I think you realize how important it is to have the home you are purchasing properly inspected. In many cases we have saved our clients thousands – and occasionally – tens of thousands of dollars in avoided repair and renovation costs. The key words, however, are properly inspected, as you can be shortchanged by an inspector who does not take enough time or doesn’t explain things clearly. Note: as many buyers have been forced to skip an inspection due to competitive bidding situations, we now offer a ‘Find out what you Brought Inspection’ at a lower fee. Same inspection, same satisfaction…

Identifies problems that will cost you the sale of your home. Increases salability Reduces risk of unwarranted demands by buyer Recognize problems before they become an issue at the time of the sale Safety and maintenance issues covered Slightly lower fee than PrePurchase (Buyer’s) Inspections

Plumbing leaks Dishwashers that leaked water all over the floor A failed tiled surround (leaked through the ceiling below) Windows that crash down; cracked glass Dangerous electrical conditions Improperly built decks and stairs Poor grading and site drainage Landscaping needing finishing and alterations HIGH RADON (you need to test for elevated radon levels) And on and on… this is just a partial list

Radon is a radioactive soil gas that occurs due to the presence of naturally occurring uranium in the soil and gravel beneath the home. Exposure to high levels for a prolonged time can lead to a higher risk of lung cancer. Unfortunately, one cannot look at a home and tell whether it will have high radon levels or not. High radon levels are correctible – but at a cost. This is very often a negotiable issue as the seller cannot sell a home with high radon levels without disclosing this. We offer radon testing using either canisters (an EPA protocol test) or…

Wood-destroying organisms, like termites, can be the source of serious – and seriously expensive – damage. I look for evidence of damage from wood destroying insects during the inspection. A formal wood-destroying inspection with a National Pest Management Association report is an extra fee. The termite inspection with an NPMA report is required if you are getting a VA Mortgage.

If the home you are purchasing has its water supplied by a private well, you should have this tested. (Municipal and community well systems test the water they supply regularly. In this case, we will not routinely advise testing – but it can be done if desired). Make sure that you test for bacteria, arsenic, and naturally occurring minerals that can affect the taste or quality of the water. Note: if you are getting a VA or FHA mortgage they require specific water tests (that we can do).

This is not something that you need to do every year – but you still need do this periodically so that you will know where problems are developing or things are wearing out. A few of the concerns this covers includes: This is a low cost inspection that is designed to save money by providing you with objective advice on home repairs and renovations. We are not there to sell you a new window, a new roof, or new siding! How much life is left in the roof? (Do you want to get a roofer to answer this?) What is causing water leaks…