Inspection Services

What is a home inspection?
Why should I have my home inspected?
How long will the inspection take?
Should I be present during the inspection?
What does a home inspection include?
Why can’t someone I know do the inspection?
Does a newly constructed home need an inspection?
What if the inspection uncovers problems?
Will you fix the problems you find during the inspection?
What if I have questions after the inspection?

What is a home inspection?   Back to top

A home inspection is a professional, complete visual examination of the all the systems and physical structural elements of a home. Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that would affect a purchasers buying decision.

Why should I have my home inspected?    Back to top

If you are purchasing a home it is one of the largest investments you will ever make.  It only makes sense to find out as much as you can about the house you are interested in – before you buy. That way you can avoid costly surprise repairs and problems with your new home. Our report will also advise you of what maintenance is required to keep your home in top condition. A professional inspection will give you a clear picture of the many systems and structural elements that make up the property.

If you are selling your home, a listing inspection will point out any potential problems that might be uncovered later by the buyer's inspector. Finding them early will allow you to address them before listing your home, expediting the sale and saving money on the repairs.

How long will the inspection take?    Back to top

The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 3 hours is pretty typical. But for larger homes, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer.

Should I be present during the inspection?    Back to top

While you are not required to be there for the inspection, we do recommend that you be present. It’s a valuable learning experience for most people and will help you get the most benefit from the inspection. By interacting with the inspector you can ask questions directly and the inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. We feel you’ll be able to best understand the finished report and get the most benefit from it by having been there during the inspection.

What does a home inspection include?    Back to top

Our inspection is performed in accordance with Standards of Professional Practice of the State of Arizona, Board of Technical Registration  and covers all the major systems and structural elements of the house. This includes the condition of the home’s:

Structural Components	Exterior
Foundation Floors Walls Columns Ceilings Roof Structure	Wall Cladding and Trim Entry Doors and Windows Garage Door Conditions and Operations Decks, Balconies, Porches, and Other Walkways Eaves, Soffits and Fascia Vegetation and Grading Driveways and Retaining Walls
Roofing	Plumbing
Roof Coverings Roof Drainage Systems Flashings Skylights, Chimneys and Roof Penetrations Signs of Leaks or Abnormal Condensation	Interior Water Supply and Distribution Interior Drain, Waste and Vent System Hot Water Systems Fuel Storage and Distribution Systems Sump Pumps
Electrical	Heating and Cooling
Service Entry Conductors Service, Grounding and Main Overcurrent Equipment, Main and Distribution Panels Amperage and Voltage Ratings of Service Branch Circuit Conductors Operation of a Representative Number of Installed Lighting Fixtures, Switches and Receptacles Polarity and Grounding of All Receptacles Near Interior Plumbing, in the Garage and on the Exterior	Permanently Installed Heating Systems Central Air Conditioning Operating Controls Automatic Safety Controls Chimneys, Flues and Vents Distribution Systems Presence of Installed Heating and Cooling in Each Room Solid Fuel Heating Devices
Interiors	Insulation ad Ventilation
Walls, Ceilings and Floors Steps, Stairways, Balconies and Railings Counters and Cabinets Doors and Windows Separation Walls, Ceilings and Doors between a Dwelling Unit and an Attached Garage or another Dwelling Unit Sumps	Insulation and Vapor Retarders in Unfinished Spaces Ventilation of Attics and Foundations Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry Venting Systems

 Why can’t someone I know do the inspection?    Back to top

Chances are that one of your friends or relatives are very familiar with home construction.  Even so, they probably are not as familiar with ALL of the systems and structures of a home as is a professional Home Inspector.  We are not only familiar with all the systems of a home, and how they work and need to be maintained, but we also know what to look for to tell us that they are getting ready to fail. But beyond the technical expertise and experience a professional inspector brings, it is important to remember that the inspector remains an impartial third party. If you are involved in buying or selling a house, it’s impossible for you, your friends or your relatives to remain completely unemotional about the house, and this could cloud your judgment. The professional inspector will provide an objective outside reporting of the facts.

Does a newly constructed home need an inspection?    Back to top

It is certainly just as important as an inspection of an older home.  Given today’s shortages of qualified labor, a professional inspection of a new home is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It’s especially valuable to arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. We may be able to identify shortcuts taken in both material and workmanship.

What if the inspection uncovers problems?    Back to top

If you are a buyer our report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs and expenses. No house is going to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.

If you are a seller if will be up to you, perhaps with the advice of your agent, to decide which items should be repaired prior to putting your home on the market.

Will you fix the problems you find during the inspection?    Back to top

No. The code of ethics of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the Inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home.

What if I have questions after the Inspection?  Back to top

You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.