Home Inspections

A home inspection in Yonkers is intended to reveal hazardous defects and serious malfunctions in the essential systems and components of a living space. To guard yourself against an inaccurate or cheap "walk through" home inspection, it is important to understand what you can expect from a professional evaluation. Moreover, you should know what kinds of defects the inspector is looking for and how the problems can be resolved.

While every problem is unique, there are general categories of defects that are recognized by home inspectors. All defects, including structural integrity, mechanical or electrical defects, framing and timber problems, water and plumbing faults, thermal and moisture seals, and finishes fall into one of the categories.

Often, a construction defect has its roots in the design phase of construction. Workmanship and materials can all be up to snuff, but if the design was flawed to begin with there can be serious consequences in the near future. A typical design deficiency is a design that is out of line with the building code. A professional home inspector will observe and attempt to identify any design or modification that falls outside the traditional building code.

A home inspection in Yonkers will take special interest in the building materials of the home. All too often, inferior materials are used in construction or repairs and the result is a serious defect. Windows that leak or do not seal up are usually due to inferior materials and workmanship. Often, shoddy building papers or poor quality plywood will result in water intrusion. Low-quality shingles are a common roofing problem.

The quality of workmanship can affect the whole construction process and is one of the most common sources of defects found by home inspectors. Workmanship most often affects individual areas of the house, particularly when an area has been renovated or modified. Improper installation of wood flooring is a common workmanship defect and is often discovered by a professional home inspector.

Finally, problems that occur under the ground are often attributable to the design phase of the building process. They are not, however always concerned with the structure itself, but often with the landscape and the soil. Since sub-surface deficiencies often lead to water intrusion or unsound structural integrity, thorough evaluation of the conditions of the ground in which the foundation is to be set must be carried out to ensure stability.

Keep in mind, ancillary services such as radon gas testing and mold detection are not included in the standard home inspection process and these must be hired separately. Also, do not assume that public inspections carried out by the city or state will be adequate to protect you from costly defects. Hire an inspector you trust and clearly define the inspectors mandated responsibilities.

Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspections (866) 476-2056

Copyright © 2008 Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspectors,
2008 All Rights Reserved

When was the last time you had your plumbing, electrical wiring and other vital systems checked? If the answer already lies somewhere in the last century, then you may be living at great risk. Imagine if you were to purchase a house, do you know since when it was last checked? You might have been informed but in truth there is no guarantee that existing systems and appliances operate to your preferred standards of safety and convenience. That is why home inspection becomes critical as a buyer of housing and real estate.

It's a given fact that houses degrade over time through use or neglect. It's also a given fact that newer, more efficient technology is developed to actually boost convenience of the household. Both of these facts imply that any house requires regular maintenance not only to operate efficiently but to also operate at a moment's convenience. Checking all systems by oneself is hardly the convenience that one considers as a homeowner. To do so would be a drawn out process that deprives you of that time to relax and enjoy the quieter moments where no work or stress is supposed to intrude. That is why a home inspection is the most convenient of solutions towards overall home maintenance.

Unfortunately, not every homeowner is a responsible homeowner. Some households manage to risk chance by living in housing units with defective wiring. This is not an option when you plan to live comfortably and even plan to raise a family. A home should be sanctuary, a refuge from the troubles of the outside world. However, that sanctuary will never take form unless the foundations of a proper home are set in place. It is integral that you yourself are satisfied with the living conditions that you and your family would assume once occupying any home. Safety is of utmost importance that it is best left to the discretion of experts. A home inspection guarantees that the housing would be properly inspected from the foundation to the roofing.

A home inspection should naturally be part of the process of purchasing. It always helps to know what you're getting into. An inspection should focus on the particular areas: systems and components, foundation, appliances, the garage, and the roof structure. A thorough check should be made in each category. You don't want problems cropping up once the purchase has already been made.

Be familiarized with key systems that are tied with safety. Your electrical system should be highlighted in this regard. The main panel, circuit breakers, wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans and light fixtures should all be working at peak efficiency. Make sure that there is no loose wiring. You don't want to experience shock therapy when all you wanted was to charge your cell phone. Any serious and responsible buyer should exercise extraordinary caution when it comes to the safety of his family.

A home inspection is a natural part of the process of purchasing a house. For the best services available, do your research and go for the best inspectors in town. You can't possibly go wrong with the best.

The majority of the home buyers in the Brooklyn area have learned, if you are going to buy a home costing several hundred thousands of dollars. Having a home inspection done for a few hundred dollars is a good idea. What they haven't learned is how to react to the pages of information the home inspector is going to give them. Chances are good the home inspector is going to find some little faults in every house they inspect. They may only be minor things, such as an electrical outlet, which isn't grounded, a furnace needed additional insulation, a door with dry rot, a less-than-perfect roof.

When should the buyer demand the seller make repairs and when should the seller refuse? Real estate brokers in Brooklyn will tell you if it is a buyer's market, the buyer will have more room for negotiation. If it is the seller's market, the buyer is limited in the clout they have over negotiations.

If all things were equal, buyers in Brooklyn, should ask sellers to make repairs and the buyer should pay for any upgrades.

It is advisable for seller to have home inspection done prior to putting the house up on the market. This enables the seller to make minor repairs before the negotiating table. They can also give the buyer a complete disclosure list, which is often a requirement of the contract.

As a seller, you want to work at providing a complete and thorough disclosure as possible so buyers will know what to expect. When a buyer finds something on their own, they begin to wonder what else he hasn't been told. You don't want the buyer to be suspicious you might not be telling him or her the whole truth.

As a buyer, it is still a good idea to schedule a home inspection of your own even thought, the seller has already had one. In some cases, the seller had a home inspection done, and then the buyer had a home inspection done. The only difference between the two was the roof. The first inspection reported the roof to be in better condition than the second inspection. So the buyer and the seller split the cost of the roof.

It is a good practice for buyers to always make their offer contingent on the results of a home inspection. As soon as the offer is accepted the buyer should schedule the home inspection. Should a problem arise, the buyer will have the opportunity to have the seller do the repairs, or back out of the contract all together.

Buyers and seller can search for their own home inspectors or they can go with the advice of a realtor who will recommend one for them. The cost of the home inspection will vary with the size of the house and the location. Usually a home inspection will run from $485 and up.

Once you have found your home inspector, it is a good idea to be present for the home inspection so that you can follow him around as he does his inspection of your possible new home. You will get to see first hand any problems he may uncover and you will get a detailed look at some of the mechanisms of your home, such as the water cut-off valve and the location of the septic tank.

After the inspection, it is pretty much up to the buyer to decide about the repairs they will ask the seller to have done. Trivial flaws are not even worth mentioning. Major problems, such as the roof, heating system, electric or plumbing you will want to give a second thought.

Sellers have a choice to make about the repairs. They may feel the market is hot and refuse to pay for anything. They may split the cost with you or they may agree to take care of everything.

When looking at the home inspectors report, you should note the difference in a repair and an upgrade. With an older home like many you will find in Brooklyn, a number of the items pointed out are upgrades, such as double-pane glass windows for an older home is an upgrade.

Necessary repairs not mentioned in the contract in the disclosure are generally the responsibility of the seller.

Is it vital to inspect when buying home?

The home inspection process is considered unnecessary by many buyers - especially when buying a newly constructed home. If you are one of them then be prepared for spending thousands of dollars in repairing your home.

Does newly constructed home need inspection?

Generally, people believe that as the home is new, there is no need to invite any home inspector. Though you are buying a new home, there are chances of problems like, air-conditioning system is not working properly, the furnace is leaking carbon mono-oxide, light switch boards are out of order, etc.

What should home inspectors examine?

Home inspectors usually inspect the following items: Roof and attic; plumbing system; structural elements; electrical components; and home appliances.

Do not consider yourself as Genius

When a person is buying a home, he completes its inspection by himself. However, it is important to understand that there are many areas which you can't inspect on your own. You need an expert to show you the real picture.

For example, you can examine the roof which looks good and solid, but you can't test its strength unless you have proper training, tools, and experience.

Furthermore, there is a possibility that you might be aware of a problem in the home, but it is likely that you don't know about its severity or the cost for repair associated with it.

Change your perception

There are people who don't want to spend a few hundred dollars on the home inspection as they deem it is a useless or expensive process. But in reality, you are saving potential loss of thousands of dollars. You can take it as insurance where you pay upfront for a potential loss.

Ask your agent

You can ask your real estate agent to tell you about any good home inspector for your region or vicinity. You are dealing with the agent; thus, you can trust on the agent.
Good real estate agents always want to make or retain their customers for longer periods and don't compromise over honesty and quality service.

Home inspection also helps in negotiating and reducing price

If a home inspector reports that a home requires $3,000 for repairs then you can negotiate this with the seller - whether he/she fix all the issues or reduce the price of the home.

Hard to get any discount

If you don't inspect your home before the escrow, then you might not get the money back or any type of discount. Thus, always do it before the escrow by the help of an expert inspector who has been in the business for at least 3 years.

To conclude, we can utter that the home inspection is an essential act which must be performed before completing the deal; whether you are buying a used home or a fresh one, the home must be inspected by an expert to prevent the possible loss of thousands of dollars in terms of the repairs, which you might have to bear if you don't inspect the home before the escrow.

Myth 1: There is no real difference among home inspectors

The Truth: Experience, knowledge and thoroughness vary from inspector to inspector. A person is not qualified as a home inspector just because he or she claims the title-or even if they're certified; in fact, some states don't even require that an inspector have a license. Therefore, it is important to do your homework when evaluating home inspectors. Be sure to visit their website and also give them a call to talk. Ask about what services they provide and how much experience they have in the industry. Check their website for a sample report so that you can know what kind of report to expect. Not all home inspectors are created equal and it is up to the client to do their research and find a good one.

Myth 2: A home inspector is only looking out for the seller or Realtor

The Truth: A home inspector's primary responsibility is to look out for their client. An inspector's job is to inform the client of the condition of the home with facts. Some people may be uncomfortable with using a home inspector that has been recommended by their Realtor, especially if they do not know their Realtor very well. This is understandable and why everyone should do their own research to find the best home inspector possible for their inspection. It may turn out that the inspector recommended by the Realtor is the best option, or they may find one they feel more comfortable with. Ultimately the choice comes down to the client and it is up to them to make the right choice.

Myth 3: My home is brand new and doesn't need a home inspection

The Truth: Home builders have to meet the minimum requirements of the building code in existence at the time the home is built, but those are minimum requirements and may not reflect the manufacturer's recommendations. There are also many times home builders take short cuts to save money or speed up a project. Having an inspection completed by a home inspector before closing can help uncover issues that may exist, and provide a homeowner with peace of mind. It is also recommended that an inspection is completed by a third party inspector throughout the construction process, such as before the drywall goes up. This provides an opportunity for the inspector to inspect things that they would normally not be able to inspect once the drywall is up. Furthermore, like everyone else, home builder make mistakes, and some of these can be very costly for the home owner in the long run.

Myth 4: Having my home inspected means that I will not have any repair needs or maintenance expenses right away

The Truth: The purpose of a home inspection is not to report on every minor imperfection in the home or guarantee that no repairs will be needed. As a visual assessment of the condition of the major components of the home, it is beyond the scope of the home inspector to foresee every potential malfunction. However, major defects will be found and the home buyer will be informed of these findings. A home inspection saves the home buyer from buying a home with major defects that can affect the value and even the safety of the home.

Myth 5: Every inch of a home is inspected

The Truth: The inspection is a limited visual inspection of major components. It is not a forensic inspection, so home inspectors will not dismantle the systems in order to inspect their inner workings. At times they will remove covers and access panels, but obviously, they cannot see within walls or beneath concrete slabs. There are literally thousands of components and materials used in constructing a home, so they focus on the most essential and highest risk areas.

By learning the truth regarding these and other home inspection myths, potential home inspection clients are in a better position to understand the process and get more out of it. Furthermore, the home inspector's job is made easier when the client has a good idea of what to expect from the inspection.

After The Home Inspection, but Before Closing on the Home

So you have contracted to buy the home of your dreams (or at least the home you can afford), you were smart enough to find a home inspector independently who is licensed and certified by ASHI and maybe also an engineer for good measure, and you have read the home inspection report cover to cover. What now? Well here is a list of things that you should consider.

First of all, make sure that you are clear about all the issues or defects the home inspection report describes. If you are not completely clear on these, call the home inspector and ask for clarifications. You should also make sure that the implications of not correcting listed defects are known to you. Most home inspectors will be glad to discuss their report with you.

Second, decide which of the deficiencies in the home that are called out in the home inspection report are so compelling that they absolutely must be corrected before you will occupy the home. These are "must correct" deficiencies that your attorney should bring to the attention of the sellers attorney, and your decision to purchase should be contingent upon satisfaction of these serious defects.

Third, decide which of the deficiencies in the home that are called out in the home inspection report materially affect the price of the home that you originally agreed upon. For example, if the home inspection finds that the roof is almost worn out, you will probably have to pay for a new roof soon after you move in. The roof may not be leaking yet, and the seller may make the argument that "the roof is not leaking, so I am not going to replace it", but you have a right to expect a reasonable amount of additional service from the roof (5 years is a typical number suggested by most insurance companies). So, be smart, request a price concession to cover the cost of roof replacement. The same goes for any other major system in the home, such as the heating/AC, water heater, etc.

Fourth, do not forget to make sure that there are no abandoned buried oil tanks lurking on the property. An abandoned buried oil tank is a significant potential liability for you. We at Meyers Home Inspections always recommend that a sweep of the grounds for an abandoned oil tank be done unless credible documentation is available that the home never used fuel oil.

In New Jersey, a screening test to rule out high radon levels in the home is recommended. High radon levels in the home are, according to the EPA, are listed as second after smoking cigarettes as a cause of lung cancer.

You should do a walk-through of the home just prior to closing. During this walk-through you should make sure that there have not been any new problems or damage that was not present when the home inspection was done. The walk-through is important because often there is a fairly long period of time between the home inspection and your closing date, and also, in the process of a move-out, there is a high risk that damage may be done to walls, floors, windows etc. Also, if seller turns off the heat but does not winterize the home, there may be serious damage done if pipes freeze. You may wish to use a pre-printed walk-through checklist.

Finally, every home needs regular maintenance to keep it in good shape. A list of maintenance tips can be found at our web site

Selecting a home and a home inspection service company is a tough job. As purchasing a home involves a big investment, so to make your investment risk free it's necessary to opt for a good inspection team or a home inspector. A thorough inspection is the basic requirement before buying any home and property. A good and thorough home inspection can protect you from further expensive financial costs. It is a visual examination of all the systems and components of the home either internal or external. While hiring a professional , you need to check out for its excellence and experience. To get the job done properly and completely, you must keep on making Home Inspection Questions. There are a few queries to be made during home inspection.

1. Initially, check out for the details regarding the home or the property to be purchased. Create a rough map of the home and start the inspection process from the foundation of the home.

2. Make queries related to the tools and equipments used for inspection process. Check out for some measuring tapes, flashlights, ladders and digital cameras.

3. Ask in detail about the parts of home under the inspection cover and that are not. As there are some things that are not to be inspected under the home inspection like mold testing, radon testing, water testing, air quality testing and others.

4. In case of a home requiring repairs and maintenance, you can ask for the approximate time and cost of the repairs. Another query is either the inspection company provides the services related to repair and maintenance.

5. You must always ask for a detailed final inspection report from your service provider. This report clears the actual physical structure of the home and helps to take a final decision.

All these above mentioned Home Inspection Questions help a buyer make a good and confident decision about home deal.

When buying a new (or newer) home, buyers often assume that, since the construction is new (or relatively new), there should not be any problems with the building. Unfortunately, skimping out on a home inspection could cost you a lot more than what it costs to have it inspected. What the inspector finds could have a significant impact on your real estate transaction.

Your prospective home should always be inspected by a reputable home inspector. Realtors may recommend inspectors for you, but often it's best to get in contact with the Better Business Bureau and have an inspector recommended to you.

Having the inspection done, you'll be able to find any areas of concern or not up-to-code. It is often best to have the inspection done BEFORE the transaction is complete, as the results of the inspection may indicate repairs that should be completed before moving in. If you can't have an inspector come to the home before the transaction is complete, make sure you have it addressed as part of the transaction in writing. Also, you may be able to work with the seller of the house on negotiating repairs, or re-negotiating the offer with your Realtor based on the findings in the inspection.

A good inspector will take his time with the home inspection, and while they are inspecting you should avoiding bothering them. Although it's not necessary to be there during the inspection, it's a good idea to show up at the end for the written report. The inspector will give you a detailed written report after the inspection is complete. This will include everything from wiring and foundation and walls, to plumbing, roofing and doors and windows. In the inspection they will highlight areas of concern, which will give you a clear indication of whether you're getting what you're paying for.

Home inspectors examine a building -- they don't determine its market value. If you are interested in the market value of the structure, it's best to have it appraised. Home inspectors can highlight future issues or items that may not be up to building standards, or need addressing. When buying or selling, it's often best to have your home inspected. This can be useful for future reference and a good document to have on your new home.

If you are putting your home on the market one way to set your home apart from the other homes in your area is to have a pre-sales inspection performed. Pre-sales home inspections are becoming more popular as the number of homes for sale increases.

Providing your potential buyer with an inspection report will show that you are trying to provide full and complete disclosure. It shows that you are standing behind your home and are willing to provide more information about its condition. The inspection report shows that you are a serious seller and that you have the buyers interests in mind.

The inspection also gives you the opportunity to address any of the defects or issues that are found. You can correct the problems before you put the home on the market. Correcting the problems before allows you to hire your professionals. If you wait until the buyer has a home inspection performed you run the risk of not having enough time to correct the issues. You may be rushed into quick fixes or have to offer additional concessions to your potential buyer.

Having a pre-sales home inspection allows you to create realistic pricing based on the defects that exist. Having a properly priced home is absolutely essential in this very competitive market for real estate sales. There is still a glut of homes on the market. The homes that sell quickly are the ones that are priced fairly and accordingly to their condition.

If you don't want to make the repairs yourself you can provide the buyer with several repair estimates. This usually makes closing more efficient and quick because the buyer does not have to track down their own repair estimates. It makes things easier for the buyer and is another way to set your home apart from all of the others on the market.

Knowing the problems that the home has before the buyers inspection can make negotiations go more smoothly because you have your eyes open to the problems before hand. There are less surprises for you and there is less stress in the entire sales process.

Pre-sales inspections are just another tool for a seller to use in a very competitive real-estate marketplace.

Why should I get a home inspection?

The purchase of your home is quite possibly your biggest investment. As with any investment, it is prudent to research it as much as possible. A professional home inspection is one key source of information about your home purchase. The inspection and report will inform you as to the current condition of each of the home's major systems. This information will allow you to plan for improvements or safety enhancements required to maintain and protect your investment.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is strictly a visual inspection of the readily accessible systems and components of a building. No destructive probing or testing will be performed. This means your inspector will only report on parts of the building that he can get to readily. Your inspector is not allowed to move furnishings or any other personal items during the inspection. However, if the home owner is present, the inspector may ask them to move items so that he can inspect the blocked system. The inspector will also not enter any part of the building that, in his determination, presents a safety hazard to himself, or may damage the property.

While it is not required for you to be present during the inspection, we would like to invite you to participate in the process. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn a great deal about your new home.

What does a home inspection cover?

Your inspector will evaluate, identify, and report on the current condition of the following systems:

• Structural System/Foundation
• Exterior
• Roof System
• Plumbing System
• Electrical System
• Heating System
• Cooling System
• Interior
• Insulation and Ventilation
• Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
• (Optional) Appliances staying with the property
• Termite Inspection and Report

What can I expect?

• Prompt Arrival
• Explanation of the Home Inspection Contract and what the Inspection Entails
• Verification of the Inspectors License
• Courteous, Professional, Fully Equipped Inspector
• Honest Evaluation of the Current Functionality of the Building Systems

For more information or for a Houston area home inspector, visit JP's Real Estate Inspections at http://www.jpsrei.com JP's Real Estate Inspections is a Houston area inspections company, certified by the Texas Real Estate Commission to perform home and commercial inspections.

With roles of contractor, real estate agent, residential owner and real estate entrepreneur so often blurred in today's world of home businesses and owner operated real estate firms, when you are about to have a home inspection in Nassau County Long Island, you should be cautious about the disinterestedness of the person or firm you are about to hire. Often, inspectors and real estate professionals are familiar with one another and home owners and home buyers must protect themselves from being swindled.

It is malpractice for a home inspector to have any relation or partnership with the owners of the residence to be inspected. Moreover, the inspector should have no financial interest in the outcome of the inspection. This may seem like common sense, but many home buyers have been burned by a home inspector who was more interested in providing all parties with a clean inspection report simply to ensure the real estate transaction will indeed be completed.

Other than a financial interest in the property itself, a home inspection in Nassau County Long Island should not be carried out with a payment pending upon completion of any real estate transaction. The conflict of interest is clear: if the inspector believes he will not be paid if certain details of the residence are disclosed, then he is less likely to provide a completely impartial post-inspection report. If you are serious about buying or selling a house, it is worth the investment to pay to have an inspection carried out regardless of the transaction's completion. An impartial inspection is valuable in and of itself, as it will reveal any problems that need to be rectified before a fair sale can be made.

Most often, an unprofessional home inspector will offer to provide a commission to the seller of the house or real estate agents, for referring clients to their inspection business. This is a way for them to drum up business at the source. Real estate agents and home sellers will see a great deal of would be buyers. They are in an excellent position to directly market home inspection services to potential clients. When you plan to have a home inspection in Nassau County Long Island, this type of scam is the most difficult to avoid. Some real estate agents will recommend a home inspector simply because the agent finds the inspector to be reliable and there is no underhandedness involved. However, it might best serve your interests to interview several home inspectors before making a decision. Also, if you know anyone in the building industry, ask their opinion of the candidates you are considering and get their recommendation. It's best to disregard recommendations from industry people you do not know personally.

Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspections (866) 476-2056
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2008 All Rights Reserved

Not all home inspection companies are created equal. Consumers often rely on local inspector association memberships or licensing to assure them that they are getting a qualified inspector. While licensing and trade membership is a good first step in evaluating an inspection firm, it's not the ONLY qualification to look for. Most licensing or inspector associations do not require professional liability insurance, annual re-testing or on-going technical support. This article will discuss the most important credentials to help consumers evaluate and select the most qualified home inspection service.

Limited Inspection Guarantee: The company you select should stand behind their inspector's work. Such guarantees assure you that the inspector was properly trained and that a thorough inspection was performed. Ask the following questions:

Does your company stand behind your inspection reports? Does the company include a written limited guarantee? What protection does your company offer against deficiencies found after purchase?

Formally Trained Inspectors: All home inspectors should be required to be formally trained and and have their training continually updated to keep their expertise current. Ask the following questions:

What kind of formal training do your inspectors have? What is the extent of their on-going training? Are your inspectors certified?

Reputation: The company you select should have solid experience and enjoy an impeccable reputation for integrity and thoroughness. Only years of service and dedication can achieve those goals. Ask the following questions:

How long has the company been in the home inspection business? How many inspections have they performed? Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Insurance: One of the most important credentials to look for is their insurance coverage. Errors and Omissions insurance is like malpractice insurance to cover inspector negligence. General Liability insurance protects you should the inspector damage something while at the site. Ask the following questions:

Are your inspectors covered by E&O insurance? Does the company carry General Liability Insurance?

On-Site Report: The home inspection company you choose should encourage your attendance and provide you with a written report at the completion of the inspection. Verify that all major elements will be accurately described in the report and not just rated as functional or not functional. Your inspection report should give the approximate ages of the major elements of the home as well as estimated life spans. Questions to ask:

Can I accompany the inspector on the inspection? Will I be provided with a professional report immediately after the inspection? Will your report reflect the ages of all the major elements?

Guidance after the Inspection: The home inspection service should offer you additional information regarding home repairs and maintenance. Questions to ask:

Does your company provide me with any post-inspection home maintenance information? Does your company have a full-time technical staff to help us with advice as needed? Does the company offer a useful website to help owners manage home/appliance service?

When it comes to mobile homes, the inspection process is a bit different. They are built much differently than you typical home and specific details must be inspected and addressed that aren't reviewed in a normal home. Here is a quick list of how mobile homes differ from standard homes, and why they require a different home inspection.

Mobile Home vs. Normal Home

Mobile Homes (Manufactured homes as they are now called) are not built the same as a site built home. They have a number of items that make them significantly different.

1) METAL LEGS: Mobile homes rest on metal legs that over time can rust, shift or become loose from the homes main support beams resulting in many problems. Your traditional home is on a solid foundation that doesn't rust. However, based on seismic activity, the foundation of a normal home can shift.

2) ALUMINUM WIRING: Many mobile homes have aluminum wiring. If it does then it needs to be inspected and maintained. Your traditional house has wiring that's typically copper based. However this can vary and in some cases does require an inspection.

3) WATER LINES: The water lines and connections many times are not welded and can become loose and start small leaks that result in expensive repairs. Cracks in pipes in your traditional house can also cause such damage, however because pipes are fitted together differently with other homes, such issues tend not to occur as frequently as in a manufactured home.

4) WALLS AND CEILINGS: As might be expected, walls and ceilings may not be insulated properly resulting in excessive use of your heater and or air conditioning system and this means spending extra money. The walls of mobile homes tend to be thinner than your traditional home. With a non-mobile home, insulation in walls must meet a different level of inspection.

5) WINDS: A big issue with mobile homes that a more traditional house does face is wind. Wind can cause damage to a mobile home easier than a non-mobile home. That's because the foundation isn't as secure (if it was, it wouldn't be considered "mobile"). The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has set in place special windzones in various parts of the county. These zones establish the severity of high winds in the area that could affect the stability and integrity of a manufacture, mobile home. For example, Florida has various windzones with levels such as windzone 2 and windzone 3 (South Florida is windzone 3, the strongest windzone).

These are 5 specific issues that a mobile has that traditional homes don't. But regardless of whether you own a mobile or traditional home, an inspection is necessary if you want to ensure the integrity of your house or a home you're about to purchase. Over time we accumulate items and may improperly store them in places that can create unseen issues with your home. Everyday new items come onto the market to help make our homes safer to live in. However if you don't know that your home has issues and problems, then you don't know your home needs these items until it's too late. For these reasons you can see why it is important to have your home inspected on a regular basis.

If you are buying a home in Georgia do you need a home inspection? Unfortunately this question is not often enough asked.  While a home inspection is not required, it is strongly recommended.   When looking at houses for sale the home buyer is interested in location of the property, the color of the house, the style of the home, and possibly even who built the home.  If you are concerned with who built the house should you not also be concerned with not only the structure of the home but who installed the plumbing, electrical and heating and air systems?

When making an offer to purchase a new home in the Atlanta area you have the option of requesting time to have a residential inspection performed. Working with a real estate professional they should, but do not always, recommend you have a home inspection performed before your offer is fully validated. This process is handled through the home inspection contingency on your Georgia home purchase agreement.

We also recommend that you get a radon test done. You can't see, smell or taste radon gas, but it is a deadly gas that is located in every home to some degree.  The proper way to tell if you have Radon is to get a Radon test done, we provide a 48 hour continuous test for our clients.  They are very cheap compared to the cost of not having one done and ending up with lung cancer. 

There are many homes listed for sale today in the Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Woodstock and Canton areas. The next time you are searching home listings (homes for sale advertisements) make sure you have already included the necessity to discover the condition of the home through using the services of a professional home inspector.

If you are looking into buying a home in California, or if you are considering putting up your property for sale, one of the most important things you need to do is to get a home inspection on the property. A home inspection is a non-invasive check into the condition of a property to highlight any areas which need repairing or which are badly damaged.

Home inspections should only be conducted by a qualified home inspector. There are many reputable home inspection services available throughout California, including WIN Home Inspection. Professional home inspectors will carry credentials to prove that they have undergone special training for this task and to bring out their reliability for discovering any damaged, or in need of repair, areas inside or surrounding the house.

Inspectors will check every area of the home such as the roof, the basement, air conditioners, plumbing, electrical connections and any other area or fixture of the house which may be prone to breaking or failing. They will also examine the home from the point of view of improper building practices such as poor contracting services in the past, which could create problems after a purchase and show that the home may not be of good value for the asking price. Other important areas include looking into how well it is being maintained, regarding the age of the home, the life expectancy of fixtures, and finding out structural areas of the home which need extensive repairs.

After completing the inspection, the home inspector will issue an inspection report which details out all their findings. As a buyer, a home inspection report will tell you about the entire condition of the property that you wish to purchase. If you feel that some conditions need only nominal repairs, you can negotiate their repair fees with the seller.

On the other hand, if the conditions are pretty bad, the inspection could actually save you from buying a property which will require considerable expenditures for repairs after your purchase. As a seller, getting a home inspection done before you put your property for sale let's you know on what needs to be done to improve property condition. You will have a better chance of getting the price you want on the sale of the home, rather than have buyers point out errors and then haggle for a reduced price, or insist that the repairs be completed at your expense.

While the uniform code of the state of New York outlines the minimum requirements for fire and safety regulations on all structures, a building permit is no guarantee of a sound structure or a sound investment. Most real estate contracts will include clauses to allow a building inspection to be conducted before the sale of a residence is finalized. That being said, be cautious not to defer payment of the home inspector until the deal is closed. While some inspectors will accept such an arrangement, as the buyer or seller, you would be protecting yourself to avoid such an agreement. A home inspector who knows his payment is contingent upon a positive report will obviously not be as reliably impartial.

A home inspection in the Bronx is a way for the potential buyer or would-be seller to insure him or herself against potential hazards or significant structural defects. Further, often enough, many modifications, improvements and additions have been made to an existing structure without a building and zoning permit or electrical inspection. This scenario leaves the would-be owner with substantial legal responsibilities and could result in a large expense later on down the road.

A thorough home inspection ought to evaluate all the systems and components that will directly affect the living conditions in the residence. This includes, but is not limited to the heating system, the air conditioning appliances and ventilation, the plumbing system, the drainage system, the structural and framing components, the doors and windows, the masonry, and the electrical work. Also, if it is a detached residence, the exterior landscape should be evaluated to determine drainage habits, particularly given the heavy and explosive rainfall that has become more common in New York.

Beware of home inspectors that cannot produce proof of licensure as any licensed and certified inspector ought to be able to provide proof without trouble. Also, home inspectors should have their license number printed on the post-inspection report. This report will include all their observations about the residence and details of any defects found.

Before you have a home inspection in the Bronx, outline with the individual or firm what exactly you expect to be covered by the inspection. Not all inspection companies and freelance inspectors cover the same areas. Figure out what is of particular concern in the residence concerned then find an inspector that best fits your needs. Keep in mind, ancillary services, such as radon gas testing or a mold inspection, are not covered in a routine home inspection and need to be requested and paid for separately. While some inspection firms may offer such ancillary services, these will be carried out separately from the home inspection itself.

Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspections (866) 476-2056
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2008 All Rights Reserved

Manhattan's Lower East Side, where tenements that once sheltered struggling immigrants are now occupied by high-priced lawyers and the median home price is more than $650,000. Many of the homes located in this area are older structures and are also priced on the high side. This is even more of a reason to get a pre purchase home inspection. When doing so and attempting to locate a Manhattan inspector, hire an outside independent company because if you hire a company that is affiliated with a real estate agency you may not get an honest and thorough inspection. If you hire an independent inspector, it does give you the advantage. Inspections on a smaller structure last about two hours and the reports are typically delivered within 48 hours at which time they are typed and very easy to understand. Most inspections run from the foundation
to the roof.

Having a home inspected that you are interested in purchasing is like taking a car that you might be thinking about buying to an auto mechanic. There is a chance that a house will have defects that the buyer may not notice on their own. A home inspector will evaluate the major components of the house and help you get to know the house first-hand before you decide to purchase it and enter into what is often a lifelong commitment. A home inspector can help you determine if the Manhattan house has any material defects or safety issues of which you as the buyer need to be aware. Do not be alarmed if your house has some defects or issues. No matter how well the house has been maintained, no house is perfect.

Often there are many defects and safety issues found during inspections. Mainly the biggest problems seem to lie within the electrical systems. While there are many home maintenance tasks the average homeowner can handle safely, electrical work is not one of them. This is just one of many instances where a trained and experienced home inspector is needed to help determine whether or not a defect exists or if you and your family will possibly be at risk. Your home inspector will also inspect the structure of the house, the roof, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and other readily accessible areas of the house. A home inspector performs all these services for one fee. It is money well spent. Especially if the inspector discovers a serious safety issue like a defective furnace or a material defect that will be costly to replace like a worn out roof. The benefits of a home inspection are undeniable. Not only will a home inspection educate you as the buyer on the condition of a house, it will identify visible defects that adversely affect the value of the house or put you and your family at physical risk. Having a home inspection done before the purchase of a house is one of the best small investments you can make in the single largest financial purchase of your life. Never doubt that this is not money that is very well spent.

The short answer to "should I get a home inspection" is "yes." The longer answer is "certainly yes."

For most of us, buying a home will be one of the most expensive and important purchases we will make in our lifetimes. It is a purchase that can make either your dream come true or your worst nightmare come to life. A house devoid of grave repairs will be a comforting and enjoyable place to call home. On the other hand, a house in need of grave repairs will be not only expensive to repair, but sometimes even dangerous to yourself and your family. Fortunately, a qualified home inspector can help put your fears at ease.

A home inspection is a top to bottom, objective, non-invasive visual examination of a home or piece of property. In particular, non-invasive means that the components being inspected will not be dismantled, and if the item is not functioning, the inspector will not attempt to make any repair. The inspector will, however, provide you with a professional opinion on what should be done to correct the problem(s). As always, there is an exception. An inspector will remove covers on furnaces or electric panels to better evaluate their condition.

Inspectors are specifically trained in these areas so they are able to spot problematic areas that the average person would not be able to. More specifically, there are three major functions each inspector undertakes. An inspector will:

(1) assess the physical condition of the property (e.g. foundation, walls),

(2) point out items that are damaged or in need of repair (e.g. windows, boiler), and

(3) provide an estimate of the remaining useful life of major systems (e.g. electrical, heating, air conditioning, plumbing), structures, and equipment.

For example, an inspector may inform you that there are cracks in the foundation of your home that may be problematic, that the windows in the home are in need of repair, and that the boiler should be replaced within the next five years.

A professionally conducted home inspection will provide you with the information you need to make a wiser purchasing decision. You will have a greater understanding of the overall condition of the home after the inspection is conducted. The inspection report will put into writing all of the information the inspector provided you during the inspection and will provide additional information - information that you can use during the negotiating process.

Before hiring your inspector, verify whether he/she uses photo-editing software to manipulate photos of the property in order to point out problematic areas. High quality colored photos with superimposed circles or arrows that indicate areas of concern are much easier to follow than a report's textual information.

Also, ask your inspector for a list of items he/she evaluates during a home inspection. The list is usually obtainable on the business' website, and should include items such as the following:

> Electrical system
> Water heater
> Plumbing system
> Air Conditioning
> Insulation
> Ventilation
> Roof and flashings
> Gutters
> Crawlspace
> Foundation
> Grading
> Siding and trim
> Doors and windows
> Ceilings
> Floors
> Walls
> Chimney
> Fireplace
> Garage
> Driveway
> Porch

Some inspection businesses also offer wood destroying insect infestation inspections (e.g. termite) and radon inspections. These usually require an additional fee. Suffice it to say that these two inspections are also very important, but I will leave that for another article.

Overall, a home inspection provides a great opportunity for you to really understand the condition of a home. An inspection completed prior to purchasing property can end up saving you thousands of dollars in unforeseen repairs. More importantly, the information gathered from an inspection ensures that you are well equipped to make a wise decision on whether to make a purchase or not, including whether you and your family will be safe in the home.

Good luck during the purchasing process, and I hope you find your dream home!

After months of searching for homes, you finally found a home that suited your needs, and now you are under contract. In most real estate purchase contracts, there is a clause in there that allows you due diligence. Due diligence is a time period that allows you to make sure the home you're buying is in good shape. During the due diligence period, most home buyers request a professional inspector to go through the home and see if they can find any problems with the home before it's bought. But many home buyers wonder, what exactly is going on during a home inspection, and what do I do if there is a problem?

Those questions can be answered when talking with your agent and home inspector, but here are a few things you might want to think about. Home inspections vary widely from state to state and from inspector to inspector. In order to get a satisfactory home inspection, it's usually a good idea to talk to your real estate agent about home inspectors they approve of. Real estate agents usually have a couple favorite inspectors they can refer you to and then you should interview those inspectors to get a thorough understanding of the services they provide.

When interviewing a home inspector, in order to determine if the services they provide are going to be effective for your needs, here are a few questions you should consider. Ask the inspector what type of associations they belong to, how many years they have been in the business, and what type of equipment they have available. Ask how they do their reporting and what type of fee's are associated with a general inspection as well as other items they may offer outside of their normal inspection services.

Items home inspectors should always check during an inspection include structural elements of the home such as foundation, paint, siding, roofing, and inside walls. They should check the exterior integrity including landscaping, grading, elevation, drainage, fence, sidewalks, doors, and windows. Other important home inspection items are plumbing, electrical, appliances, furnace, air conditioner, and any moving parts of a home.

After your home inspection is complete, it's up to you to determine if the required repairs are worth doing yourself or asking the home seller if they will foot the bill. Talk to your agent about what is normal in your area, and see how you can negotiate the repairs to best suite your needs. Home inspections should be done on any home you are going to purchase, they can save you a huge headache in the future, and you never know what could be wrong with a home.

Finding someone to inspect your home can be a tough choice for many home owners. The hard part is knowing where to start and exactly how to go about contacting someone to come inspect your home. The hardest part is finding a quality inspector you can trust to have your back when it comes inspection time.

Before you even start looking for someone to inspect your home though, you should fully be aware of the issues that your house may or may not have. The reasons for this is because there are many home inspectors that will sometimes overlook a thing or two if you simply improve it a bit. This will help you greatly when selling your hose because your house will be valued much higher just becase a few small mistakes were covered up.

It is crazy how a small crack or slight damage can drastically effect how much a home is worth. So this is why it is best to do your own inspection before you have a certified home inspector come and inspect your house. It will save you a ton of time and money if you simply make the small extra effort to look over your home before an inspector comes.

Now when you finally do invite a home inspector into your house for an inspection it ironically important to inspect the inspector! There are many time when home inspector simply do not know what they are doing or can sometimes be very lazy. Make sure to watch the inspector inspect your and ask him questions about what they are doing. If you do not there could easily be a mistake or fixable problem that could drastically lower the value of your house.

At the end of the inspection always be sure to ask the inspector what they have found. This seems like common sense but many inspectors will leave without giving any feed back, and it is crucial to understand what they found so you can perhaps fix it before you try to put your house on the market.

If you simply follow some of these tips you can save your self a ton of time and headache. Get your home inspected can be stressful because most of the time you do not know what to look for. But, this is why knowing these few steps is so important to getting the maximum value for your home before you put it on the market.

The quality of living inside a home is directly connected to the houses function in every aspect like electricity and plumbing. This is a high concern for real estate agencies because houses have to meet standard living codes and safety requirements. Trained individuals check all aspects of a house through intensive inspection. Learning how to examine houses in this capacity can be entered through different online study options.

When considering an education in home inspection students need to know what activities professionals perform and what schooling requirements are necessary. These two aspects prepare students to make an informed decision on whether training for a career is right for them.

• Professionals work with potential buyers and real estate agents by thoroughly inspecting a home both inside and outside.
• Inspection covers everything from electricity to the foundation of the house. All housing components are considered so a professional can write a correct report.
• Reports establish whether the house needs to be worked on or if it meets all regulation requirements.

Inspection is a highly technical and complicated process that requires a high amount of knowledge of residential construction and building codes. Students can learn all of the required information by entering an online program from the comfort of their own home.

Required online study might change depending on the previous knowledge students have of the industry. Education typically is earned through certificate or diploma programs.

• These are a great choice for students who have worked in the construction business and know about safety regulations, blueprints, plumbing codes, and more.
• Certificate or diploma programs go over these topics but previous knowledge is extremely beneficial.
• Degree options from an associate's to a bachelor's degree are very useful for new students.

Degrees in construction management or general construction can be taken to enter the field and gain on the job experience or be applied to a short certificate program to learn the inspection process.

A diploma program dives directly into the inspection process by providing numerous courses on every aspect of the job like electrical, structural, interior, and mechanical specifications.

• Programs are designed to help students understand the inspection process by providing audio and visual components to courses.
• These interactive aspects allow students to watch a home being inspected or see all the aspects of inspection displayed through a virtual home.
• Length of a diploma program varies depending on the school and amount of content being offered.

All programs are designed to prepare students to either be certified or licensed, which may include passing an examination. Online learning is a practical way for students to understand the inspection process through specific courses.

A course on interior inspection covers how to properly inspect the inside of a residential home.

• This includes all areas like walls, ceiling, doors, closets, floors, stairs, etc. The aim is to enable students to objectively report on any problem areas.
• An electrical inspection course is provided to teach students how to examine wiring, outlets, and other systems to guarantee electrical safety.
• These two courses are joined by other topics like exterior and plumbing inspection. Students are taught career specific information to prepare them for the professional workplace.

Enter a career that allows educated individuals to start their own inspection business or work for real estate companies. Online study is user-friendly allowing students to earn an accredited education while continuing to work. Agencies like the Distance Education and Training Council detc.org can provide more information on accredited education programs. Start training for a satisfying career by thoroughly researching available options. Study what is takes to work in this field by entering a program today.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised on our website.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP, LLC.

The value of having a property inspected prior to completion of a purchase is widely known. In Ohio I still occasionally come across a real estate agent or a home buyer who knows little of the process and the benefits of home inspections. The value of a home inspection goes beyond the physical conditions of the home and the costs to remedy concerning conditions.

One of the many worries that a home buyer has to do with the condition of the home and if the mechanicals in the home are working and if they will continue to work for a reasonable amount of time. Areas of primary concern are roof, heating and cooling, electrical and the foundation. Buyers want to avoid large unexpected expenses. The larger the cost to repair the more the concern. The concerns are increased if the buyer that is purchasing the home is already maximizing the funds that they have available to them for potential repairs.

The role of a home inspector is not only to provide information to the buyer regarding the current age and condition of the home but also to help the home buyer feel better about the final decision they will make about buying the home. The home inspection provides peace of mind for the home buyer by giving lots of information regarding the property. The disclosure that the home sellers fill out and give to the buyer provides little information. Often the boxes marked as "has no knowledge of" are the ones checked off and does help the home buyer feel confident in the condition of the abode.

When I conduct home inspections I am the neutral person in the entire home buying process. Like other home inspectors I earn my fee for inspecting the home and my receiving my fee is not based on the home selling. The home buyers know that the agents, the home sellers and the mortgage people all get paid based upon the home selling. The inspector is truly the neutral person and is motivated to do a good job by providing accurate and useful information. The home inspector is often the person that the home buyer depends upon to help them feel more certain on the buying decision.

Sometimes I will get asked by the buyer if I think they should buy the property. This is difficult because selling the home is not my position. I will let them know the concerns (there always are a few things) and leave the decision to them. Buyers realize my position as a neutral party and they greatly appreciate all the information that I am able to give them.

Those who sell homes have one thing to rely on every time they try to make that one important deal with their buyers: their reputations. And what better way to keep one's reputation as a seller as untarnished as possible than to make sure that all the properties he sells are of superb quality and free from those defects, which usually cause the downfall of one too many agents or sellers? A good seller must know when to seek the help of other professionals like him, and in the case of selling homes, seeking a pre-listing home inspection before you decide to put your property out there in the market is indeed a smart move.

Home inspection is essential for that one important factor in every business transaction: consumer satisfaction. As a seller, it is important that your buyers are satisfied with their purchasers. Purchasing a home after all is a big deal. That satisfaction must last not only for the first three days after they purchased the home, but for many more years after that transaction. You would not want to be swamped with complaints after some time just because there were some defects which both you and the consumer failed to see before the perfection of the contract. It is important for you to realize that the buyer will be relying on your words as a seller, and especially in cases of professional sellers and agents, you would want to establish a healthy relationship with the consumer market.

Also, as a seller, you are offering your buyer the guarantee that the home you're putting up for sale is of great quality. As a professional, you must always be fair and truthful to the buyer. And though you may want to be fair by informing them of all the defects of the home, you may just want to have these defects repaired so you can offer something better to the public. In this way, you save both yourself and your buyer from potential hassles.

By having pre-listing home inspection, you will be able to make a better offering to the public, by selling homes which are livable, free from defects, and safe for the welfare of your buyer. It is the task of home inspectors to identify, through a non-invasive and visual examination, material defects in the different components of the home. Basically, he spots which parts need repair so you will be able to improve on it before you sell it to the buyer, or at least inform the latter of the imperfection in the property. Home inspection also provides an inspection report, which provides a detailed description of the inspected systems and the material defects. In some cases, the reports also contain recommendations which the client may act upon later on. As a seller, these reports will be very useful as your guide in making the repairs or as a reference for your buyer.

As a professional engaged in this business, the last thing you would want is having accusations of defrauding or tricking the buyer being thrown at you, or even worse, lawsuits. And you would not want any of these just because you failed to exercise a little more diligence by seeking a professional home inspection.

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments of your life and thus, you surely would not like to go for anything that is unsatisfactory or unplanned. But unfortunately, many a time, due to lack of information or an impulsive decision, we often miss out on the very essential prerequisite of getting our home thoroughly inspected by a reliable and registered set of home inspectors. However, this sort of negligence can actually be the reason for getting a dreadful home deal. Hence, whenever you are on a mission of buying a new home for yourself, make sure to get the assistance of a Long Island home inspection firm, that will guide you thoroughly about the present condition of the home, you wish to buy.

Home inspection is a procedure of acquiring detailed information about the condition of the house, that you may be considering to buy. Long Island home inspection, offers an accurate analysis of the physical status, as well as, the status of interior components of your preferred residential building. Everything from the heating system, plumbing system, electrical system, to the arrangement of proper windows, doors, walls and ceiling, will be sincerely checked and verified by the qualified and well trained professionals of Long Island home inspection company. One thing that you must keep in mind is, that home inspection is not a mandatory task to be followed only by those people who are willing to buy a new house, in fact, it is equally important for individuals wishing to sell out their home due to relocation and other such reasons.

It is often noticed that people do not entertain the major necessity of proper home inspection before purchasing any new property, as they consider it as an added burden of expense. However, they fail to speculate the huge financial loss, that they may have to bear in case of an unplanned purchase. Hence, as we all know, that prevention is better than cure, you must opt for a good home inspection before investing your hard earned money into any property. Moreover, by adopting this task, you can also have the opportunity of estimating the correct value of the property and can save yourself from getting duped by the other party. Therefore, if you are also planning to buy or sell a property, then do not take a step further, before getting your property certified by the experts of a Long Island home inspection company.

However, there are few clauses that you must fulfill, before taking the assistance of any home inspection company. First of all, get assured that your selected home inspector is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Secondly, always demand for a well categorized printed report, that clearly talks about the condition of all major components of the house. You can also ask for the photographs of the items that are in bad shape and need to be repaired and replaced. Thankfully, a Long Island home inspection company, carries out all these elementary measures and lets you have a clear estimation about the life of the systems, equipments, and major components of the house. In order to get more information about the complete procedure of home inspection, you can easily take the assistance of the internet.

Your home is a valuable asset and a major investment for most people. When one purchases a home, it brings great joy and pride to the owner. However, there are many things that may need attention and may be required to be repaired in order to ensure that the house purchased is habitable and safe for its occupants. Hence, a home inspection is very necessary and should never be avoided.

Reasons for inspection

A home inspection should be performed prior to the purchase of the house for the benefit of the purchaser. If the home is not fit for living due to its safety issues, it is best to consider another house; unless a strong preference for that house still exists. This may require much renovation or even a rebuilding of the house.

A home inspection would give an indication of the extent of renovation required to the home the potential homeowner is considering before an actual purchase deal is concluded. This would allow the purchaser to consider if the deal would be a good investment or unwise. Not only will you find out what is wrong with house, you will also find out what is right. The relatively small home inspection fee is worth the time and effort as it can potentially save you thousands and thousands of dollars in the future. Purchasing a house is not an easy task. It should be a good investment which can benefit the owner for years and years to come.

It would be foolish to purchase a house in bad condition that requires heavy maintenance and repairs, besides threatening the safety and health of its occupants.

Process of inspection

A home is a heavy investment; not everyone is familiar with a home inspection process. Only qualified, experienced, licensed and insured inspectors should handle this task. There are state licensed home inspectors who can inspect the house on your behalf and inform you on the condition of the house before any purchase is completed. They are qualified and knowledgeable about the exact requirements of home inspection according to the state laws on home inspections.

The home inspection process would take only a few hours depending on the size of the house and its condition. The home inspector would have a meticulous eye and alert mind to view and evaluate the condition of the house. They will point out the good and bad aspects of the house for the purchaser or owner to appreciate the condition and value of the home.

A home inspection in Manhattan most often it refers to private residences with a single owner. Shared ownership situations such as town houses and condominiums call for a different type of inspection process, although home inspectors and home inspection firms often offer various types of inspections suited to the wide variety of residential structures.

A home inspection in Manhattan is an observation, assessment and report on all the systems and components of a dwelling as they pertain to the living condition therein. A home inspection includes, but is not limited to, the heating system, the cooling system, the plumbing system, the electrical system, the structural components, the drainage system, and the exterior landscape and its impact on the residence. Home inspections differ from condo or town house inspections in that the latter two types of assessment do not always include the shared parts of the dwelling whereas the former involves everything on the property.

For home owners with external property, such as detached one or two story homes, there are some important aspects of a home inspection to keep in mind. Since ownership of property means added responsibility for the home owner, it is prudent to understand how the external landscape will affect living conditions in the home.

The landscape around the house is usually the most important factor in assessing structural soundness. Therefore, a significant portion of a home inspection should focus on the surrounding area and its drainage system to make sure there is no pooling adjacent to the foundational components. The gardens closest to building walls are a source of concern when it comes to structural integrity and water intrusion, as the frequent doses of water to this area can have adverse effects. Also, the roots of large trees near the house can cause cracks. The home inspector will attempt to determine if this is the case.

In addition, detached residences need to have a careful examination of the roof. Perhaps the most significant aspect of a home inspection, the roof's soundness can have long lasting effects on the home's value and livability. Repairs on the roof can cost tens of thousands of dollars even on small structures. Brown ceiling tiles are a sure sign of water intrusion. One should be very wary of any home inspector who does not regard active water stains as indications of potentially serious problems in the future.

It is important to remember that a home inspection does not include ancillary services such as radon gas testing. Be sure to outline with the home inspector what exactly will be covered by the inspection to ensure all the basics are covered.

Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspections (866) 476-2056
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Copyright © 2008 Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspectors,
2008 All Rights Reserved

Let's say that you want to buy a new house. Already you should be thinking about getting a home inspection. Maybe you are looking for a new place for permanent residence or even a vacation house for summer. Either way, you want a house that meets the standards of quality and structure so that you won't have to worry about safety and your well being.

A dwelling is meant to encourage feelings of restfulness and solace from the stressors of the outside world. For many people especially those with the worst case scenario of please don't bother me, this is their sanctuary or it might even be their world.

Let's picture a scenario when you come back from work. You feel exhausted and every bone in your body aches for the comfort of a loving bed. You shuffle around in the kitchen instead hoping to come across a light dinner to refill your depleted energy reserves.

If you have enough energy then you can spend another hour or so preparing a wonderfully cooked meal, otherwise you have the option of wolfing down a microwave dinner or take-out from the fast food of your choice. You plop down on the sofa and switch on the television.
You lean back as you feel the tension from the day slipping away from the entertainment. This is what the comfort of a house should be all about and it's possible through home inspection.

You also need a beautiful place of residence if you would want to fully enjoy your vacation. After a tiring day trekking through mountain trails or splashing along the coast line playing water sports or just swimming along the coast line, you also want to complete the picture of peace and recuperation with a nice nap or deep sleep if that's more of what you need. In order to satiate that need, you would have to make sure that you can have carefree living in your house which can be achieved through home inspection.

You can't feel relaxed when spiders, cockroaches, and other creepy crawlies might have already infested your house. An infested dwelling is never a safe place of residence because you are unsure whether the food stored there is safe for consumption. Aside from that, dirty pools of water are likely to attract mosquitoes which may infect the unwary with a disease. It's also an unpleasant thought having to share your bed with roaches. A place of that caliber cannot be considered as restful. Places of infestation might easily be revealed through a home inspection.

There is an efficient and viable means by which you can assess the integrity and structure of your dwelling. An inspection will safeguard your wants and needs as a potential buyer. Through this, professionals in the different fields conduct a visual inspection of the premises. They note observable flaws and dangers that lurk within and inform you of these. Their inspection report will detail the flaws, potential flaws, and show you pictures. They should not give recommendations as to how to fix defects. This runs into ethical issues.

Knowing the corresponding strengths and weaknesses of the house you are considering buying will help you to decide whether or not it's a good buy considering all the possible service, repairs and renovations that might have to be undertaken.

Safeguard your right to a beautiful and blessed home now through a home inspection.

Not getting a home inspection of the dwelling you are buying could cost you much more than the fee for the service. Getting an inspection before you buy is a small investment compared to the purchase cost of your house. It could possibly save you thousands of dollars in repair bills that you were not expecting.

In this segment you will find details of what is included in this service regarding the heating system, central air conditioning, insulation, ventilation and kitchen appliances. Be sure to check out the other segments which covered other items performed by an inspector.

With regards to the heating and central air conditioning system, the permanently installed heating and cooling systems will be observed. This includes the heating equipment, cooling equipment that is central to building, normal operating controls, automatic safety controls, chimneys, flues, and vents, where readily visible.

Note that these are permanently installed systems. For example, window air conditioning units are not a permanent part of the building.

During this checkout the heat distribution systems including fans, pumps, ducts and piping will be looked at. This includes supports, insulation, air filters, registers, radiators, fan coil units, and convectors. It will also be determined if there is an installed heat source in each room.

The report you receive should describe the energy source and the heating equipment and distribution type. The systems should be operated using normal operating controls.

Any readily accessible and openable access panels provided by the manufacturer or installer for routine homeowner maintenance will be opened and investigated.

However, the home inspector is not required to operate heating systems when weather conditions or other circumstances may cause equipment damage. The interior of flues is not readily visible or accessible and is not included in your report.

As part of your inspection, the service should include observation of the insulation and ventilation. The service provider will look at insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, and ventilation of attics and foundation areas. Also, the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry venting systems will be checked. Any readily accessible attic ventilation fan will be operated. And, when temperature permits, any readily accessible thermostatic control will be operated.

In the report you will receive a description of the insulation in unfinished spaces and notice of the absence of insulation in unfinished space at conditioned surfaces. Insulation will be moved where readily visible evidence indicates the need to do so. He will also move insulation where chimneys penetrate roofs, where plumbing drain/waste pipes penetrate floors, adjacent to earth filled stoops or porches, and at exterior doors.

If the insulation or vapor retarders are concealed they will not be included in the report.

Last but not least are built-in kitchen appliances. As a part of your service, your inspector will observe and operate the basic functions of the following kitchen appliances: permanently installed dishwasher; range, cook-top and permanently installed oven; trash compactor; garbage disposal; ventilation equipment or range hood; and permanently installed microwave oven.

Clocks, timers, the self-cleaning oven function, or the calibration of thermostats are not part of a normal inspection. Appliances that are not permanently installed are not normally reviewed.

Obviously, any appliance that is shut down or otherwise inoperable can not be checked.

There are a lot of things that must be checked before buying a house. Even the most experienced homeowner should not attempt their own inspection. A professional not only is more experienced and can spot items that may be overlooked, but he is also not emotionally attached to the purchase. This keeps his review objective and professional. It is important to have the right professional to do the job right.

Your house is probably the most valuable investment that you will make for your family. So why not invest in the services of a good home inspector that has your best interests at heart?

A home inspection is a complete visual analysis of your homes structure and it's surrounding area. It's comparable to taking your computer to a geek and having them tell you what could be improved. The home inspector will evaluate the physical aspects of your property and give you a detailed diagnosis of any problems or issues found. A home inspection will allow you to address any minor problems before they become much dilemma.

Homeowners should get an inspection before they purchase a home or sell it. Usually a home is the biggest investment that someone can purchase. A home inspection should not be overlooked during the purchase process. A home should never be purchased before there is an inspection. The evaluation will also be able to address any problems or issues that may surface before it's purchased. Vice versa with a sale of a home. A home inspection should be ordered before the home is put up for sale so you are aware of any problems that may arise during the sales process.

Other times when a home is inspected during construction or remodeling. There are many points during construction where the contractor may have missed a critical component during it's construction. A certified inspector will be able to take note of any mishaps.

A home inspection will usually last a few hours. The inspector will go over many items during this time. An inspection will include, but not limited to: roof, shingles, downspouts, overhangs, siding, exterior paint, sidewalks, driveway, grade of soil, plants and shrubs that may overhang or grow close to the home, foundation, windows, doors, caulking, attic, insulation, condition of drywall, tile, bathroom fixtures, electrical, plumbing, water heater, furnace, a/c unit and many other items on the inspectors list. If there are many problems with the property, the home inspection may take much longer.

There are always issues where a home owner says, "Why can't I do the inspection myself and save money in the process?" The problem here is that the homeowner would not be certified or licensed to complete the inspection. A lot of counties and cities nowadays, require that the home inspector be certified or licensed. This eliminates a lot of problems that could happen if an amateur takes on the home inspection.

The home inspection will allow for any concerns that come to the inspectors attention. If the inspector does find a minor problem, it will allow the homeowner to fix the issue before it becomes a much larger problem down the road. For example, if the home inspector finds a problem with the roof and it is fixed, that inspection could have saved the home owner a lot of money. That small problem could have lead to a leak in the roof, which in turn could have let water enter the household and in turn caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to the property. That small inspection fee would pay for itself in the long run.

The home inspector will go over the entire property and notify you of any problems wrong with it. The home inspection isn't a pass fail, but an acknowledgment of anything that could or is an issue with the current property status. A home inspector will give a detailed investigation and report to the homeowner regarding the property. The small cost of a home inspection will pay for itself in the long run.

In order to begin a profession as a home inspector, the most effective choice would be to attend an accredited home inspection course. This kind of a program encompasses specialized theoretical study and intensive practice and provide the required knowledge and experience to analyze the actual conditions of home-based structures. After the completion of a home inspector course or module you 're capable to pass an examination in order to get licensed as a home examiner. Authorization is vital for any of the existing home inspection course. As long as you do not have the adequate training, you not compete on the labor market while striving to get employed in this area. If you are attracted in becoming an accredited home inspector, you must initiate with a home inspection course, but first check the next suggestions:

special inspection methods

Any certified home inspector course will teach you the fundamental inspection techniques you need to make use of through evaluations. You will evaluate the real status or standing of a house and record in the inspection report the safety condition, damages, and indicate needed improvements.

home inspector regulation

As in any professional domain you have a particular legislation. There is a set of certain rules that must be followed when writing a home inspector report. Using the certain terms when filling the reports is as well a must.

real estate strategies

An accredited home inspector course will provide all the required information in order to write pertinent reports for the real estate business. Buyers and sellers are interested in authentic assessments for the homes they either sell or buy. There are states across USA where a house inspection report is obligatory in order to close a deal in the real estate industry.

These home inspection reports are not so easy to write down. They must follow a certain template and must provide particular pertinent details. Specialists have developed specialized computer software applications. Keep in mind to use the existing computer software applications when you 're going to work as a home inspector.

Certification in home inspection have created controversial debates in this branch. In some states across US it's not enough to attend a home inspection course in order to get certified, but you as well have to pass the National Home Inspector exam. Regulations in other states are quite different. In other states you just have to attend a particular home inspection course in order to obtain your authorization.

Latest surveys have shown that this profession has major potential on today labor market. As it is closely associated to real estate domain and a short-term home inspection course is needed, lots of skilled home inspectors have take their career to a superior stage. Most of them work on their own and a number of of them also started a small business.

If a career in home inspection sounds appealing, take the first step - inform on an preparation program. Check the offer of home inspection classes and pick the one that fits you best. Authorization it's also incredibly important. Also be sure that the programs you want to attend are certified. Keep in mind that certification is the first step you should take in order to enjoy success.

Are home inspections raining down on you? "No, Ma'am, I'm sorry, I'm booked all week and into next," you say as your telephone rings again in your pants pocket. Things are crazy. You need help. You are working 16 hour days. What will you do?

You will hire someone. Maybe more than one. Where do you start? Let me touch on a few points about identifying candidates and then jump to that moment when you launch someone new into the field.

You should pick carefully because it's your time you are investing, and if your candidate does not share your passion for inspecting, they will leave you when they realize that the ad online "own your own ATM machine - become a home inspector today" is not completely correct.

Start by drawing a simple flowchart. Do they have the will and the strong interest? Yes - Do they have the aptitude? This means, do they have both the technical skills that can be developed along with customer care skills plus the critical integrity and honesty? Yes - Are they willing and able to invest the learning time as an apprentice with you? Yes - Are they willing to follow a process? Yes - you get the idea. You should be identifying the things that are important to you and to your business. If this person is an administrator, then identify those required skills and competencies. Just because your cousin Alfred says he wants to work with you does not mean he will make a good candidate for your business! When you've identified three candidates for the position, take them on an inspection and see how they react.

Now you've made your decision and hired your new inspector. Now what?

Let's jump to that first day you launch your trained inspector in the field. Let's assume prior to this that your inspector went through a formal course of inspector training - either at a school, or online, and has received field training from you or has done at least 8-10 ride-alongs with you. This ensures that they have the procedural basics, the legal basics, and the report writing basics. Now you've asked your trainee to "dual" with you (as they say in pilot training) - your inspector is told to go ahead and conduct his/her inspection and report; you will be doing yours at the same time; then you will compare notes.

At the end of this inspection your trainee may be feeling overwhelmed. You should offer ample praise and sit with your trainee and go through the entire inspection, comparing notes. Did they catch anything that you didn't? Give him/her an "atta-boy" or "atta-girl" high five. What did they miss? Why? Go through a gentle but firm analysis.

After a few of these your trainee may be ready to launch out on their own inspection! Do you remember when you did your own first inspection? Think of those emotions and try to help your new inspector by assembling a quick but very important written checklist. We have all heard stories about new (and even veteran) inspectors forgetting to turn off the oven, or turn down the heat, and having to return to check on something.

This checklist is back to the basics - but you, as an experienced inspector, will identify with each and every one of these. Print out the highlights for your trainee and ask them to check these off:

• Homework: Did you find out ahead of time (the night before) where the inspection is? More than one inspector has ended up at the wrong, but similar address.

• Who is attending? Bring your thank you's and gifts.

• Is your truck or car clean? Impressions are everything.

• Are YOU clean and neat? Ask your spouse or very close friend to listen to you explain a few pages of your last report right next to them as you would with your customer; then ask them if your breath is ok. Nothing turns off a client faster than their inspector smelling as if a dead animal is trying to climb up their throat. Bring mints.

• Be early! Be early! Be early! You already know this. It's Inspector DNA.

• Have a tool checklist and make sure ahead of time you have everything you need.

• When you arrive at the home, note and write down if any lights were on; doors open or closed; temperatures set on heating or cooling zones, etc.

• Before you enter the home check your TOOL BELT to make sure all pouches and compartments are secure so that things will not flop or fall out (once my heavy rechargeable flashlight fell out of my belt and on to a hardwood floor in front of my customer; luckily no damage was done but my feeling of foolishness lasted for days); make sure things are organized and tight against your body so that nothing hits door frames, trim, lamps, etc. as you go about your inspection. This is part of the "first, do no harm" rule we learned early on.

• Have a checklist of items to check BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOME. Everything should be EXACTLY as you found it, if not neater and cleaner. The checklist should include appliances off, lights left on if they were on, doors, open or closed, locks, windows, etc.

I am talking as if no one was following you around in the home; if your clients are there, these items are doubly important. The agent will be paying attention too, and you will get high marks for being conscientious in these seemingly small details.

Last but not least, make sure you emphasize SAFETY with your new inspector trainee. Over your field training observe and make sure the trainee is making intelligent decisions about whether to get on the roof or not, ladder safety, electrical panel safety, crawlspace protection, etc. Your trainee will emulate you; make sure YOU are paying attention too.

Training a new inspector is a lot of work but it's also very rewarding and will make YOU a better inspector. Now go capture those inspections falling out of the sky!

Purchasing and selling a property is not as simple as exchanging money for the house that you want. Home inspections are necessary to guarantee both parties-the buyer and the seller. There are some who do not see the importance of this process. But if you are a smart buyer, you will surely prefer to purchase a house that was inspected to secure that the property is a worthwhile investment.

Home inspections are normally conducted by reliable home inspectors. There is a distinct knowledge that is followed in this process which includes verification of all parts of the house if they are in their best condition. The structure as well as the old systems in your home will all undergo the home inspection procedure. Once the process is done, the results will be stated in the report that states the damages and other features found in your house. They will all be listed in one official report from the inspector.

The importance of home inspection can be justified when you are on the verge of finalizing your decision of buying a home. Thus, determining the actual value of the house is very important. You do not wish to acquire a house that is not justifiable to the price that you paid for it. Or maybe you do not want to deal with defects that are overlooked before you bought the house, later on. There is a need for you to know the existing issues of a particular house prior to closing the transaction.

The most important features that need thorough inspection are the entire structure of the house, the facilities, the electrical and plumbing systems, and the water supply. You need to identify the existing damages in the entire structure such as cracks on the walls and ceilings and evaluate the depth of these issues. You can simply determine the durability of the property as soon as the house is done with the inspection process.

The facilities that are installed on the walls, kitchen, the bedroom, bathroom and other areas of the house must also be inspected to know their actual condition. This can be very important when it comes to your clothes, cooking and proper sanitation. Moreover, the safety must also be secured when it comes to electrical and plumbing systems used in the house.

Water is very vital in your life and you must not run out of it. Through home inspection, you can identify the supply of water in a particular house. These are just some of the factors that will justify the essence of home inspection in the purchase process. You may spend a reasonable amount of money to get the whole procedure done by a professional, but you are guaranteed to have enough peace of mind once you stay in your new home.

Bear in mind that home inspection is not similar to home appraisal. Home appraisal is mainly concerned with the value of the property while home inspection focuses on the actual condition of the house.