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What is a Home
Inspection?
What is
a Phase Inspection?
A service
available to both buyer and seller giving them a professional and "
unbiased
opinion" on the condition of the property.
*Providing the potential purchaser with as much information as
possible about a
property in order to make an intelligent decision towards the
purchase.
*Identifying major structural, mechanical or hidden defects apparent
at the time of the
inspection.
*An inspection will evaluate the Grounds & Appurtenances, Roofing
Systems, Exterior,
Garage/Carport, Electrical, Foundation, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling,
Attic, General
Interior, Kitchen and Appliances.
Why should I have
my house inspected?
First, you want to be sure that the home about to be purchased is
structurally sound.
Second, you want to be informed of any major deficiencies or repairs
that need
attention.
Finally, you want to have peace of mind that this is indeed a wise
decision from either a personal
or business
perspective.
If you have a home for sale on the market or an investor, you may
ask, why should I
have a home inspection? The best reason is that it can be a
great marketing tool. By
having the property inspected you discover simple ways of making
improvements that
will increase the value of the property and show ethics on your
part, as well as making
yours sales transaction faster with fewer complications.
When do I have
a home inspection performed?
Usually within a
week to ten days after the contract is signed by the
buyers and sellers. However, inspections can be performed before
a contract is offered in order to make a more quantitative
evaluation
of the offer. Inspections should be performed a week or more before
closing.
Who is
qualified to do my inspection?
Currently there are only a few states that license home inspectors,
so finding a certified inspector with ten or more years in
the
building industry will ensure you that your inspector knows the
" Rules of Construction ". Ask about the education and
experience of the inspector you are hiring. Also ask for a list
of references that you can call on in order to determine the past
performance of your inspector.
How long will
it take and how does it work?
Generally, it takes a minimum of two hours, depending on the
complexity and size of the structure. Buyers are highly encouraged
to meet the inspector at the property and you will then evaluate the
residence inch by inch in order to gain as much information as
possible about the property. Make sure you personally inspect the
structure with the inspector, if possible, wear comfortable clothing
or clothes which can be soiled. If possible, enter the attic and
the
understructure with the inspector so that you can see problems first
hand, thereby gaining a better understanding of the deficiency.
Is the Home Inspection a guarantee?
No, the home inspection is to provide you with as much information
about the property as possible, that is accessible and visible at
the time of
the inspection, and is not to be considered as a guarantee or
warranty.
New
houses under construction - Phase
Inspection
1st Inspection Prior to backfilling the foundation to
assess site
preparation, footings, and foundation walls.
2nd Inspection Prior to installing of drywall to assess
installing of
structure framing, electrical, plumbing and
mechanical
systems.
3rd Inspection Prior to settlement. This final inspection
will be conducted
as a full home inspection. During this
phase of the
inspection, you will be provided with
details of what needs
to be completed and what is still a
deficiency.
New houses under construction -
Construction Monitoring
Monitoring the entire construction of structure from the foundation
stage to
final completion. The inspection is essentially your eyes and ears
during the
construction process ensuring proper construction standards and
ethics are
being followed. Usually these inspections entail six to eight trips
to the
property.
Re-inspection of properties previously inspected
To verify that the repairs have been made and have been made in an
acceptable manner. There is a cost associated to return inspections.
Environmental Testing
Radon gas, lead paint, water testing, consultations and construction
management.
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