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*Termite
Inspections and radon testing can be scheduled at time of
inspection as well.
Please ask for further information.
EIGHT MAJOR SYSTEMS
Structure:
The structure of the building is identified here in terms of
materials used, type of construction, and the degree to which
various areas are accessible to the inspector. Significant
subcomponents, such as foundation type, framing materials, etc.
are listed, as well as their idiosyncrasies. The inspector also
checks for major or minor problems in the various structural
systems of the building, including the foundation, floor, wall,
and roof framing.
Electrical:
The existing electrical system is checked for sufficient
capacity and safety. The inspector evaluates the system in terms
of its current condition, and considers its suitability for
future intended use. Upgrades and repairs are recommended where
appropriate.
Heating & Air Conditioning:
The inspector assesses the capacity of the existing equipment to
produce comfortable conditions. By considering the age of the
existing equipment and the intended capacity, the inspector can
approximate the life expectancy and recommend appropriate
repairs or upgrades within a budget.
Plumbing:
The piping and fixtures though out the house are checked for
functional flow and life expectancies. The system is screened
for unsanitary conditions and potential repairs, such as freeze
vulnerability or spillage/overflow. The laundry equipment, tile
work, and domestic water heating equipment are surveyed as well.
Useful upgrades are itemized and upcoming replacements budgeted.
Basement/Crawlspace/Slab:
Water Seepage probabilities and structural problems are
evaluated and remediation advice is given. The inspector looks
for possible problem areas that could cause structural problems,
such as poor soil, surface drainage, close proximity tree roots,
rotating stoops, etc.
Kitchen:
The appliances are operated and deficiencies noted. The
inspector recommends appropriate upgrades and approximates the
life expectancy of each piece of equipment. Depending on age and
usefulness, the inspector may suggest a budget for repairs from
complete renovation to typical minor problems such as appliance
malfunctions, damage to floor seams, or inoperative door
springs.
Interior:
The inspector scans the wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces for
problematic conditions, such as visible evidence of water
penetration, potentially dangerous or toxic materials, fire
hazards, or security breaches. The ventilation and energy
conservation aspects are checked and appropriate upgrades are
itemized.
Exterior:
The inspector walks on the roof (where safe and appropriate) and
notes preservation deficiencies. Roof runoff controls and
landscape drainage are checked and improvements are recommended
where necessary. Stoops, steps, walks, and drives are checked
for voids, surface problems, and safety hazards.
NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS
Includes up to a three phase inspection but may be customized to
your individual needs.
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1st Inspection is completed just prior to backfilling the
footings and foundation walls.
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2nd Inspection is the pre-drywall which is completed just
after the insulation is finished and the drywall is ready to
be installed.
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3rd Inspection is the final, just before the builders walk
through with the buyer. This is a full inspection after
which the final home inspection report is completed.
NEW CONSTRUCTION FAQ
Building a house can be a big headache. There are many topics
that are forgotten in the process of hiring a contractor.
Here are some you may want to consider before beginning your new
construction venture:
Some contractors do not allow home inspectors at all prior to
closing.
Example: Larry has arrived at many scheduled home inspections
for his clients and was not allowed to conduct the inspections
because the contractors did not permit inspections, and
inspections were not included in the contracts.
Some contractors allow home inspectors at a cost to the buyer.
Example: Larry was at a home a while ago, and the contractor
allowed him to do an inspection but only if the representative
from his company was with us during the inspection. The buyer
was charged $200.00 an hour for this to happen.
Most, if not all, building inspectors do not have to be
licensed?
Explanation: Each town or city usually has building codes that
must be followed by builders, and an inspection is required to
make sure these codes are met. What buyers may not know, though,
is that the inspectors that complete these inspections do not
have to be licensed and codes only cover a minimal number of
issues that could be present. In other words, builders are only
required to build a home meeting minimal requirements.
Talk to a home inspector, prior to writing your contract, who
has been in business for a while and is a certified member of at
least 1 of the major organizations ¡§C the National Association of
Home Inspectors (NAHI) or the American Society of Home
Inspectors (ASHI). As members of one of these organizations,
your inspector will have completed continuing education above
most of the State licensing requirements. Through mandatory
continuing education, you can be assured they are up to date on
new developments in the building industry.
Example: I have a young daughter. She can take a state licensing
course next week, take the state test the following week and be
licensed to do home inspections in under a month, yet she may
not even know what caulk is used for. Licensing means minimum
standards.
Call a home inspector that has experience and belongs to a
professional organization like NAHI or ASHI, and ask as many
questions as you can before signing any new construction
contract. Then, make sure to have your lawyer add a clause to
your contract that allows you the option of having a home
inspector who you hire to complete a home inspection or series
of inspections on the property before closing.
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