What is a home inspection? In it’s legal term, it’s a non-invasive visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home and includes a written report on the condition of the inspected systems of a home. In simple words, we look at what we can see, and tell you what we see and how it is an issue and what type of repair it may need. Usually a home inspection takes about 2-3 hours depending on the size and age of the home. We strongly recommend that you be present at the inspection. It is much easier for us to explain an item in person instead of trying to do it over the phone hours or days later.

Many homes have aging or damaged sewer lateral main lines underground from their house to the city sewer or septic tank. This can be an expensive repair. This inspection is not part of a standard visual home inspection. We recommend a sewerscope which will include a camera through the line to show any collapsed or damaged sections. You will receive a video showing the camera view. This repair cost can be requested as either a repair item or a credit from the sellers. The cost is small compared to the expense of a new sewer line.

While not required in order to buy a new home, we recommend that all homes get a radon test. Radon gas is a odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is a by product of a decaying Uranium deposit under the ground. It’s very random in it’s location. It may be under your back yard but not under the house. it comes up through the ground and ground water. In an elevated level inside a home, radon gas can cause lung cancer. It’s the number 2 cause of lung cancer in the United States behind cigarette smoking. Our test results will show the levels of radon in the home, and if elevated, you can request a remediation system be paid for by the sellers. Safety of your family is the number one reason you should consider a radon test.

Elevated levels of mold in your home can be very dangerous to your health. There are specific mold spores that are known carcinogens and others can lead to respiratory disease, allergic reactions, and other health issues. Mold can also compromise the integrity of your home’s structure. Getting a Mold Inspection can help prevent serious problems and costly expenses.

Older homes have a higher chance of containing lead based paint. (LBP) If your home was built before 1978, theres a very good chance it contains LBP. While the CPSC banned LBP in 1978, all the lead paint didn’t just dry up in the cans. It could still be found in many homes, it just can’t be sold.

We can test your home for lead based paint and get you a report from a 3rd party lab.

Don’t let LBP prevent you from buying your new home. We can explain the effects and what safety measures should be taken.

Asbestos containing materials (ACM) were banned many years ago for use in homes. Like lead paint, it’s not uncommon to see ACM in older homes. It should not deter you from buying a home because it has ACM. Knowing how to handle and it’s effects are very important.We can test ACM with our 3rd party lab and supply you with a detailed report and positive ID.

ACM products worked very well for many years and were used in many everyday building materials such as insulation, flooring, pipe wrap, duct wrap, siding and roofing.

Looking for an investment property to lease or purchase? It’s vital to be aware of the condition of the property before taking ownership and assuming the risk. A commercial inspection will tell you the condition of the building and property, reduce the risk and maybe eliminate some concerns or identify a few surprises. The inspection will also help you budget for future expenses and repairs in the future. Call us to discuss you inspection.