Home Inspection and Radon TestingServices
ITA Trained Home Inspector and Radon Certified Tester
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend further evaluation.
Why a home inspection?
Home Buyers: Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out the problems possible with the home before moving in.
Home Sellers: More and more sellers are choosing to have a thorough inspection before or when they first list their home. First and foremost, you should have a home inspection for full disclosure. You will have demonstrated that you did all you could do to reveal any defects within the home. Second, you will save money by knowing what your defects are, not after you have already negotiated and are faced with costly repairs discovered on the buyers inspection. Defects found before selling allows you to shop around for a contractor and not deal with inflated estimates that a buyer may present.
New Home Owners: Your new home will normally come from the builder with a one year warranty on everything from caulking and sheetrock to all appliances. Before this builders warranty expires you can have an inspection of the property to find and report to you the items that should be corrected by the builder prior to the expiration of this warranty. That way the builder will take on the costs of these repairs and corrections instead of you the buyer having to carry the financial costs of these repairs.
What if the report reveals problems?
Most homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a possible solution. Solutions range from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price. Having a home inspection allows the problem to be addressed before the sale closes or the warranty expires.
What does a home inspection include?
A home inspector's report will review the visual condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visual structure.
What should I not expect from a home inspection?
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A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air conditioners and heating systems can and will break down. A home inspection tells you the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. For protection from failure you may want to consider a home warranty.
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A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.
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A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ground fault outlets. A home inspection is not a "Code" inspection.
Should I attend the home inspection?
It is often helpful to be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found. But be sure to give the home inspector time and space to concentrate and focus so he can do the best job possible for you.
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Pre-Listing Inspection - Find out what you need to consider doing to get top $ for your property
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Do you have a current new home warranty - An inspection prior to the expiration of the warranty can save you $$ on repairs that should be warranty.
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Pre-Purchase Inspection
Radon Testing
Radon Testing is recommended for all homes in the United States by the EPA have yours tested before listing the home for sale, before buying a home or before you use the lowest livable level in your home. For more details please contact me directly or go to the EPA web site for Radon.
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