A home inspection consists of a visual inspection of the accessible components and materials of the home. A computer-generated inspection report describing these observations and conditions is submitted to the client. The inspection is broken down into: Client Information; Grounds; Exterior; Foundation; Roof; Electric; Heating; Plumbing; Kitchen; Bath; Interior; Laundry Area; and Garage. Photos will also be provided in the write up.
The pre-listing inspection is arranged and paid for by the seller, usually before putting the home on the market. In this case, the home inspector works for the seller and generates a report that informs the seller of any issues there might be with the home that another inspector might find once the home goes under contract. The seller will then take the information and decide what they want to fix, and will have the time to get reasonable prices for repairs or fix them themselves, and what they won’t repair, they can plan to negotiate with the sale of the house. This inspection will inform the seller of issues there might be before allowing clients and agents to tour the house.
Most home Builder’s warranties will expire within one year after closing on your new home. Many times, the one-year warranty expiration marks the final opportunity to identify, document, and inform your builder of items that need repaired and/or replaced. All safety hazards, repairs, and adjustments should be professionally documented BEFORE your Builder is relieved of their responsibility under the one-year warranty.
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 it’s a plumbing fixture that didn’t get tested for leaks, maybe it’s an electrical box that isn’t working, or any one of a dozen 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.
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas you that you can’t see, smell or taste. It is a naturally occurring gas found in soil, rock and water. All homes have some level of radon in and around them, but a test is needed to determine the level of radon in your home and what risks there may be to your family. The radioactivity and lack of radon detection has led the EPA to consider Radon as the leading cause of lung-cancer among non-smokers. Radon is undetectable by the human eye, and must be tested with proper equipment from a licensed radon inspection company.
One of the greatest threats to your home is from termites and other wood-destroying insects. Before you buy a home, it’s a good idea to know if there is a current or previous infestations. WDI’s include a visual examination of the interior and exterior of the home to find any signs of existing or previous activity as well as identifying conducive conditions for these troublesome insects.
Mold is part of the natural environment. Outdoor, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoor, molds growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Molds may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
