Our Service

THE HOME/PROPERTY INSPECTION

OK...What is a Home/Property Inspection?

I, as a professional inspector TREC #6784, strive to perform a thorough, objective, but limited visual examination of the condition of a property, at a SPECIFIC POINT IN TIME. My training and experience enable me to identify and disclose those areas of the structure, systems, and components inspected, that are significantly deficient. Prospective buyers and sellers should view an inspection as an opportunity to gain general knowledge and specific information about a property. An inspection will help to determine whether there are safety issues and/or major defects or inadequacies in the property that could lead to unwelcome, unanticipated and expensive repairs and/or replacements. Prepared and forewarned, plans can be made, or revised with confidence, to deal with a purchase or sale, as well as with potential future problems.

Attend...The Inspection

HOMEWISE HOME INSPECTIONS clients are encouraged to attend the inspection, follow the inspector, observe, and learn how things work. This is their chance to view the intricacies of a home/property, and watch and ask questions as I check the structure, systems and components. Occasionally, one of my clients point out things that I may have overlooked, or that are of particular concern to them. Many sellers, and most buyers, have never been on the roof, in the attic, or the crawl space, and don't really know about the many real and potential problems that could negatively affect a sale, or worse. The inspection presents an excellent opportunity for our clients to ask questions about the property.

Focus...On Large Issues

HOMEWISE HOME INSPECTIONS emphasis is on "big ticket" expense items and “safety” concerns. An inspection is not needed to identify cosmetic defects or minor deficiencies in a property. Because I regularly inspect a wide variety of properties with markedly differing conditions, I.e. old, new, worn, clean, grungy, expensive, etc., in keeping with the NACHI and TREC standards, we concern ourselves with flaws and defects that affect the usability or life of the structure , system or component. The important measure is, is it serviceable? Does it do its job and perform it's intended function? Buyers of new homes, however, expect perfection, and often want to use the inspection report as a "punch" list to help them in negotiations with the builder. Be sure to inform the inspector of any special concerns or requests.

Accent... The Positive

As an inspector, I also like to highlight the positive aspects of a home/property. Every property has, at least, a few minor defects, however, it should be known that I am not alarmists and don't make a mountain out of molehill. Most problems have simple affordable solutions and I can probably recommend one. My observations and recommendations can, and often do, help to dispel purchaser anxieties.

Educate... The Client

I see my service primarily as one of education and with a goal to provide my clients with a better understanding of the condition of the inspected property, so they can make an informed decision.

Documenting... The Results

After the inspection is completed, I prepare a comprehensive computer generated, TREC promulgated report on the condition of the property, documenting the findings of HOMEWISE HOME INSPECTIONS. I prefer to immediately, on site, review the report with my clients, show a slide show of digital pictures taken on site and then to point out my observations while showing the property to the client. This review gives the inspector a chance to verbally explain his observations, possibly go back and point them out, while at the same time offering my client another opportunity to ask questions. If it is more convenient for the client, the report can be e-mailed with a hard copy and cd of all the digital pictures mailed overnight.

Specifically...What is included in the inspection?

Grounds

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slope, grading, drainage, retaining walls

•driveways, sidewalks, patios

•fences, gates, trees, shrubs

•outbuildings, pools

Exterior

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exterior siding, finish, trim

•porches, stairways, decks, railings

•exterior doors, windows

•roof, suffix, flashing, screening

•gutters, down spouts, drains

•chimneys, skylights, vent caps

Structure

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foundation, anchorage, bracing, connections

•crawl space, access, vapor retarder

•framing, attic, access, moisture barrier

•insulation, ventilation

Interior

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walls, ceilings, floors,

•cabinets, counters

•interior doors, closets

•lighting, ceiling fans

•stairways, railings

•tub/shower, caulk/grout, enclosures

•fireplace, wood stoves

•fixtures, major appliances

Systems

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electrical

•plumbing

•heating and cooling