Stonehouse Inspections

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Why Have A Home Inspection

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It is in every homebuyer’s best interest to have a home inspection, especially considering the cost relative to the investment. Every person that has provided me with feedback regarding my service said it was well worth the money. I believe the benefits of my inspections have outweighed the costs for all my clients. The following paragraphs explain why I think it is important for everyone to have a home inspection:

Health and Safety Issues

Did you know most injuries occur at home? Most injuries are preventable. Many health and safety issues are hidden and won't be discovered by a typical homebuyer until it's too late. It is my obligation as a home inspector to educate consumers of the potential risks involved with owning and maintaining a property. My # 1 goal as an inspector is to protect the safety of a property's occupants and visitors. I am acutely aware of the dangers most likely to cause us harm because of all of my experience and dealings with families that have suffered catastrophic losses while as either a restoration contractor or insurance claims adjuster. As a student that studied engineering design, it was stressed that our #1 job was to prevent injuries and death. Health and safety issues inspected on every home include:

▪ secure doors, locks and windows

▪ adequate ventilation, fresh air, clean ducts

▪ carbon monoxide dangers

▪ fire hazards

▪ smoke detectors

▪ insect and rodent infestation

▪ tempered glass in windows and doors

▪ odors and sources of odors

▪ adequate exterior lighting

▪ choking, hanging, strangling hazards

▪ railings, steps, trip / fall hazards

▪ stable structures, adequate and secure fasteners

▪ natural gas leaks

▪ moisture and mold detection

▪ presence of asbestos and lead-based paint

▪ conditions conducive to radon infiltration

* I inspect for indicators of hazardous materials or gasses but I don't do scientific hazardous materials testing.

Value and Maintenance

My #2 goal as an inspector is to ensure homeowners and homebuyers are aware of how the condition of the home affects future maintenance, value, livability and durability of a home. I strive to make my customers aware of the existing condition(s) of a property, what repairs are necessary now, and what repairs are to be expected in the future. A few dollars spent now on preventive maintenance may save thousands of dollars in future expenses, and I provide homeowners with the information to help prioritize those repairs.

First time homebuyers

A home inspection is a must for first time homebuyers. A home inspection will help ease the tensions that are associated with such an overwhelming commitment of money and responsibility. An inspection helps give a buyer the information he or she needs to confidently follow through with their decision. Also, a whole home inspection will address issues regarding regular maintenance tasks that might otherwise be ignored by someone without homeownership experience.

Out-of-town buyers

Every community has different styles, methods and regulations of home building and repair. Probably most important is if a buyer is from a warmer climate or an area that doesn’t have many basements. I often do inspections for buyers from different climates that are unfamiliar “winterizing” or other maintenance issues associated with our extremes in climate and / or construction methods. It is important that homebuyers understand the parts of a home so that it will be properly monitored and maintained.

Families

Some of the most overlooked conditions of a property are family safety and security issues. There are many conditions of a home that most adults would not ever consider as a risk to children, such as non-tempered glass, mini-blinds, lead based paint, air quality hazards, fire escape routes, electrical shock hazards, garage doors, improper railings at stairs or elevated decks, etc. I also address security issues such as exterior lighting and door locks. One of my objectives when I do a home inspection is to find the weak link in security, the easiest access of entry for a potential criminal and find solutions to minimize risk.

Current homeowners

I often do investigative inspections for existing homeowners. The most common reasons for these type of inspections are moisture / condensation problems, foundation settlement, cracking walls / ceilings, resolution of contractor disputes, warranty inspections, and general consultation. See Other TYPES of Inspections.