INSPECTION SERVICES
Here's a list of our inspection services. Feel free to ask us about additional types of inspections. We perform all of our inspections according to the Inspection Standards of Practice. Call us or schedule online.
FULL HOME INSPECTION:
A home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, so it’s important to understand the condition of your investment. I’ll provide a non-invasive evaluation of the home’s accessible structure, systems and components. While a home inspection can’t reveal every concern that exists, it will significantly reduce your anxiety by arming you with the knowledge you need to make an informed home-buying decision.
INFRARED INSPECTION:
I use a state-of-the-art infrared camera to find problems that aren’t always apparent to the naked eye. An IR camera translates the heat signatures of objects into colors on a gradient scale, with higher temperatures appearing as lighter colors, and lower temperatures and wet areas appearing as darker colors. By evaluating these images, I can detect sources of energy loss, locate areas of moisture intrusion, pinpoint dangerous hot spots in the electrical system, and uncover other problems, such as wood-destroying pest and rodent infestations, as well as flue leaks in the chimney, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
ANNUAL HOME MAINTENANCE INSPECTION:
​Especially if you’re a new homeowner, an Annual Home Maintenance Inspection can help you understand and plan for the demands of maintaining your home properly. Some tasks are seasonal, and some items require more frequent attention. Let me help you start on the path of responsible homeownership by identifying any issues, and educating you about what should be done each year to keep your home in top condition. Even if you’re a veteran homeowner, my inspection can verify whether your home’s maintenance is sufficient, or whether any problems have developed during the past year.
POOL & SPA INSPECTION: $50
Your pool requires proper maintenance and regular inspection so that you can enjoy it for years to come. Your pool maintenance professional is responsible only for the pool’s chemistry and cleanliness. Let me inspect it for all the other items that will ensure its proper condition and safety. I follow a comprehensive checklist and will inspect for the following: water level; leaks; valves; main drains, grates and inlets; blockages, debris, staining and biological growth; heater and thermostat; adequate fencing and gate security; deck safety; electrical safety, switches, alarms, and lighting; and more.
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION: $25
I will conduct an inspection of your onsite wastewater (septic) treatment system, assess its overall condition and maintenance, test for functional operation, and advise you of my findings. If the system is overloaded, I can recommend further steps you can take to remedy the problem.
ROOF INSPECTION:
Do you need just a roof inspection performed for insurance or other purposes? I will perform a standalone Roof Inspection & Certification and evaluate your roof from the eaves, as well as walk it (when it is safe to do so) to assess its overall condition, including the presence and status of flashing, chimneys, vents, skylights, and other penetrations.
PRE-DRYWALL INSPECTION:
One way to ensure that a house is built according to its specifications is by performing a pre-drywall inspection. “Pre-drywall” refers to a phase during the homebuilding process just after the installation of certain elements – such as the doors, windows, foundation, flooring, wall and roof components, plumbing and electrical rough-in – and right before the drywall is hung. This in-progress or construction-phase inspection is useful because drywall can obscure some aspects of the interior and make identifying or fixing any problems both difficult and expensive, once the new home is completely finished.
DRONE INSPECTION:
I use a state-of-the-art, camera-mounted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone to capture images of unsafe or hard-to-access areas, such as tall roofs. I can get an up-close look at any issues and defects that would otherwise not be properly inspected and reported. I can also take aerial photos of the property for real estate listings and informational purposes.
PLUMBING INSPECTION:
A plumbing inspection is a systematic process of assessing the critical areas of the plumbing system of a property. It is performed by certified plumbers to avoid the risk of pipe corrosion, clogs, leaks, and burst tubes that can cause flooding and property damage.
PRIVATE WELL INSPECTION: $25
Private wells that are constructed properly are usually safe, but problems can occur that can introduce contaminants into the water supply. I’ll check your private well for basic structural issues, and take a water sample to test it for lead, microbial pollutants, and dangerous chemicals.
NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION:
Are you building a new home? I’ll come out during different phases of the construction process to make sure your project is being executed according to your specs. I can verify that scheduled work has been completed before you make a payment to your contractor. I’ll also come out prior to project completion to help you and your general contractor devise a punch list of remaining items. This is not a code-compliance inspection for your contractor, but a New Construction Inspection for you.
REPAIR VERIFICATION / FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION:
Have you had remodeling or repair work done by a contractor to address a deficiency, or to adapt or modernize some structure or system of your home? I will inspect it to make sure that the materials, installation and workmanship meet quality standards and your specifications. This is not a code-compliance inspection, but an inspection to check that the work was completed properly.
DECK INSPECTION:
A deck inspection should progress in much the same order as deck construction. Inspectors should start at the bottom. If a deck is deemed unsafe from underneath, the inspector should not walk out onto the deck to inspect decking, handrails, etc. The inspector should stop and report the safety issues.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSPECTION:
An electrical home inspection provides a thorough examination of your entire electrical system, ensuring all electrical wires, systems, and components (such as appliances) meet legal safety standards.
CHIMNEY & FIREPLACE INSPECTION:
A level-one chimney inspection includes a visual check of the fireplace and chimney without any special equipment or climbing up on the roof. The inspector will come to your house with a flashlight; look for damage, obstructions, creosote buildup, and soot; and tell you if the chimney requires sweeping.
MONSTER FREE INSPECTION:
Moving to a new home can be stressful for children, too. That’s why I offer a Monster-Free Inspection and Certificate. Your child can accompany me while I inspect under their bed, under the stairs, in the closet, and anywhere else they want so I can assure them that there aren’t any monsters. Simply request this service when I schedule your inspection and I’ll bring a personalized Monster-Free Certificate with me.
SANTA SAFE CHIMNEY INSPECTION:
We can do many things to keep Santa's travel down the chimney safe while he arrives at your home. Even though there will always be risks when traveling down the chimney, there are things we can do to improve safety.