House Inspection Services
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.~ American Society of Home Inspectors
Types of Inspections Available
Home Buyer Inspection
This is the most common inspection on the market today. This type of inspection is sometimes called a pre-closing inspection. After the inspection is completed and the contract is accepted the home can then be accepted or closing. This is a thorough inspection where the attic, crawlspace, foundation, roof, interior, exterior, appliances, plumbing, electrical, fireplace, and more of the home’s attributes are checked.
New Home Inspections
This is an important inspection to have since the home’s longevity and safety start at this point. Buyers can often choose to do an inspection to ensure accuracy before things like plumbing and electrical are covered behind drywall. New homes are seldom perfect and this type of inspection will ensure that the home and the occupants’ best interests are covered.
Re-Inspection
Any item or items that are found during the regular home inspection, which calls for a professional to have fixed, is the reason behind this inspection. It is most likely, up to the seller to have any of the repairs made. To ensure accuracy of those repairs, a re-inspection is recommended. This type of inspection confirms that safety of the occupants and the longevity of the home, with all its inner workings, have been properly addressed.
Crawl Space Inspections
The crawl space is one of the most ignored or neglected areas of a home.
It is also one of the main reasons for a home buyer not purchasing a home.
Problems associated with crawl spaces include:
Mold
Wood destroying fungus
Wood destroying insects
Moisture intrusion and standing water
Animal feces
Lack of a vapor barrier
Missing, damaged or moldy insulation
Leaks or damage to HVAC ductwork systems
Inadequate ventilation
A thorough inspection of your crawl space will diagnose any issues found that need attention. Dirty or wet conditions not only damage structural and system materials but can contaminate the air quality of your home as well.
Home inspection: Attic
During the attic inspection, Summit Home Inspections looks for signs of past or current leakage, the presence of insulation and types of ventilation. We also conduct a visual review of the structural components.
General attic inspection:
Stairway, structural components/rafters, evidence of moisture, attic flooring, appliance vents, attic vapor barrier, attic ventilation, attic insulation.
Ceiling joist:
Proper connections, damage, cracking, splitting.
Insulation: Depth and type of insulation in recommended locations.
Roof rafter:
Splitting, sagging, improper notching.
Collar tie:
Proper connections, damage, cracking, splitting.
Stud (gable wall):
Limited inspection. Visible only in unfinished areas.
Ridge board:
Inspected from the attic for cracking, splitting, insect damage, wood deterioration.