a

FAQ Certified Home Inspections LLC

Are you insured?
We carry both professional and general liability insurance. At your request, we can email copy of our insurance policies.

Can I attend the inspection?
We encourage you to attend the entire inspection. Although our report is comprehensive, easy to read and understand, you miss an opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of a professional.

Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?
My memberships and licenses require that I do a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education each year.

10 Biggest Problems Buyers Should Be Looking For

#1 Basement moisture

90% of basement dampness is caused by the earth (landscaping) sloped towards the foundation.

#2 Leaking roof

Most roofs leak because of bad flashing. Tar installed over the flashing indicates a leaking that has been temporarily repaired.

#3 Failed foundation

Unstable foundations are usually caused by the earth sloping towards the house. This will be disclosed as a horizontal crack.

#4 Unsafe furnace or boiler

Heating equipment that needs to be replaced will be excessively rusted, scorched, or patched on the outside jacket.

#5 Hazardous electrical panel

Ungrounded electrical panels are a shock and electrocution danger. Panels need to be grounded to a cold water pipe or a ground rod.

#6 Low water pressure

The best way to test the water pressure is by leaving the cold water running in the basement laundry tub and individually checking the other faucets throughout the home. Bad pressure is generally caused by rusted out galvanized steel pipes.

#7 Collapsed underground sewer pipe

Run the bathtub and laundry tub simultaneously for about 10 minutes and wait to see if the fixtures backup. This is the best way to test for a plugged sewer.

#8 Leaking water heater

Turn the thermostat up to high for about 5 minutes and listen for a noise like popcorn popping. This indicates excessive corrosion and a leak inside the water tank.

#9 Bad windows

It’s as simple as operating each window.

#10 Environmental hazards

The white insulation wrapping heating systems is the most common environmental concern. Normally this insulation has asbestos fibers inside.

contact us

Pre-listing Inspections

Let’s face it, surprises are only good some of the time, and the surprises that show up during a buyer’s inspection of your home are generally not one of them. If you are getting ready to sell your home, be proactive. A pre-listing inspection can help to identify problem areas that should be corrected prior to putting your house on the market.

A pre-listing inspection follows the same comprehensive format as our buyer’s inspection. It is typically 3-4 hours in length and examines the following:

  • Lot and Grounds
  • Exterior
  • Roofing
  • Structure
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Heating
  • Air Conditioning
  • Insulation and Ventilation
  • Interior
  • Fireplaces
  • Appliance Check
  • Garage

After the inspection, we’ll discuss our findings with you on site. You will also receive a digital copy of the report, complete with pictures of problem areas, within 24 hours. Armed with this knowledge, you will be well equipped to head to market.