Buying a home is not something you do every day and that is why choosing someone you can trust is important. We provide the information you need in a timely, easy to read format with details and a summary. We also provide an onsite consultation or by phone if that is better for your schedule.
TYPES OF INSPECTIONS OFFERED
Pre-Purchase Inspection (Buyer) Know before you owe!
A home inspection is a visual process where all the items typically used within a home are tested and/or operated to verify proper operation or installation. Accessible electrical panels are removed and inspected. Doors and windows are opened and closed, roofing materials inspected, air-conditioning and heating systems operated. The Inspector will fill the sinks and tub(s), run the shower(s), and flush the toilets, all the while making notes on the condition and operation of the components tested. Upon completion, a report will be distributed to you.
Certified Pre-Inspected Home (Seller) This could save you time and money!
Listing inspections are very good for the homeowner who may not be in tune with the condition of their home. A great many sales are cancelled due to the buyer’s shock at the “functional condition” of the home. It may look great, but have serious technical, safety, or functional issues present without the owner’s knowledge. Having the home inspected prior to placing on the market is the ideal way to identify and either repair or disclose the issue found in the Inspection Report. Obviously, repairing the items would be the most beneficial towards completing the sale. However, there may be financial reasons where the owner can’t make the repairs. Disclosing them up front and pricing the home based upon that disclosure will often produce a higher net sales price for the owner.
Also, with a pre-listing inspection, we place a sign in your yard to indicate your home has had a Certified Pre-Listing Inspection by Inspection Gator LLC. Buyers like this, as it reassures them that issues have already been identified. In a competitive market, it could be the one item that encourages them to call for a viewing your home.
Well and Well Equipment Is my water safe to drink and does my well work properly?
Equipment will be tested for proper operation including pressure and volume measurement. A water sample is collected and tested for Total Coliform and E-Coli by a local lab.
Private Waste Disposal/Septic/Aerobic Is my sewer system working?
Systems will be tested for proper operation and tested for leaks or breakouts using concentrated dye. Lateral line location and septic tank location will be identified when possible.
Sewer Scope Inspection A Video is worth a thousand words
Sometimes clients are concerned with cast iron drain piping, tree roots, or slow drains and most want to know the current condition to avoid unforeseen costly repairs. Cast iron piping commonly has a lifespan of 50 years and rusts from the inside out. Thinning, cracking, and collapsing can cause possible obstruction and slow to minimal draining of the sewer line. Knowing the condition of the piping before you buy can help give peace of mind.
Our specialized video camera equipment records the interior piping condition from the clean out to the main city sewer line. If we find problems, we are able to accurately pinpoint the location and depth of the troubled area. This Sewer Scope Inspection is not part of a Standard Home Inspection, but is offered as an additional service.
Pool and Spa/Hot Tub Do I have hidden expenses?
Systems will be tested for proper operations, pumps and filters checked for leaks, condition of pool liner, along with associated components such as concrete aprons, ladders, stairs, diving boards, and lighting, etc
Lawn Irrigation/Sprinkler Do I have broken or missing heads?
Systems will be run using normal operating controls and tested for proper operation with emphasis on broken heads and associated piping along with backflow protection.
Stucco Id Is it installed properly?
The stucco identification is typically performed for a variety of purposes, such as, financing, relocation, and insurance concerns. Some insurance companies want to know the type of exterior wall cladding to determine insurability.
Moisture testing Do I have conducive conditions for mildew or mold?
When excess moisture is observed and concerns exists, we use a variety of moisture testing equipment (non-invasive) to measure the level of moisture intrusion to aid in determining the need for further action or repair.
New Construction Inspections/Phase Inspection It’s new, but is it right?
New construction (punch-list) inspections are performed at the completion of construction, but prior to your final walk through with the Builder’s Customer Service Representative or Superintendent. It is always a good idea to verify that utilities (gas, water, and electric) have been turned on, either by you or the Builder depending on the Builder’s policy. The inspection should be scheduled just a day or two before your final walk through with the Builder. This will ensure that most, if not all, last minute items have been completed prior to your inspection. At the conclusion of the inspection a completed report will be distributed to you.
Phase Inspection Proactive Steps to Building Your Dream
Typically 3 inspections are performed at various phases as the home is built.
Phase 1: Foundation Where it all begins
This inspection is performed after trenches or footers have been dug and all metal and pipe casings and/or liners have been put into place, but before pouring concrete.
Phase 2 : Pre-Drywall/Framing Will My walls be straight and strong?
This inspection is performed prior to drywall or other interior wall covering is installed.
- Inspect for defective, warped, missing and misplaced framing members
- Inspect for proper wood grades, placement, span measurement, notching, borings, and truss usage.
- Inspect anchor bolts, fire blocking and truss ties
- Inspect framing fasteners and connectors for proper schedules
- This inspection is performed prior to drywall or other interior wall covering is installed.
- Visually inspect the electrical wires and plumbing installed through the framing system including proper nail stop protection
- Visually check the HVAC rough-ins and duct conditions
- Visually check Air Handler condensation drain and overflow drain lines
- Check exterior walls, sheeting seal, wall penetrations, windows and sealants
- Visually check exterior electrical and lighting fixtures
Phase 3: Final Home Inspection Is it move in ready?
This inspection is conducted when all construction is complete. This is basically the same inspection we do on all houses new or used (pre-purchase inspection as noted above). On new houses, it must be coordinated with the builder’s schedule to be sure all systems are complete and ready for occupation. It should be completed before closing with enough time remaining to accomplish any necessary repairs. It is the final inspection to verify that all structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are installed and operating as intended, meeting or exceeding all requirements of the Standard of Practice as written for your state of residence, i.e. Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), Arkansas Home Inspector Board (AHIB), and American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
Pre-Warranty Expiration Inspections Honey, our warranty is about out, maybe we should call Inspection Gator LLC.
Warranty inspections are performed during the 11th month of your 1-year Builder Warranty. The inspection will be performed to verify that proper building techniques were used and that the various components of the home were properly installed. You will be presented with a completed report at the end of the inspection along with digital photos taken as needed for inaccessible areas.
Investor Property Inspections Money Pit or Money Maker?
Investor property inspections are performed prior to the purchase as well as periodically during ownership with special emphasis being placed on possible safety and liability issues along with parking lot and lighting concerns. Investment property inspections are performed to identify defects prior to taking ownership to negotiate repairs or price adjustments which reflect the condition of the property. Periodic inspections for properties currently in your portfolio would ensure the identification of needed repairs following say a long term tenant’s departure. Long-term tenants sometimes neglect to mention repairs and/or abuse the property during their tenancy. Identifying those problems early is the key to profitable ownership.
- Single Family Homes
- Multi-family Homes
- Office Buildings
- Warehouses
Home Maintenance Inspection How’s your home feeling?
Unlike a full inspection that covers over 600 items, the Home Maintenance Inspection will cover the main components in your home. It is not intended to replace a pre-purchase inspection. It is meant to help in maintaining your home and its components.
Your inspector will test outlets, plumbing connections, HVAC systems, roof, attic, and crawlspaces, where present. The Home Maintenance Inspection will only take about an hour. Then you will receive a professional report to give you peace of mind and make you aware of any defects before they become expensive repairs.
Mold Inspection / Air Quality Testing Concerned about mold or a musty smell in your home or property?
Mold testing can help identify a mold infestation in your home or business. Our mold inspection starts with a full visual evaluation of the property looking for conditions conducive for the growth of mold or any visual signs of mold. The inspector will take air quality measurements and collect samples of any visible or suspected mold. We work with an independent licensed lab to bring you accurate results. Any findings of mold will be documented and recorded in our individual client reports. By combining a visual inspection along with air quality, tape or swab, sampling we can provide you with valuable information. If you have an unexplained mold-related illness or can smell mold, a mold inspection may be a good investment.