Buyers Inspection
This is the most common type of Home Inspection we do. A Buyers Inspection usually takes about 3 hours and covers all of the systems, components and features of the home. During this time we will look at the grounds, roof, exterior, foundation, interior including the attic and any accessible crawl spaces interior and the utilities. Utilities include the electrical system, heating/ cooling, water heater, plumbing, and fire safety. These inspections focus primarily on function and safety although, your report will contain a lot of information ranging from major issues to minor adjustments. This is the most common type of house inspection we do.
Seller Inspection Program
A seller home inspection is a good investment to increase the appeal of your listing. A buyer has additional incentive to treat the property as a good candidate if they have peace of mind that it is in good functioning condition. Your Home Inspector will complete the process the same way we do a buyer inspection, however, this provides you with the opportunity to address any major issues before they cause problems in the sale of the home. Once corrections have been made we'll come back and amend the report to show that these issues have been corrected giving you an edge on other listings in the area.
Commercial
There are many types of commercial inspections. The real estate will usually fall into these categories:
Buying or selling a building - similar to a residential inspection but with additional considerations are taken in the property inspection such as ADA compliance and fire suppression.
Construction- These are separate from a municipal code inspection and what we are primarily doing is acting as a building inspector for the general contractor by checking on phase completion, quality control and finding problems before they become an issue.
Construction Financing "Draw Inspection"- This is typically ordered by a the bank financing construction. This can be for things like a business renovation all the way up to a full residential development.
Buying or selling a building - similar to a residential inspection but with additional considerations are taken in the property inspection such as ADA compliance and fire suppression.
Construction- These are separate from a municipal code inspection and what we are primarily doing is acting as a building inspector for the general contractor by checking on phase completion, quality control and finding problems before they become an issue.
Construction Financing "Draw Inspection"- This is typically ordered by a the bank financing construction. This can be for things like a business renovation all the way up to a full residential development.
The Lesser Known
Insurance Inspections - Often referred to as a 4 Point inspections and cover the main areas of the home. The roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Biennial Home Inspection - In my opinion, this is the best home inspection you can get. Experience has shown that a local home inspector can identify issues prevalent in your area before they become a problem. This is especially true with WDO. Speaking of which.
WDO "Wood Destroying Organisms" - This includes termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wood eating beetles and more. The best Home Inspectors are stringent when applying ethical principals to their work. When you order home inspection services to investigate a pest problem, you don't have to worry if the inspector will also be the contractor doing the work. That means there is no monetary incentive to prescribe costly fixes that may not be necessary.
Biennial Home Inspection - In my opinion, this is the best home inspection you can get. Experience has shown that a local home inspector can identify issues prevalent in your area before they become a problem. This is especially true with WDO. Speaking of which.
WDO "Wood Destroying Organisms" - This includes termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wood eating beetles and more. The best Home Inspectors are stringent when applying ethical principals to their work. When you order home inspection services to investigate a pest problem, you don't have to worry if the inspector will also be the contractor doing the work. That means there is no monetary incentive to prescribe costly fixes that may not be necessary.
What Else Do I Need?
What else should I get inspected? It comes down to what the major risks are in your area. Radon gas is important for homes with basements. Wood Destroying Organism Inspections should be done in areas with known termite or other wood eating insect issues. Determining how far to go and how much to spend to become confident in your purchase can be difficult. Getting the best value can be very important. Our inspectors can help to determine what makes sense to check and what doesn't.
Radon Gas
Radon gas is a tasteless, odorless gas that results from the natural breakdown of naturally occurring uranium deposits in soil and is also the second most common cause of lung cancer according to the EPA. Depending on the area that the home is constructed the level of radiation present may exceed accepted EPA guidelines for safe use.
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WDO
WDO (Wood Destroying Organisms) Inspections, often referred to as Termite Inspections, covers a wide range of insects that use a home as a source of food or habitat. This can be accomplished by your inspector at the same time that your Home Inspection is being done.
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Commercial
Draw, construction, and loan inspections protect project investment and ensure construction is progressing on time and as expected.
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Home Inspections Q&A - The Fine Details For Those Still Reading
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof top to the foundation.
What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation/crawlspace, the basement, in areas such as Salisbury, and structural components.
This is governed by the Maryland Standards Of Practice and will outline what you can expect to be included and excluded in your inspection report. These are referenced in every report and I encourage a thorough reading to fully understand what will be contained in it.
Why do I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition. Make sure your inspector is a local as home inspection companies near me will be familiar with the most prevalent issues in the area.
What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing. We typically see pricing range from around $350 - $450.
Price is always a consideration but be aware of bargains that seem too good to be true. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an experienced inspection professional will show in the quality of service and the depth of your report. These are things that in the long run can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, and professional affiliations as a guide.
Why can't I do it myself?
Here are some things to consider.
1. Your findings will not be legally binding. The inspection clause in your purchase agreement must be executed by a licensed inspector. Your inspector is a competent professional who's knowledge and experience and impartiality have been tested and proven. Only an inspector can certify what constitutes a defect under the terms of the purchase agreement.
2. You could miss something. Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail. Even an experienced home inspector cannot see into walls however, they will know what to look for to indicate where hidden problems may be.
3. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. You want to find a home inspector to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.
Can a house "fail" a home inspection?
A home inspection is not a pass or fail event. In the specific sense, what the inspector is doing is inspecting the sellers representation of the real estate on your behalf. You can buy a dilapidated home and that's fine as long as that is the representation that the seller is making. If the seller characterizes the property as a knockdown you can make a contract to buy a home in that condition. You will get sellers disclosure which contains things about the home that the seller is aware of. Everything not in that disclosure is expected to work properly for the two areas the inspector is looking at; Function and Safety. If anything that isn't already in the sellers disclosure does not work properly or is unsafe, these will be the issues that your inspector will bring to your attention that you can ask the seller to address. This is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
How do I find a good home inspector?
Get some options and ask to see a sample copy of their reports. A good report should be around 50 to 75 pages, have a separate section for each area outlined in the state SOP and be easy to navigate and understand. Reviews are also good to check. Look for feedback that indicates that they're willing to answer followup questions and offer additional support as needed. Reports should focus on safety and function and the defects should be relevant repairs relating to the correct functioning of the home.
When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
Do I have to be there?
Home inspections generally take around 3 hours to complete and during that time your inspector will be hard at work. Some clients like to tag along for the whole thing and that's no problem however, most clients prefer to arrive towards the end to get the inspectors comments on any important issues that may have been found. This may be especially important if people are communing from a job in Ocean City or Berlin to Salisbury or vice versa.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.
Useful Resources:
InterNACHI Standards Of Practice
What Do Home Inspectors Do?
What's for Sale In My Area?
Who Are Some Good
Realtors In My Area?
Wisconsin Veterans Chamber Of Commerce
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof top to the foundation.
What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation/crawlspace, the basement, in areas such as Salisbury, and structural components.
This is governed by the Maryland Standards Of Practice and will outline what you can expect to be included and excluded in your inspection report. These are referenced in every report and I encourage a thorough reading to fully understand what will be contained in it.
Why do I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition. Make sure your inspector is a local as home inspection companies near me will be familiar with the most prevalent issues in the area.
What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing. We typically see pricing range from around $350 - $450.
Price is always a consideration but be aware of bargains that seem too good to be true. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an experienced inspection professional will show in the quality of service and the depth of your report. These are things that in the long run can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, and professional affiliations as a guide.
Why can't I do it myself?
Here are some things to consider.
1. Your findings will not be legally binding. The inspection clause in your purchase agreement must be executed by a licensed inspector. Your inspector is a competent professional who's knowledge and experience and impartiality have been tested and proven. Only an inspector can certify what constitutes a defect under the terms of the purchase agreement.
2. You could miss something. Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail. Even an experienced home inspector cannot see into walls however, they will know what to look for to indicate where hidden problems may be.
3. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. You want to find a home inspector to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.
Can a house "fail" a home inspection?
A home inspection is not a pass or fail event. In the specific sense, what the inspector is doing is inspecting the sellers representation of the real estate on your behalf. You can buy a dilapidated home and that's fine as long as that is the representation that the seller is making. If the seller characterizes the property as a knockdown you can make a contract to buy a home in that condition. You will get sellers disclosure which contains things about the home that the seller is aware of. Everything not in that disclosure is expected to work properly for the two areas the inspector is looking at; Function and Safety. If anything that isn't already in the sellers disclosure does not work properly or is unsafe, these will be the issues that your inspector will bring to your attention that you can ask the seller to address. This is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
How do I find a good home inspector?
Get some options and ask to see a sample copy of their reports. A good report should be around 50 to 75 pages, have a separate section for each area outlined in the state SOP and be easy to navigate and understand. Reviews are also good to check. Look for feedback that indicates that they're willing to answer followup questions and offer additional support as needed. Reports should focus on safety and function and the defects should be relevant repairs relating to the correct functioning of the home.
When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
Do I have to be there?
Home inspections generally take around 3 hours to complete and during that time your inspector will be hard at work. Some clients like to tag along for the whole thing and that's no problem however, most clients prefer to arrive towards the end to get the inspectors comments on any important issues that may have been found. This may be especially important if people are communing from a job in Ocean City or Berlin to Salisbury or vice versa.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.
Useful Resources:
InterNACHI Standards Of Practice
What Do Home Inspectors Do?
What's for Sale In My Area?
Who Are Some Good
Realtors In My Area?
Wisconsin Veterans Chamber Of Commerce
