Residential Inspections
The residential inspection service includes a 16-22 page report. This report includes the findings of an inspection of the residential home or commercial building. The inspection will evaluate the home for present defects and deficiencies as well as establish probable concerns for the near future. Ric, Doug and Craig are Michigan Licensed Builders and A.S.H.I. Certified Inspectors, with over 50 years of combined experience (Please review the qualifications section of this site), Inspections are completed to A.S.H.I. Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. They will inspect the structure & foundation, basement/crawl space, heating & cooling, plumbing, electrical, kitchen & bathrooms, interiors, walls & ceilings, doors & windows, attic-insulation & ventilation, roofs & chimneys, exteriors, sidewalks & driveways, and the grounds around the building.
The home is typically inspected for a purchaser after the offer to purchase is accepted, A purchaser should have an opportunity to have the home professionally inspected to determine if any major defects or deficiencies exist that may affect the decision to complete the purchase. There may be reasons you as a home owner would want the home inspected. Before you put the home on the market you could have a heads up about any potential purchaser concerns. If not selling your home, you may want the home inspected, so you can plan and prioritize repairs or maintenance. There are over 2000 different points of observation during a home inspection. The inspector will take the time, during the home inspection to address and explain these observations. He will also offer suggestions and tips for correcting any defects or deficiencies and provide advice regarding proper maintenance of the home. The inspection provides the information you need to make informed decisions regarding purchase of, selling or just repairing and maintaining, the home.
The inspection fees are determined by square footage, age, number of furnaces and other factors. Please call and a quote can be immediately prepared for your inspection.
Please plan a minimum of two hours for an inspection. Larger homes will require additional time. Please keep this in mind when scheduling with the owner or Realtor.
Structure & Foundation
The inspector will observe all visible areas of the structure and foundation and describe the type of foundation, floor structure, wall structure & roof structure in the home. He will observe all of these visible components and report on any defects or deficiencies found that might impact the structure.
Basement
In the basement, the inspector will do a thorough check of the visible areas of the walls and the underside of the first level floor. He will also be looking for signs of past or present water problems. He will look for signs and conditions that could cause mold. The inspector will also evaluate the basement and report on signs of drain back ups. He will check the age and operation of the sump pump, if one is present.
Crawl Space
The inspector will enter any crawl spaces under the floor of the home if not wet or presenting a hazard. If accessible (18 inches +), he will inspect the condition of the underside of the first level floor, the joists, any insulation, any vapor barrier, or ventilation and any sign of water or vermin damage.
Heating/Cooling
The inspector will inspect and describe the condition and type of heating system(s) and/or air conditioning system(s) in the home. This includes an examination of the heating systems and air conditioners, the air filters, the ignition systems, automatic safety shutoffs, exterior air compressors, humidifiers, duct work, distribution systems and overall maintenance and care that the systems have had. He will also advise you regarding their life expectancies.
Plumbing
The inspector will inform you of the type and location of the main water feed and shut off. He will determine the type and condition of the visible interior pipes in the home and test to see whether the house has sufficient water pressure. He will look for signs of plumbing leaks and test for gas leaks. The hose bib will be checked.He will also inspect the water heater for general condition, life expectancy, size, pressure relief valve, the automatic ignition, proper flue drafting and the flame or heating element in the heater.
Electrical
The inspector will inspect the electrical service drop, drip loop, service entrance cables, service feeder cables, panel box (which will be removed as access and safety permits) and determine the amperage and the voltage of the system. The inspector will inspect for hazardous wiring conditions like over-fusing, double tapping or improper or amateurish wiring. He will be looking for any signs of over heating and arching, He will also check for ground fault circuit interrupters. The inspector will perform a random check of the outlets, light fixtures, and switches throughout the home.
Interior
The inspector will inspect each room of the house. He is evaluating the floors, the walls, the ceilings, the doors and the windows for signs of structural defects. The inspector will also be looking for signs of past water damage from roof leaks or plumbing failures. He will inspect the stairways in the home for condition and safety.
Kitchens
In the kitchen, the inspector will inspect the cabinets and counter tops. He'll inspect the flooring for overall condition. He will check the plumbing and water pressure as well as the drainage in the kitchen. The cabinets under the sink will be inspected for water damage and signs of past leaks. The outlets are tested to determine if they are properly ground faulted for safety.
Bathrooms
The same interior inspection is done in the bathroom. In addition, an inspection of the plumbing system and water pressure is done. The drainage is also evaluated.The cabinets under the sink will be inspected for water damage and signs of past leaks. The ventilation system is identified and an observation of its operation is performed. He will also check the operation of the fixtures in the bathrooms, as well as the condition of the grout and caulking.
Attics
The inspector will go into the accessible areas of the attic. He will report on any rodent activity. He will inspect the insulation to make sure it is adequate; he will also evaluate ventilation. The ventilation is very important to the performance of the roof. He will be looking for signs of past over humidification and mold as well as any electrical defects. The attic will be inspected for signs of moisture and water leaks. This is a good time to double check the roof performance from the inside out.
Roofs
The inspector will access and examine the roof if safe to do so. Wet roofs, wood roofs, roofs that are too steep or ice and snow covered will not be walked. Instead, these roofs will be observed from the ground, a ladder at the eaves, from windows, from balconies and with binoculars. A lot can also be discovered about the roofs performance from the attic. The roof covering, chimney(s), flashing, gutters and the down spouts will be evaluated for condition.
Exteriors
On the outside of the building, the inspector will visually observe the exterior wall coverings, trim, windows and all of the exterior doors for condition and performance. He will also report on his inspection of any porches or stairs attached to the home.
Grounds
He is going to inspect the grounds around the home. He will inspect the sidewalks and the driveways. He will inspect the grading around the perimeter of the house to make sure that the water is draining properly away from the house. The inspector will also evaluate the potential for drain line damage due to large trees on the property.