What is a "Home Inspection?"
    A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation at a specific place in time.

What a home inspection is not...
    A home inspection is not a home warranty, guarantee, insurance policy or substitute for real estate transfer disclosure.

What does a home inspection include?
    The standard home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structures.

Does the home inspector get on the roof and go under the house?
    Yes, conditions permitting. As long as mounting the roof doesn't compromise the inspector's safety, we mount all roofs. Many times it is not possible to determine the full condition of the roof from the ground. We go under houses as long as the inspector's safety is not compromised and the inspector can actually fit. 

How long does a home inspection take?
    A basic home inspection of an average home that meets the minimum American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice should take two to three hours.

Who needs to be present during the home inspection?
    Nobody, but it is recommended that the client be present. The client will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as they learn about the condition of the home, how it's systems work, and how to maintain it. The client will also find the report easier to understand if they have seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.

Is it okay to call the home inspector after the home inspection?
    Yes. It is strongly encouraged if the buyer was not present during the home inspection. 

 Does the home inspector take pictures during the home inspection?
    Yes, with a digital camera in .jpg format. Pictures are taken of the exterior, interior and deficiencies. The pictures are transferred to a CD and included with the home inspection report.

Can a house fail the inspection?
    No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe the physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

How is the home inspection report delivered?
    The report is printed on-site after the home inspection and inserted into a 3-ring bincer. A copy of the report is added to the CD in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. The agent representing the client is given a copy, too. The report can be e-mailed if necesary.  

How do I schedule a home inspection & radon test?
    You or your real estate agent can call us at (540) 373-7535. The sooner the request is given, the better we can accommodate everyone's schedule. The owner(s) of the home needs to be notified and the utilities need to be on.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It comes from the decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. Radon gas is colorless, odorless, and without taste. The presence of radon in a home cannot be detected by human senses. The only way to know if your home contains radon gas is to test. The EPA recommends that homes with high Radon levels be mitigated. There are many straight-forward reduction techniques that will work in almost any home.

The US EPA, the Surgeon General and the Lung Association recommend that homes be tested for Radon.