Call up and ask about their credentials and experience. If for some reason you don't feel comfortable asking this of the inspector when speaking with them on the phone then how will you feel asking questions at the inspection. You must feel that the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive of your needs.

1. To be a member and to do Inspections according to ASHI, (American Society of Home Inspectors), standard of practice.
2. Or to be a member and to do Inspections according to NAHI, (National Association of Home Inspectors Inc.), standard of practice.
3. Licensed builder
4. Hands on experience in the building trades.
5. To be a certified Home Inspector
6. Ongoing education every year
7. Insured

However, education is an ongoing process. Associations in groups such as ASHI and NAHI offer classes to ensure that the home inspector is always updated and on the cutting edge of his business.

Most inspections take approximately 2-3 hours for one inspector. If there are two inspectors it usually takes 1.

We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.

The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, "Will This Home Stand The Test of Time?" It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money.

A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.

This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector's instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.

You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.

WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation. We thoroughly look at hundreds of items using state of the art equipment.
* All inspections are to ASHI standards of practice.

WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?

The standard home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.

Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

If you are already a home owner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

OVERVIEW OF INSPECTION

• Site Inspection - Proper drainage, driveway, sidewalk, porch levelness and cracks
• Exterior - Check for proper installation damages
• Foundation - Cracks, settling, levelness and ventilation
• Basement - Wall cracks and moisture penetration
• Roof - Climb on roof, check number of layers, proper ventilation, chimney flashing, gutters (levelness and proper drainage), check sky lights and other noticeable wear and tear
• Attic/insulation/ventilation - Proper ventilation, insulation depth and looking for moisture penetration
• Structure - Framing type, floor joists, decks, porches, balconies, roof structure
• Fireplaces and wood burning stoves - Firebox condition and damper condition
• Heating and Cooling - Temperature of heat and air, filter, gas leaks and chimney vent
• Electric - Outside service wire, inside service panel, electrical recepticles/GFCI's and light switches
• Plumbing - Proper venting, leaks, drainage flow, faucets, sump pump
• Kitchen - Cabinets, counters, appliances and flooring
• Laundry Room - Gas or water leaks
• Bathroom - Moisture penetration, leaks and proper drainage
• Bedrooms - Moisture penetration, doors, windows and walls
• Garage - Garage door opener, electrical, roof, floor, siding and windows
• Smoke Alarms - Test for function

* We thoroughly look at hundreds of items using state of the art equipment.