When buying a home, you should always have a professional home inspection performed. You need to know exactly what you are getting. Our home inspection will reveal visible problems with the home so that they may be addressed before you close the deal. Visible damage may also result in concealed damage. We will inform you of the possibility of concealed damage. This will make your buying decision much easier and more confident. When we inspect the home or condominium we will look at the systems that make up the building such as:
Grounds- Driveway, walks, patio's, retaining walls, grading, site drainage, trees and shrubs.
Roof- Roof covering, flashing, chimneys, penetrations, ventilation, fascia, soffits, eves and roof drainage.
Exterior- Cladding, trim, paint and stucco, 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, shower tile, 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 tile and ceramic tile, kitchen and bath cabinets, counter tops, stairs, hand rails and banisters.
Attic- Attic access type, roof frame [ rafters, trusses, post and beam ] sheathing, ceiling joists, ceiling joist ties, flooring, insulation, and water penetration.
For a detailed list of inspection services click onto Inspections Services.
The home inspection report will tell you what needs to be repaired and what routine maintenance tasks you should perform to keep the house in top condition.
You should require a home inspection at the time you make a formal offer. Make sure the contract has an inspection contingency such as ten days from the signed offer is recommended. Then, give us a call or email us for an inspection as soon as possible.
Our 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 decision purchasing the home or condominium.
