Home Inspections
Inspectors We Recommend
Steve Dipple
All American Home Inspections
(248) 760-5441
Scott Craig
All American Home Inspections
(248) 425-1675
An inspection of a property can save you a great deal of time and money in the purchase process and during the repair process. The following inspections may be required or recommended by your real estate professional:
STANDARD HOME INSPECTION
Lot and grounds, roofs, exterior surfaces, garages/carports, structures, attics, basements, crawl spaces, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, fireplaces/wood burning devices, and appliance condition may be inspected. The inspection rights are outlined in the contract for sale and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some homes can be sold “as-is” despite an inspection being conducted.
RADON INSPECTION
The levels of Radon are measured and detected. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that between 15,000 and 22,000 people die from radon each year, which is why they recommend that every home be tested for radon. EPA recommends remediation in homes with 4.0 or more Pico Curies per liter.
ASBESTOS INSPECTION
Asbestos fiber analysis will determine if asbestos fibers are present and determine their condition. If friable or non-friable conditions exist, the buyer should seek professional assistance.
COMPOSITION BOARD SIDING INSPECTION
The siding is evaluated, as well as any areas of high moisture. Paper-based composition board siding simulates traditional wood siding at a fraction of the cost. Some of the larger manufacturers have been the targets of class-action lawsuits brought by homeowners. According to the homeowners, the siding was susceptible to water penetration, leading to premature deterioration and rot. Louisiana Pacific (LP), Georgia Pacific (GP), Masonite, and Weyerhaeuser are some of the most commonly known manufacturers of composition board siding, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
TERMITE INSPECTION
Termite inspectors check the property for the presence of wood-destroying insects (WDI) and wood-destroying organisms (WDO, such as fungi) and conducive conditions. Every state has its own inspection requirements.
Lead Paint Inspection
Lead paint can be detected on painted surfaces of a home. Lead-based paint may be present in homes built before 1978. Lead exposure can harm children and babies. With lead in their bodies, children may suffer brain damage, behavioral and learning issues, slowed growth, hearing problems, and headaches.
On-Site Waste System Evaluation
On-site waste management professionals perform the SeptiChekTM assessment. The fluid level inside the septic tank is examined by removing the cover. Afterwards, it is pumped to check its condition and the baffles. The amount of subsurface liquid waste (effluent) is determined by probing leaching fields. An inspection alerts the buyer to a variety of potential septic system problems. A SeptiChekTM evaluation provides more reliable information about potential problems than a septic dye test.
Pool/Hot Tub Inspection
Assesses the overall condition and operability of a pool or hot tub. Additionally, the condition of the pool deck will be inspected for deterioration or other obvious defects.
Private Well Flow and Potability Inspection
This test is designed to determine whether or not a private well can adequately supply water to a residence. The samples are tested for potability (drinkability) in the laboratory.
Stucco Siding Inspection
You should be aware of two types of stucco siding: cement-based “traditional” stucco and synthetic stucco. Install the siding according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Synthetic stucco siding is known as exterior insulated finish system (EIFS).
- A siding inspection is recommended when considering a home with stucco exterior.
- Typically, synthetic stucco is found in the Southeast, though it can also be found in other rural areas.
- 34 states have found hidden structural damage in synthetic stucco homes.
- A moisture reading is taken to determine whether water has already entered the system.
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspection
Testing USTs, which are commonly used to store oil for heating homes, is typically done with a soil test or a vacuum test. In a soil test, random core samples are taken near the tank and sent to a lab for analysis. Testing will determine if and how much soil has been contaminated in that area. During a vacuum test, the technician seals off the tank and places it under a vacuum. Periodically, readings are taken to determine whether or not the tank is losing vacuum. Buyers receive immediate results from this test.
- Metal USTs rust and corrode over time, allowing hazardous materials to leak into soil and potentially contaminate nearby aquifers.
- Older properties in the northeastern states are the most susceptible to UST problems.
- To make a smart purchase decision and protect your investment, you should obtain the necessary inspections prior to purchasing a house. Even though the above is not an exhaustive list of all types of inspections that may be necessary on a home, it is meant to provide general information on some of the most common types of inspections.
- To make a smart purchase decision and protect your investment, you should obtain the necessary inspections prior to purchasing a house.
Doug Ferrell
REALTOR®
Realty Executives Main Street, LLC
1022 S. Lapeer Road
Lapeer, MI 48446