A Home Inspection is a professioal, complete visual examination of all of the systems and physical structure elements of a home. Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that would affect a purchasers buying decision. A home inspector acts as an independant third party evauluator.
A home purchase is the largest purchase most people will ever make. It is the best way for you to become familar with your new purchase and to be assure that there will be no surprises. The report will also include helpful maintenance advise to maintain your home. The inspection will be a detailed report all about your home. A pre listing inspection will point out any potential problems that might be uncovered later by the buyers inspector. By finding out about problems early will allow you to address them which in turn will make for a smoother sale.
How long will depend on the size, age and condition of the home. A Home Inspection can take anywhere from one hour to four hours depending on the size and type of inspection.
Most people don't have the knowledge, training and experience of a professional Home Inspector. After doing hundreds of home inspections we are not only familar with home systems and how they should work properly and need to be maintaned but we also know what to look for to tell us that they are getting ready to fail. We are also trained to see potental problems that if not corrected will lead to problems in the future. Beyond the technical expertise and experience a professional home inspector brings, we also act as an impartial third party. If you inspect a home yourself, it is impossible for you to remain unemotional about the home.
Our standard inspection includes all the major systems and structural components of the home. This includes the general condition of the heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical systems, roof, foundation, insulation, attic, basement, windows, doors, walls, and all visible structures.
You do not have to be at the inspection but we recommend that you are there. It is a learning experience for most people. By following the inspector you can ask any questions you may have and the inspector can explain to you how the systems work and can explain general maintenance tips for your home. We can also explain any findings that we found and also when you receive the inspection report you will have a better understanding of its content from being at the inspection.
Our report will tell you the condition of the home, including needed repairs and expenses. No home is perfect. The final decision is yours to how many problems you will be ok with. Only you will know what an inspector uncovers will effect your buying decision. Inspectors are impartial and cannot make a buying decision for you. If major repairs are needed, you may want to negotiate with the seller to have them do the repairs before buying the home or negotiate the price.
We recommened getting a termite inspection as well. Depending on where you live you may also need a Radon test as well. Depending on the age of the home or children we recommend a lead paint and mold test.
As a Home Inspector the code of ethics prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties that they inspect. This assures that there is no conflict of interest by the inspector. Contacting a licensed contractor to perform any work on your premises is the only way to go.
Most reports will be available to you within 24 hours after the inspection. It can be emailed directly to you, your attorney and realtor the next day with a hard copy sent out to you and any other person you request from us.