First of all, what is a typical inspection? To keep everything as simple as possible, our definition of a typical inspection is a 1500-2500sf home with a basement, 3-4 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, one furnace, one central air unit and one water heater. When scheduling an inspection like this, we recommend that our client be prepared to spend 2 ½ – 3 hours with us in the home. If you look back a few posts, you will see there is a lot to look at during an inspection. Obviously, the square Continue Reading ...

The most important thing you can do to prepare your home for an inspection is make sure all areas of the home are easily accessed by the home inspector. Most insurance carriers, including ours, do not allow inspectors or their clients to move the occupant’s belongings. If the inspector cannot gain access to a particular area or system of the house, that portion of the inspection can not be performed. This generally makes home buyers uneasy because the inspector is not able to give them Continue Reading ...

If you are putting a contract on a house there should be a contingency provided to allow for a home inspection. This holds true even if you are purchasing a home listed ‘as is’. An inspection gives you an idea of the true condition of the home you are buying. It doesn'’t matter if the seller is willing to fix things or not, it is beneficial for you to know exactly what you are getting into! There are many issues that may be uncovered during an inspection that may not necessarily kill the Continue Reading ...

First of all, let me start by saying, it takes more than just a ‘look’ to inspect a home. I use all of my senses during an inspection. Sight, smell, sound, feel, sometimes taste (not always by choice)house1, and common sense! With that being said I will go back to the original Question. What do I look at during a home inspection? Everything! But maybe I should be a little more specific. A typical inspection begins with a walk around the exterior. At this time I talk with my client about Continue Reading ...

Whether you want to admit it or not, winter weather is just around the corner. During the next couple weeks there are some maintenance items you should perform to winterize your home. 1. Garden hoses should be disconnected from the spigots to prevent the possibility of freezing even if it is a frost proof valve. 2. You should have your furnace cleaned and serviced by a qualified technician. Also remember to change your furnace filter monthly. 3. Gutters should be cleared of all leaves Continue Reading ...