When buying a home, you should always have a professional home inspection performed. You need to know exactly what you are getting. The professional home inspection will reveal any hidden problems with the home so that they may be addressed before you close the deal; making your buying decision much easier and more confident.

When we inspect the home we will look at the systems that make up the building such as:
· Structural elements, foundation, framing ect…
· Plumbing systems
· Roofing
· Electrical systems
· Cosmetic condition, paint, siding etc…

The 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 an inspection at the time you make a formal offer. Make sure the contract has an inspection contingency. Then, arrange for an inspector of your choosing to come inspect the house and pay close attention to the inspection report. If you aren’t comfortable with what we find, you should demand that the seller correct the problems before closing or negotiate for a lower purchase price or better terms to compensate.

The 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, more comfortable decision.

New Home Inspections

There are good reasons to have a professional inspection performed on the brand new home you are buying.

Buying a new house is likely one of, if not the largest purchase decision you’ll ever make. The whole process is fraught with emotion and stress. A professional home inspection will substantially reduce the risk for your large investment in a new home. It just makes sense to learn as much as you can about the quality of your new home, before signing off on everything.

Building a new home is a tremendously complex endeavor. It involves many people, usually split up into sub-contractor groups, each working on different parts and systems of the house. Even for the best builders, it’s nearly impossible to complete this process without missing something. Maybe its a plumbing fixture that didn’t get tested for leaks, maybe its an electrical box that isn’t working, or any one of dozens of minor problems that can easily be overlooked in such a major undertaking. We will find such problems while it is still early enough for you to bring them up with the builder and have them corrected before you sign-off and start moving in.

For the relatively small cost, a professional inspection of your new dream home can pay big dividends in peace of mind and getting any problems identified and corrected before they can become an unpleasant surprise. You will also learn where utility shut-offs are located, and receive tips on landscaping and maintaining your new home.

Environmental Inspection

It seems that we hear a lot about environmental concerns these days. Much of it is simply the result of a greater awareness than in the past. And even though there isnt anything to be concerned with in most homes, there are still a number of potential home environmental issues that buyers should be aware of.

Water quality is probably the most common concern and the one most often tested for. Typically, a basic water quality test will check pH, water hardness, the presence of fluoride, sodium, iron and manganese, plus bacteria such as E-coli. Additionally, water may be tested for the presence of lead or arsenic.

In homes built before 1978, lead based paint may be present. Generally, if the lead based paint is in good condition, not cracking or peeling, it is not a hazard. If the condition is hazardous, the paint will either need to be removed or sealed in such a manner as to eliminate the hazard.

Another common environmental concern with the home is radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in the soil. Pretty much all homes have some radon present; tests can determine if the level present is higher than what is considered safe. If the level is too high, a radon reduction system will need to be installed.

In older homes built more than 30 years ago, asbestos was used in many types of insulation and other building materials. If the asbestos is releasing fibers into the air, it needs to be removed or repaired by a professional contractor specializing in asbestos cleanup. But, if the asbestos material is in good repair, and not releasing fibers, it poses no hazard and can be left alone.

Home Maintenance Check-up

You wouldn’t hesitate to bring your car in for its 30,000 mile service check-up. A quick once over from your mechanic can catch rust, rot and failing systems. But what about your home? Your home is your largest single investment and asset.  Your home is not unlike your automobile in that it undergoes wear and tear; routine maintenance is required. Often this normal wear and tear will go unnoticed by the homeowner. A home that has not been recently inspected may have undiscovered, minor or major maintenance items that could lead to a significant financial expense to repair or even replace if not discovered.

The timing couldn’t be better to prepare “Your Castle" thoroughly to weather the upcoming seasonal changes, and move into the new millennium with peace of mind.

It’s a fact that most homes today have some type of electrical condition that could pose a potential safety hazard. Moisture intrusion damage and plumbing leaks are the largest repair expense of homeowners today. Most heating and air-conditioning units have deficiencies that cost consumers money in higher utility bills and often pose health and safety concerns.

The examination of a typical home will take approximately three hours. We encourage you to attend the inspection, and to follow the inspector during the inspection. By observing and asking questions, you will learn about your home and get tips on general maintenance and information that will be of great help to you.

Your fully narrative report will include information on the operation or visual inspection of the following items:

EXTERIOR
Driveways, walkways, windows, doors and screens; gates, walls and fences; patio slabs, balconies and covers; roof, flashings, chimneys, gutters and downspouts and electrical panel(s), lights, switches and outlets; foundations, sub-flooring and crawl spaces; siding and trim; and gas, water and electrical service entrance.

INTERIOR
Walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows; electrical and plumbing fixtures; fireplaces, water heaters and closets.

KITCHEN, BATHROOMS AND LAUNDRY
Sinks, cabinets and countertops; plumbing, vents and electrical systems; all built-in appliances; sinks, toilets, tubs and showers.

GARAGE & CARPORTS
Overhead garage doors; access and fire doors; hardware, springs and automatic door operators; electrical systems and slab.

ATTIC
Insulation, venting, roof materials and framing.