Frequently-Ask Questions

"When do I need a Home Inspection?"

• Usually before purchasing a home during your option period, or for sellers prior to selling their home, to provide an accurate picture of possible problem areas of major components within the home or business. A good Home Inspection can provide you assurance and alert you of last minute surprises before going to closing.
• Home maintenance inspections should be done every two years. This will assure structural integrity in-between heavy weather conditions that can affect your homes performance. Also good to check the structure for settlement cracks and signs of wood destroying insects that can decrease home value or pose a physical risk if left un-detected.
• Re-inspections may be needed to ensure that the proper work was done on a previous deficiency.
• You may even want to call a Home Inspection Company and engage an investigative inspection if you suspect there is something wrong with your home such as strange smells, termites or after a large storm.
• Newly constructed homes will need to be inspected no more than six months after purchasing your home.

What is looked for?

• A home inspector will look for significant visual defects. Although the inspection is limited to visual conditions, a trained and experienced home inspector can detect serious problems by assessing the current condition of a home.
• A home inspector will determine the structural integrity of a home by looking at the foundation, roof, and support members.
• The inspector will also look for any kind of water intrusion whether it comes from outside the house or from an internal plumbing leak.
• The home inspector will test and comment on all of the GFCI outlets in a home, as well as, checking the service panel for proper wiring.
• He will also check the Heating and Air Conditioning units to determine operational status and the presence of any visible deterioration.
• In the kitchen, all permanent appliances will be tested and inspected.
• In the Bathroom All faucets and fixtures, as well as sinks, tubs, and shower components will be inspected for signs any deficiencies.

How much?

• The cost of an inspection can vary based on the size, age, type of structure to be inspected, and the type of inspection to be completed. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about the cost of the inspection. Payment is due at time of inspection unless other arrangements have been made.

What is inspected?

• Structure - Foundation, crawlspace, footings, columns, floors, walls, chimneys.
• Electrical - Service entrance, grounding, panel/sub-panels, branch circuits, outlets, GFCIs, circuit integrity.
• Heating & Air Conditioning - Description, combustion system, a/c components, supply/discharge lines, venting, ductwork, registers, controls, thermostats.
• Plumbing - Main supply line, distribution lines, fixtures, vents, traps, drains, functional flow.
• Insulation - Attic, walls, crawlspace, floors, ductwork, air/vapor barriers.
• Interior - Walls, ceilings, windows, doors, stairs, and much much more!
• Exterior - Lawn and home garden sprinkler systems, grading systems, drainage, gutter and downspouts. Exterior walls, sealants ,doors and weather stripping.

Common Defects?

• Aluminum wiring on older houses.
• Water heaters, plumbing systems.
• Fire hazards associated with Federal Pacific Panels.
• Lead or mold in the home.
• Hidden water damage coming from such things as floods, burst pipes, leaky roofs-walls-windows-doors and seepage.
• Roofing issues.
• Foundation problems.

*If you have any additional questions please feel free to give us a call at (972) 291-8227 or (817) 247-6819.