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Most people don’t realize the number of complex systems there are in the average home. I can help you evaluate the condition of all these systems and components of your home. So, why a home inspection before you list your home for sale? Avoid Deal Killers
No house is perfect, here is a list of common concerns Does Your House Have Any Of These? Not Sure... You May Need An Inspection ! ! ! !
Problems with roofing material, due to aging, wear, or improper installation, are likely to be found in the majority of homes. Some roofs require replacement, others could use some type of maintenance or repair. Ceiling stains, indicating past or current roof leaks: Unfortunately, you often can't tell if the roof still leaks unless you inspect on a rainy day and when it is snow covered. Some stains are merely the residual effects of roof problems that have been repaired, while others may be related to leaky plumbing. Water intrusion into basements or crawl spaces due to ground water conditions: Faulty drainage can be pervasive, difficult to resolve, and sometimes very damaging to buildings. Correction can be as simple as re-grading the exterior grounds or adding roof gutters. Unfortunately, major drainage improvements are often warranted, requiring costly ground water systems such as French drains. Electrical safety hazards, especially (but not always) in older homes: Examples are ungrounded outlets, extension cords, lack of ground fault current interrupters (shock protection devices), faulty wiring conditions in electrical panels or elsewhere in a building, etc. Such problems may result from errors at the time of construction but often are due to wiring that was added or altered by persons other than qualified electricians. Electrical upgrades are often desirable and necessary. Rotted wood at building exteriors and at various plumbing fixtures: In areas where wood remains wet for long periods, e.g. Roof eaves, exterior trim, decks, around tubs and showers, or below loose toilets, fungus infection is likely to attack, resulting in a condition commonly known as dry rot. If left unchecked, damage can be quite extensive. Building violations where additions and alterations were constructed without permits: Homeowners will often tell a home inspector, "We added the garage without a permit, but it was all done to code." This is a red flag to most inspectors, because no one could possibly know the entire building code, let alone the average person without construction knowledge. Whenever an owner offers code assurance, problems are likely to be found. Unsafe fireplace and chimney conditions: Problems with wood burning fixtures can range from lack of maintenance to faulty installation. Most common are missing spark arrestors and faulty placement of freestanding fireplaces. Wood-burning stoves are typically installed by homeowners and handymen, persons without adequate knowledge of fire safety requirements. Common violations involve insufficient clearance between hot metal surfaces and combustible materials within the building. Fire hazards of this kind are often concealed in attics, where they remain undiscovered until a roof fire occurs. Faulty installation of water heaters: In most localities, less than 5% of all water heaters are installed in full compliance with plumbing code requirements. Common violations include inadequate strapping, improperly installed overflow piping, unsafe flue conditions, or faulty gas piping. What's more, today's water heaters are designed to have shorter longevity. Leaks can develop in units that are only five years old. Sometimes installation of a new water heater is necessary. Hazardous conditions involving gas heaters: Most gas-fueled heaters are in need of some maintenance, if only the changing of an air filter. In some cases, however, gas heaters contain life-threatening defects that can remain undiscovered until too late. These can range from fire safety violations to the venting of carbon monoxide into the building. A cracked firebox, for example, can remain undiscovered unless found by an expert or until tragic consequences occur. Wood decks: Frequently improperly built as a weekend project by amateurs we inspect wood decks for the most common defects and hazards. Inadequate railings and baluster spacing can lead to personal injury. Firewall violations in attached garages: Special fire-resistive construction is required for walls and doors that separate a garage from a dwelling. Violations are common, due to faulty construction, damage or alterations to the garage interior, or changes in code requirements since the home was built. In older homes, where firewalls' are not installed, sellers and agents will often suggest that the building predates the code. However, the fire separation requirement for residential garages dates back to 1927. Garage door openers have a separate set of concerns. Air quality issues: Additional information about asbestos, biological pollutants, toxic mold, home air quality and how to clean I realize buyers are most concerned about the structure, roof, heating systems and a dry basement. Those areas in particular are evaluated meticulously, but we make sure to ascertain other areas that may be of some concern to you. I work for you, not the seller or the Realtor. I help you assess the risk of home ownership and disclose the defects in the home to you which will assist you in making an informed decision. The process of inspecting a home is a crucial one. Many buyers purchase their home on impulse and find themselves suffering from buyers remorse upon discovering serious flaws in the home itself. I provide my clients with the tools they need to make an educated choice regarding the quality and condition of their potential new home. By hiring an experienced home inspector who has your best interest solely in mind, my clients are better able to judge the strengths and weaknesses of the home in which they are under contract to buy. |
| Cell Phone (262)-370-9633 Call for more information or to schedule your Inspection |