What is a home inspection?
Thorough evaluation of all the major visible home systems
Review of visible structural and mechanical elements
General condition, especially areas that might appeal to pests
Inspection of home systems like appliances, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
Detailed digital inspection report with all the findings delivered same day.
Additional services also available for Health and safety reviews including visual inspection for mold, and radon testing.
What's included in a home inspection?
My quality home inspection includes coverage in four categories spanning over 200 points of inspection:
Structural and mechanical aspects, including but not limited to, the foundation, the framing, the siding, the roof, and their associated parts. The attic and crawl space or basement are included.
Component systems of the home, which include, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, and ventilation.
Health and safety issues that may impact how you'll live in the home. For example, radon, mold, carbon monoxide, gas leaks, tripping hazards and fall protection (railings), and pay special attention to features of the home that may affect children, the elderly, or pets.
Conditions that could promote mold growth or be attractive to household pests. We have the knowledge to recognize signs of particular pests and fungal growth and determine the necessity to contact a licensed exterminator or mold remediation specialist.
What if the Inspector finds something?
While a home inspection cannot, by itself, determine the market value of your home or the advisability or inadvisability of purchase, it can tell how you much work the home may need or repairs that may affect its value. Your Realtor can help guide you through the process of getting bids to estimate the cost of fixing any issues the inspector identified. Once you know the cost, you can negotiate with the home owner to determine whether they'll fix the issue, or lower the home price so you can pay to fix it. As a matter of integrity and as part of our code of ethics Home Inspectors do no make repair quotes or direct you to specific service providers. Doing this ensures the inspection is completely unbiased.
What should I do before the inspection?
- Check in with your Realtor before the inspection to make sure access is provided to the home.
- Make sure the utilities will be on, and that all systems in the home will be readily accessible. For example, there shouldn't be so many boxes stacked around the furnace that the inspector can't get to it.
HOW A HOME INSPECTION SAVES YOU MONEY.
It Provides an "Out"
Negotiating Tool
Safety
A home inspection can detect safety issues like electrical problems, unsafe structural issues, radon, and mold. Make sure that your home-buying contract states that should such hazards be detected, you have the option to cancel the offer to buy.