What you can expect

A Certified Home Inspector will meet with you and provide a full, non-invasive inspection of your property including the structure, systems, and components of the building, inside and out, from the foundation to the roof, using the latest tools and technology.

We encourage all of our clients to attend the full inspection on site and are always available for verbal consultation after the inspection is complete. Our goal is to not only provide you with a comprehensive home inspection report, but to educate you about repairs and maintenance that may be required for your home.

Our Services

  • The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing system; electrical system; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; and the foundation, basement and structural components.

  • A Seller's Inspection alerts you to any defects or problems so that you can address them before prospective buyers discover them. Take the time you need to obtain reasonable repair estimates and justify your full asking price by having your home for sale inspected now.

  • This inspection can help you understand and plan for the demands of maintaining your home properly. Some tasks are seasonal, and some items require more frequent attention. Together we will identify any issues, and educate you about what should be done to keep your home or property in top condition year-round.

  • Foundation- typically a pre-pour inspection which covers the general quality of workmanship in completing preparations for concrete placement. This means that the foundation forms, rough-in plumbing, and reinforcement should be completed and ready for placement prior to the inspection.

    Framing - Commonly referred to as a topout inspection, this should be performed when the framing is substantially completed, if not fully completed, and the building is “dried in” with the roof in place and completed.

    Final Quality Finish – This inspection covers not only the major visible components of the construction, but does include some finish work.

  • The affects of radon have been proven to be harmful to your health if not detected and/or mitigated. A simple short-term test will determine whether or not the gas is present, and allow you to make the decision of how to handle as part of your real estate negotiations.

    We offer a wide variety of water quality sampling. We can perform single item testing such as for the presence of bacteria or e-coli or chloroform, or wider range of analytes from minerals to contaminants.

    These tests can be performed at the time of inspection or on their own, without an inspection.

SCHEDULE INSPECTION

What we Inspect

  • We will determine what type of foundation your home has and assess the condition of visual structural components, checking for cracks, signs of moisture and other damage.

  • One of the inspection’s most in-depth evaluations will focus on the exterior surfaces of your home, including flashing, trim, exterior doors, steps, decks, balconies stoops, porches, railings, eaves, soffits, and fascias, windows, walkways, driveways and vegetation, grading, surface draining, and retaining walls that may affect the building adversely.

  • We operate all doors and window to ensure they are functioning properly. We also check for air and moisture intrusion.

  • We will ensure that the heating and air components are installed properly and operating normally to provide cool air and heat including inspection of interior vent systems, installed heating equipment, and distribution systems.

  • We will inspect your electrical systems, outlets, and service lines to let you know if there are any issues that require the attention of an electrician. This includes service grounding, equipment and main disconnects, conductors, lighting fixtures, switches, amperage rating, location of main disconnect(s) and subpanels, and predominant branch circuit wiring method.

  • We will check all appliances, faucets and cabinet doors to verify they are working properly and are in good condition.

  • We check that all faucets and vanity doors are operating properly. We check for the presence of excessive moisture that can cause deterioration of structural components.

  • We check for leaks in the roof, excessive moisture from condensation, proper ventilation, and adequate insulation.

  • We ensure the system is installed properly with a positive fall to the downspouts and flows away from the foundation.

  • We will inspect your roofing materials, roof drainage systems, flashing, skylights, chimneys, vent systems, and roof penetrations.

  • We will evaluate the interior water supply and distribution systems, including fixtures and faucets; interior drain, waste, and vent systems, water heating equipment and hot water supply systems, fuel storage and distribution systems, sewage ejectors, sump pumps, and related piping.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. On average, a single-family home inspection usually takes 2-4 hours to complete, though this is heavily dependent on the of the size and condition of the home. After the inspection process, the inspector will send the client an inspection report (often within 24-48 hours) that covers their findings, complete with pictures, analysis and recommendations.

  • Buying a home could be the largest single investment the homebuyer will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, homebuyers should strive to learn as much as they can about the house before they 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. Through the home inspection process, homebuyers will have a better understanding about their prospective house, which will allow them to make decisions with confidence. If a homeowner is planning to sell their home, a home inspection can give them the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

  • It is not required for the homebuyer to be present for the inspection. However, we recommend attending so the homebuyer can receive the most value from their inspection. This allows homebuyers to observe the inspector and ask questions throughout the process. Many homebuyers find that talking with their inspectors gives them a better understanding the condition of the home and how to maintain it.

  • A professional home inspection is an examination and objective assessment of the current condition of a house. A home inspector 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. A home inspection is not an appraisal and will not determine the home's market value. It is also not a municipal inspection and does not verify local code compliance.

  • It is important to note that no house is perfect. Every home inspection will identify issues with the property and the inspector will communicate the severity of the issues found. The home inspector's goal is to leave their clients with a deeper understanding of their prospective home, so the client can make a sound decision as they continue their home buying process. The client should be fully aware of any issues, risks, or health concerns that may impact the client's decision. The inspector's role is not to tell the clients if they should buy the house or not, but to help the clients understand the full cost of ownership. If major problems are found, homebuyers may wish to negotiate with the seller to make repairs or cover their costs.

  • Depending on the home's age, size, and location, as well as the home inspector's own work protocols and ethic, your home inspection may take up to three hours. Adding square footage, outbuildings, and/or ancillary services will increase that time. It may be necessary for your inspector to bring in an assistant for a very large property.