The home buying process can be confusing and stressful. Not only do you need to consider things such as price and location, you also have to worry about whether the house itself has any visible and hidden problems that could become costly surprises down the road.
As a licensed and professional Home Inspector, its my job to look for those problems for you. The Home Inspection is an unbiased, professional assessment of the condition of the house. It provides you an expert opinion and professional narrative report on the condition of the physical structure and various systems within a house. Giving you peace of mind on what is likely the largest purchase youll ever make.
In order to prepare the report, an inspector must conduct a visual inspection of the house. The inspection process typically takes about 3 hours to complete and may take longer. This of course may vary, according to the size and condition of the home. We take photos during the inspecton and insert some of the more important ones in the report. Diagrams are inserted in the report to help explain the various systems.
I strongly encourage you to accompany me during the inspection. This will give you a chance to ask questions and become familiar with the systems of the home.
The professional home inspection will reduce the risk of costly surprises with what is likely to be the largest purchase you will ever make. It helps you to make a more informed, more comfortable decision.
When buying a home, you should always have a professional home inspection performed. You need to know exactly what you are getting. Our professional home inspection will find problems with the home so that they may be addressed before you close the deal. The inspector may suggest there may concealed damage that may require intrusive evaluations by licensed trades companies prior to signing the purchase and sales agreement. We also recommend you get cost estimates for repairs prior to signing the purchase and sales agreement. At that point you will know if you an afford the repairs needed. All of this will help you to make your buying decision much easier and more confident.
When we inspect the home we will look at the systems that make up the building such as:
Grounds- Driveway, walks, patio's, retaining walls, site drainage, trees and shrubs.
Roof- Roof covering, flashing, chimneys, penetrations, ventilation, fascia, soffits, eves and roof drainage.
Exterior- Cladding, trim, corner boards, finish, decks, balconies, porches, stairs, hand rails, banisters, outer exposed foundation walls, basement access, basement windows, entrance doors, storm doors, windows and storm windows.
Foundation- Foundation type, material, super structure framing [ sill plates, floor joists, sub flooring, girders, columns, footings ] floor, and water penetration.
Plumbing- Water main pipe, shut off at main, distribution hot and cold water piping, valves and fittings, laundry hook up's, water heater, pipe insulation, drain, waste and vent system piping.
Electrical- Incoming service [ overhead or lateral underground ] service entry conductor type, service panel, sub feeder panels, branch circuit wiring, receptacle outlets, GFCI, AFCI protection, interior and exterior lighting.
Heating- Forced hot water [ hydronic ] gravity hot water, steam, forced hot air, gravity hot air, fuel type, fuel storage tanks, fuel lines, piping, radiators, plenum, trunks, ducts, registers, habitable heat supply source in every room, solid fuel burning equipment, thermostats, insulation and exhaust piping. Systems performance
Cooling- Air handler, condenser, line set, line set insulation, outside disconnect, outside receptacle outlet, plenum, trunks, ducts, insulation and register vents. Systems performance.
Living quarters- Walls and ceiling cracks, sags and water stains. Flooring type and condition, kitchen, bath cabinets, counter tops, stairs, hand rails and banisters.
Attic- Attic access type, roof rafters, post and beam, sheathing, ceiling joists, ceiling ties, flooring, insulation and water penetration.
During the inspection we will alert you of any problems that are discovered and discuss them with you. We will also tell you about any routine maintenance that should be performed, as well as answer any questions you may have. Youll also receive a full written report of the inspection. The report is a narative report that includes photos and diagrams. The report is completed withing 48 hours of the inspection. The reports are confidential and Email to you and only you.
