
A home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, so it’s important to understand the condition of your investment. I’ll provide a non-invasive evaluation of the home’s accessible structure, systems and components. While a home inspection can’t reveal every concern that exists, it will significantly reduce your anxiety by arming you with the knowledge you need to make an informed home-buying decision.
What is a Home Inspection?
During a home inspection, I will inspect the entire home from roof to crawlspace following InterNACHI's Standards Of Practice. This includes looking for defects in all areas of the home inside and out, running the mechanicals in house including heating, cooling and hot water. Outlets and light fixtures will be checked for proper operation. All faucets are ran and plumbing supply and drain lines checked for leaks or other defects. Then at the end of the inspection, I will go around and do a thermal check to look for possible water leaks that are not visible to the naked eye.
Systems that will be inspected:
-
Interior, exterior, walls, windows, and doors
-
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
-
Basement, crawlspace, and structure
-
Fireplace
-
Roof and attic
-
Electrical
-
Plumbing
Why Get a Home Inspection?
1. I work for YOU. Not the Seller or their agent. You have hired me and as my client, I have your best interests at heart. You will receive an honest and independent evaluation of the property and its current condition.
​
2. Professional Inspection Report. You will receive a report from an experienced inspector who is certified through InterNACHI®. You can view the report online and filter by summary or full report as well as download the summary or full report as a PDF. The Inspector needs access to the entire home both inside and out. and will inspect every area possible according the Standards of Practice.
​
3. Find issues before they become problems.
Regular maintenance and repair projects are parts of home ownership. Maybe the home’s current owner has taken excellent care of the property. However, it’s possible that there are problems lurking in the structure of which even the most conscientious homeowner may be unaware.
Home inspections are designed to identify small headaches before they become huge problems. A tiny leak behind a bathroom wall is one thing, but it can turn into a veritable flood if it’s neglected.
Early detection of maintenance and repair issues provides you with a chance to fix problems before they become larger and more costly. Plus, a pre-purchase home inspection provides you with an opportunity to negotiate with the current owner.
-
Do you want to require that certain repairs be made before you purchase the home?
-
Or, will you be satisfied with a reduction in price that will make it more affordable for you to fix the problem after the purchase?
​
4. Understand the Home’s Condition
Perhaps you’ve already noticed a few issues around the house, like some musty smelling areas. Maybe a few windows have broken seals or there are signs of possible water damage on one of the ceilings.
Be sure to make a list of all of these potential issues so that you can draw the inspector’s attention to them. Your inspector can tell you if these signs are cause for concern or no big deal. Additionally, the inspector can provide you with an in-depth understanding of many of the home’s systems from the foundation and basement to the attic and roof.
​
5. Get to Know the Home’s Exterior
While you can expect the inspector to do a thorough review of the home’s interior, they won’t neglect the exterior. Inspectors look at all major exterior components including the driveway, garage, patio, deck, balcony, windows, gutters and downspouts, siding, lighting and doors and more.
Exterior maintenance and repairs can represent major expenses, especially if routine care hasn’t been provided over the years. It’s always best to know about these conditions before you buy. The information in the report will help you to gauge which repairs are needed immediately and which can wait for a future date.
​
6. Verify the Condition of the Electrical System
A home’s electrical system is one of its most imperative components, but it also can be one of its most dangerous if it’s outdated or not in good condition. Accordingly, home inspectors pay particular attention to signs that may indicate an issue with the property’s wiring. This provides an opportunity for the current homeowner or the buyer to ensure that a qualified electrician addresses these problems.
​
7. Get a Radon Detection Test
Radon is a common gas that is colorless and odorless. Frequently, it enters homes through cracks in their foundations. It’s impossible to know whether or not radon is present without having a test performed. This is crucial because exposure to radon gas can lead to potentially serious problems with your family’s respiratory systems.
If the reading comes back high, your inspector may suggest actionable steps for mitigating the situation. You can get more information from the EPA about Radon Gas.
​
8.Get the Peace of Mind You Deserve
Buying a home is a major investment and commitment. You deserve to have peace of mind throughout the process. Only a home inspection can reveal the property’s true condition to you, putting you in the right position to make a choice.