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Frequently Asked Questions on Home Inspections

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What's is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. We are not code inspectors. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.

What's included in a Home Inspection?

1) Exterior House- Grounds, Hardscapes, Exterior platforms, and Exterior stairs.
2) Structure- Walls & Supports, Exterior trim/flashing, Foundation, Floor structure, and Basement/crawl spaces.
3) Roof- Roof coverings/Flashing, Roof structure/attic, Gutters, and Skylights
4) Doors & Windows- Condition and operation.
5) Electrical- Service, panels, Wiring, and Circuit Interrupters.
6) Plumbing- Main/supply lines (Septic extra cost), Waste lines, Fuel lines, Water Heater, and Sump Pump.
7) Heating & Air Conditioners- Operation/Condition and Distribution systems.
8) Fireplace, Ambient fireplaces, solid fuel stoves, and Chimney (s).
9) Interior- Appliances, ceilings/wall, flooring, Stairs cases, and Smoke/CO2 detectors.
10) Bathrooms, Kitchen, and Laundry.
11) Garages- Barns and other large structures are additional costs.

What other services are offered?

1) Radon - Pennsylvania’s Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon 
2) Septic- non invasive but complies with most bank guidelines and government loans.
3) Water Testing- Most frequently requested but not limited to: Lead, nitrates, nitrites, and bacteria. If other testing is needed, we most likely offer.
4) Wood Destroying Insects (form NPMA-33)- Most frequent but not limited to: Termites, Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, and Powder Post Beetles.
5) Pools.

When do I get the final report?

The reports for mold take about a week and home inspections are a guaranteed 48 hour turnaround. I will contact you as soon as it is available.

Are you an IAQ Specialist or an Indoor Air Quality Expert?

No. I am an inspector trained in proper mold sample collection.

How long before we find out the results of your testing?

We can overnight your samples to the lab where a Mold Analyst will review them. Once the analysis is finished, the Laboratory will issue their report directly to me. The report will identify types and levels of mold, a description of each mold discovered and a summary of the findings.

I have been sick for the past year; is it caused by mold?

Excessive mold exposure has many symptoms - allergic reactions are the most common. Any health-related issues should be addressed with the proper professional, which, in this case, is your doctor.

What will you be doing in my home?

I will perform a visual assessment in all readily accessible area(s) of your home to determine the presence of microbial problems and collect appropriate samples.

Where can I get more information?

Information can be found at the lab's website. This site may also contain links to other sites that contain valuable information.