to protect your home and family from pests through prevention, there are times when you just need to handle a pest problem. We do offer individual pest control services and pricing is based on the type of pest.

Pest control, particularly when it includes termites, is highly regulated by state and federal agencies. For this reason, contracts from most pest control companies will look similar. We've taken extra steps to make the Cingo Agreement and the Termite-Only Agreement as consumer-friendly as possible within these regulations.

Cingo offers a Familiar Face so you are never surprised by a pest pro you don't know. We have developed business practices to promote this commitment. Should a change be necessary due to an absence, route re-assignment or other appropriate business reason, Cingo will notify you in advance of the change or that month is free. Why doesn't everyone do it this way?

Cingo Secure utilizes state of the art technology that may not be compatible with many legacy systems currently in the market. Cingo Secure can take the place of your existing keypad and may be able to incorporate some portions of existing systems.

Although Cingo Secure requires the internet for some features to function properly the core security and life safety features of the system will operate without it. Cingo recommends installing a system prior to moving in to protect your home and family then contacting us once there is internet to set up additional features.

Smoke detectors that are installed by building code are most likely not monitored. This means that if there is a fire emergency only a local alarm is initiated inside the home. This may be good enough to alert inhabitants to leave the home but if you are unable to do so you want your system to be able to alert authorities. Cingo also monitors the operation of your smoke detectors so you can be assured that they will work when you need them most.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solutions may be fine for notifications of non-emergencies. When it comes to the safety and well-being of your family you want to be assured that your alarm will be heard and acted upon. Cingo's state of art dual path technology coupled with professional installation provides the highest level of security.