Author: freelancer
Buyers’ Home Inspections: A buyer’s inspection is the most common type of Home Inspection. It is conducted during the real estate transaction, typically after an offer has been accepted by the seller. In this inspection, the buyer will contract a Home Inspector to systematically investigate the home. The primary concern of the inspector should be Health & Safety items, such as stair and rail spacings, bedroom window sizes, and electrical concerns. Also, any observable structural concerns will be noted. A running list of maintenance concerns will also be recorded. During the walkthrough, it is strongly encouraged that the client is present. Although the old addum states that ‘A picture is worth a thousand words, I find that the scope and magnitude of major(and minor) concerns are much easier to convey in person as we move through the property. At the conclusion of the walkthrough, if the client is on-site, major concerns can be discussed in greater detail, and any questions or comments of the client can be addressed. A written report with pictures will be sent out, typically within 24 hours of the walkthrough, that will give the client a comprehensive overview of the house’s observable health and condition.Pre-Listing(Sellers) Home Inspections: A Pre-listing Home Inspection, typically referred to as a ‘Seller’s’ inspection, is much the same as the buyer’s inspection, with the leading difference that the client is the homeowner. This inspection is best conducted 3-12 months before the home is placed on the market. The items inspected will give the homeowner an unbiased third-party opinion on the observable health of the home. A buyers inspection has the potential to reveal things unknown about the home, typically hidden in the attic, crawlspace or roof areas of the home, that the homeowner is not aware of single System Surveys: Do have a specific need to assess the condition of a single system, i.e. roof, deck or crawlspace? Sometimes insurance companies need to have a third party verify functional conditions. Other times, you may know something specific is wrong but would like an unbiased third party to investigate and verify your findings before calling the specialists to make necessary repairs. Maintenance Surveys: Single systems, multiple systems, or the whole house….what condition is your home in? Identifying maintenance items early can save you money and time. Start planning today to keep your home in top condition, whether you plan to sell next year or stay put indefinitely in your dream home. Radon Testing: Radon is produced from a natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. It is colorless and odorless. Some areas are known to have higher radon levels than others, but many factors can play together and can cause one home to have very low radon levels, and the house across the lot line to have levels that should cause concern. The only way to identify radon gas and determine the level is to test. Well Water Sampling: If the water to your home, or the one you would like to buy, is supplied by a private well or spring, you should consider having it tested before moving in and periodically in the future. Many things affect drinking water qualities, and they have the potential to change unexpectedly. When they change, you or your family may be exposed to unknown, but avoidable and preventable health risks.