My expert real estate inspection experience will guide you though every step of the process, so you can buy or sell your home with confidence. As a trained professional, I have “seen it all” and l can provide invaluable help in turning you into a knowledgeable consumer.
A professional home inspection gives you an independent, unbiased view of any existing problems along with recommendations for follow up evaluation by the appropriate tradesman, technician or contractor associated with the defect, so that the solutions can be identified as expeditiously as possible, so that you will have all the facts you need to make a sound, informed decision on your purchase.
Depending on the size and condition of the home, a thorough home inspection usually will take no more than three or four hours, for a 4000 square foot or less sized home, and usually between an hour and a half and three hours for a 1200 to 3000 square foot home. Ideally, you will accompany your inspector during the consultation, so that you will have visual reinforcement of your written report.
We take our inspection reports seriously. Every inspection is a complete and thorough analysis of all the major systems and components in the home. The report includes a clear description of what we’ve found with any problem areas noted, so you can easily identify them. I also provide a free telephone consultation after your inspection.
A thorough home inspection will include the following:
- Roof (shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof related items such as algae and mold staining)
- Plumbing and Fixtures (water pressure, leaks, visible signs of water damage, water distribution system, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, bath/showers and toilets, sanitary piping system, and other plumbing system components including water potability and quality)
- Heating and Cooling Systems (boilers, furnace, air handlers, heat pumps, air cleaning appliances and parts, ductwork, air conditioning equipment and other related HVAC components)
- Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Foundation (drainage, insulation, ventilation, water intrusion, moisture, visible evidence of mold suspect stains, vapor barriers, utility attachment, framing items, floors, walls, and columns)
- Decks and Porches
- Fireplaces
- Overall Site Elevations of the Building
- Attics (access method and condition, insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists and collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, exhaust fan outlet locations, moisture and mold problems and other visible related items)
- Interior (floors, ceilings, walls, stairs, handrails, balusters, surface finishes, cabinets, shelving, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, other safety-related items, and other visible interior-related components)
- Electrical Systems (service entry cables and clearances, service panels, switches and outlets, receptacles, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system, and other related electrical components)
- Exterior (grading, drainage, moisture barriers, siding materials and trim, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and other visible exterior related components)
Our inspection services include:
Pre-Purchase Inspection
I am trained to identify problem areas, both small and large, and to detect and to identify problems which require immediate attention or that will need attention in the near future. See our Inspection Overview for more details.
Pre-Listing Inspection
Whether you are selling your home on your own or using a realtor, it’s always a prudent idea to have a professional home inspection. The more you know about your home, the more prepared you will be for a successful sale. Nothing sells faster than a home that is in good, market ready condition. See our Inspection Overview for more details.
Construction Inspection
The quality of new-home construction varies from price tag to price tag. That is why many educated buyers have independent inspections of their new home during the construction phase process. This relatively inexpensive phase inspection protects your purchase, prevents unpleasant surprises, and ensures the quality of the home you’ve dreamed about.
Warranty Inspection
Most builders provide a one-year warranty for new construction. Generally, during this period of time, the buyer develops a “punch list” of corrections for the contractor to complete or repair under the warranty coverage. Some defects will not be obvious to the untrained eye. That’s where our inspection can help.
