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Our goal is to provide you with as much information as possible. Review the frequently asked questions below to learn more about the purpose of home inspections, the dangers of environmental threats and about our professional process. If you have a question that is not addressed here, simply contact us and we will get you the information you are looking for.
Q. Why do I need a home inspection?
A. There is always a considerable risk involved with purchasing a home. Your new home may appear to be all that you have been looking for, but how can you be sure that there are no hidden problems that will end up costing you thousands of dollars down the line? Getting a professional home inspection before you sign on the dotted line can drastically reduce your risk and ultimately make the process of buying your home more pleasant.
Sellers will want to ensure that the asking price is commensurate to the current state of the property. Buyers will want to have an accurate level of expectation for the property you are purchasing. Having your property inspected by a neutral third party, professional home inspector will guarantee that no key issues are overlooked.
Q. How should I prepare for an inspection?
A. The property owner should ensure that all areas of the property are accessible for both the interior and exterior. The buyer, seller and representing agent should make arrangements for the inspection time when it is convenient for all parties.
Q. The Truth About Mold
A. Mold is a fungus that grows and multiplies in the presence of excess moisture. Microscopic particles called mold spores can be found almost anywhere in the environment including your home. If exposed to moisture and the correct nutrients, those spores can grow and damage the material it is growing on.
Visible mold in your property can indicate a leak in the roof or the plumbing, water from the crawl space, any space in the property that had previously flooded or even an exhaust fan that is not properly ventilating.
Over exposure to mold will most often cause “allergic – like” reactions including coughing, wheezing, along with nasal and throat conditions.
The best way to prevent major problems with mold in your home is to have an inspection by a trained professional. Complete Building Inspections can assist you with identifying the threat of mold in your property. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
Q. What About Termites?
A. Termites are social insects that live in large colonies usually in excess of one million inhabitants! There are approximately 2,000 known distinct species of termites and they all have one thing in common: an insatiable, destructive appetite for wood and other cellulose-containing materials. Termites have a unique ability to tunnel through the wooden structures of homes to get food to feed the entire colony. The most tragic part of a termite infestation is that the property owner usually does not notice the problem until something has toppled over. Preventative termite inspections can help you avoid that pitfall.
Q. What is Radon?
A. Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally from minerals in soil such as uranium and radium.
Q. How can Radon affect my family and my home?
A. Radon can enter a property through cracks in concrete slabs, pores and cracks in concrete blocks, floor-wall joints, exposed soil, mortar joints as well as any building materials such as brick, concrete or rock. When radon enters a property, it is able to traverse through the air inside the property where people are susceptible to breathing in this harmful toxin. Prolonged exposure to radon can cause any number of health related issues including lung cancer.
Q. How long will a home inspection take?
A. The length of a home inspection will vary based on the size and condition of the property. Our recommendation is that you reserve 2 to 3 hours for a thorough inspection.
Q. How will I know what to do to fix the problems that are found in my property?
A. Once you have had your complete building inspection, you will be given a report that outlines all of the inspector’s findings from both the interior and exterior of the property. If the evaluation of a property reveals significant damage, it will be up to the buyer and seller to determine what contractual adjustments need to be made.
Q. At what point should I contact a home inspector?
A. It is appropriate to contact a home inspector before you purchase a property, before you list a property for sale, during the construction phase of a new property, before you move in to a newly constructed home, if you notice evidence of mold in your home, or if you just want to have the state of your home checked out. Getting a home inspection is a preventative measure that will help you avoid major and potentially expensive problems in your property.
Q. What is included in my report?
A. After your inspection, you will receive an inspection report that incorporates detailed explanations of each problem found during the inspection accompanied by photos of each incidence. This comprehensive document will be helpful when communicating with other companies to conduct the physical repairs to the property.
