Prepared to Handle Any Situation
Termite Inspections
Sewer Lines
Crawl Spaces
Well & Septic Systems
Detatched Buildings
Thermal Imaging
Pools & Spas
Sprinkler Systems
Scoping HVAC Ducts
Termite Inspections
- Termites are small insects that live in the dirt and eat wood and inspecting them is important before purchasing a home.
- Termites can cause significant damage to the home by eating away the framing and potentially causing structural damage.
- Additionally, many lenders require a termite inspection because it so important to check for.
Sewer Lines
- The sewer line is one of the most underappreciated items in the home…..until it breaks. Sewer lines cannot be visually inspected which is why no one thinks about them.
- Scoping the sewer lines is where we put a special camera inside the sewer line from your home to the city main and look for issues including:
- Detecting Blockages: sewer lines can become clogged with debris, tree roots, or other obstructions. Scoping allows us to find issues that cannot be found in a home inspection so you can take appropriate action to clear them before they cause backups or sewage leaks into your home.
- Avoiding Costly Repairs (or getting the seller to pay for it): Identifying problems during the inspection period allows you to negotiate with the seller to have them fix the issues instead of paying out of pocket after closing.
- Ensuring Proper Functioning: A clear sewer line is essential for the proper functioning of your plumbing system. Scoping ensures that wastewater can flow freely, preventing backups and ensuring the efficient disposal of sewage.
- Since it typically, it costs $150-$200 to rotor rooter the lines and $5,000-$12,000 to replace the line, we strongly recommend inspecting the sewer line on any home over 20 years old.
Crawl Spaces
- While modern homes are built on slab foundations, most homes built prior to 1960 have a crawl space instead of a slab foundation.
- A crawl space foundation is where the home is held up about 2 feet off the ground by a stem wall and/or piers. There are many advantages of having a crawl space foundation including: easier access to plumbing, they can be more energy efficient, and can discourage pests & termites if done properly. Additionally, they made it easier to access the underneath side of the home making repairs cheaper & easier.
- Unfortunately, most people never look in their crawl space to make sure it is properly maintained. We highly recommend getting the crawl space inspected. Some of the things we inspect include: piers, pipes, wiring, subflooring, mildew, and pests.
Well & Septic Systems
- Most people never think about where their water comes or goes which is fine if you live in a city, but for those who live in the country, testing the well & septic systems is critical before moving in. No one wants the water to quit coming out of the shower when they turn on the washing machine.
- Some of the things we’re looking for during the well & septic inspection are:
- Water Pressure & Volume: making sure there is enough water to run all the pluming fixtures at the same time.
- Water Testing: we make sure the water is safe to drink by testing for E.coli & total coliform bacteria. We can also test for lead, nitrates/& nitrites, and anything else you’d like us to for an additional fee.
- Verifying the well equipment – the well equipment is evaluated to make sure it is in good working order today and setup to survive a hard freeze during the winter.
- Back-ups & sewer odor: we check the septic system to verify that it can handle the water going into it from your plumbing fixtures and make sure it doesn’t stink up the yard.
- Alarms & functionality: we run the water for an hour to make sure that water is flowing through the system freely and there are not any alarms or other issues to worry about.
- Tank Interiors: we do not inspect the inside of the septic tanks; to properly inspect the inside of a tank, the tank needs to be pumped by a professional septic company so you can see more than the brown water inside.
Detatched Buildings
The home inspection is designed to check the home, however, some properties come with shops, barns, mother-in-law apartments, or other buildings which we can inspect for an additional fee.
Thermal Imaging
Even though home inspections are visual & accessible, there are ways to see through the wall to an extent. Thermal imaging allows us to look through walls and detect issues like:
- Hidden Issues: Thermal imaging allows inspectors to detect hidden issues such as water leaks, missing insulation, and electrical hotspots. These issues may not be apparent during a visual inspection but can lead to significant problems if left unaddressed.
- Energy Efficiency: Thermal imaging can identify areas of heat loss or air leakage in the home including: windows, doors, and insulation gaps. Addressing these issues can improve energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and enhance comfort levels inside the home.
- Moisture Detection: Thermal imaging can detect moisture intrusion in walls, ceilings, and floors, which can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and indoor air quality issues. Identifying and addressing moisture problems early can prevent costly repairs and health concerns.
- Electrical Safety: Thermal imaging can identify overheating electrical components, such as faulty wiring, circuit breakers, or electrical panels. Addressing these issues can reduce the risk of electrical fires and ensure the safety of occupants.
- Insulation Evaluation: Thermal imaging can assess the effectiveness of insulation throughout the home. Insufficient insulation or areas with missing insulation can lead to energy loss and discomfort. Identifying these areas allows homeowners to improve insulation where necessary.
Pools & Spas
- Having a pool in the backyard will definitely make you the neighborhood favorite, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. There are tons of required safety features & regulations that you might not know about, but are important to know about to keep you and your family safe including the electric, fence, drain systems, and more.
- We’ll make sure your pool is functioning properly and is safe for you and your family.
Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems are a great addition to help keep your yard looking great! Unfortunately, they’re prone to having problems and require maintenance to keep them working correctly. Let us check them out for you to make sure your yard is ready to go!
Scoping HVAC Ducts
Some homes were built with HVAC ducts in the floor instead of the attic; unfortunately, when the HVAC ducts are in the floor, they’re more prone to problems like:
- Efficiency: they are prone to leaks or damage over time, which can lead to inefficient heating/cooling.
- Air Quality: damaged ducts can allow dust, allergens, and other pollutants in your home, reducing indoor air quality.
- It is common for slab ducts to heat/cooling the home unevenly which can lead to some areas being too hot or cold.
- Safety: Damaged ducts can allow water in which can allow mold growth or even structural damage if not discovered & repaired.
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