I follow a comprehensive Residential Standards of Practice. This means that I’ll inspect the visible and accessible structure, systems and components of the home, inside and out, from the foundation to the roof, using the latest tools and technology. Following my evaluation, I’ll compile my findings in an easy-to-read report, which will include detailed descriptions and high-resolution digital photos of any issues I’ve discovered. I’ll deliver your report within 24 hours, and my job isn’t finished until you understand everything in it.
Wood-destroying insects can cause serious damage to the wooden structural components of a house. They can hide and go undetected for a long time, but there are many telltale signs for different species that indicate their presence. I’ll inspect your home for evidence of infestation now before it becomes an expensive problem later.
Radon Gas Testing: $150
Although radon is a naturally occurring gas in our environment, it's also the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the Surgeon General. One out of 15 homes is estimated to have dangerously elevated radon levels. The Surgeon General and the Environmental Protection Agency recommend testing all houses. Millions of Americans have had their homes tested for radon, and you should, too.
Mold Inspection: $150
Unchecked mold indoors can damage the structure of a home, cause wood rot, and ruin drywall. Most importantly, mold can cause health problems. A professional mold test starts with a thorough inspection of your property. I will investigate any signs of past or present water intrusion, which can promote mold growth, and I’ll take samples of any suspected mold for laboratory analysis.
Infrared Thermal Imaging Inspection: $150
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.
Water Quality Testing: $75
Let me test your potable water supply, especially if your property has a private well, cistern, or septic system. I will check it for coliform and other harmful bacteria, which can endanger your family’s health. If excess water is observed at your septic system’s drainage area, I will conduct a dye test for functional flow and to help determine whether your system is overloaded. If it is, I can advise you on some further steps to take to remedy the problem.
Annual Home Maintenance Inspection: $250
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.
Pre-Listings: $400
Are you selling your home? Let me inspect it before you even list it. A Move-In Certified® Seller’s Inspection alerts you to any defects or problems with your home so that you can address them before prospective buyers discover them. You can then take the time you need to obtain reasonable repair estimates. Avoid 11th-hour negotiations and delays, and justify your full asking price by having your home for sale inspected now.
Septic System Inspection: $250
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.
Home Energy Inspection: $250
Want to save energy, increase your family’s comfort, and protect the environment? I’ll collect data using a specialized calculator to estimate your home’s yearly energy usage, develop recommendations for improvements, and determine your potential energy savings.
Roof Inspection
Do you need just a roof inspection performed for insurance or other purposes? I will inspect your roof-covering materials from the ground, roof edges, or I will walk upon the roof to assess its overall condition. I can also conduct a standalone roof inspection and certification. A roof inspection includes inspecting the roof covering, flashing, chimneys, vents, skylights, and other penetrations.
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.
Moisture Inspection
Moisture meters can help to detect and quantify the amount of moisture is actually in a building material. I may use a moisture meter to check areas around plumbing pipes, air conditioning units, bathroom toilets and showers, and at wooden components near or in contact with the ground surface. Appliances may cause water leaks or cause condensation problems may result in elevated levels of moisture. A professional inspector with a moisture meter is equipped to find the source of moisture and water problems in a house. Once discovered, all moisture intrusion problems must be immediately corrected before mold growth develops.
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.
Repair Verification
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.