What is a home inspection? 
An ASHI home inspection includes inspecting the structure, foundation, roof and attic. It also includes the mechanical systems: Heating, Cooling (weather permitting), Electric, and Plumbing. The interior walls, ceiling, floors, windows and doors are also inspected. We do a operate the stove, dishwasher, and disposal.

Below are some important things to think about in selecting a home inspector:
   Ten Things to Ask Your Home Inspector?
   ASHI – American Society of Home Inspectors
   Value vs. Cost
   Appraisals are Different from Home Inspections
   The purpose of a home inspection is not -

Ten Things to Ask Your Home Inspector?
 1. Will your inspection meet recognized standards? Ask whether the inspection and the inspection report will meet all state requirements and comply with the home inspection industry standard of practice and code of ethics. How experienced is the inspector? There is no substitute for knowledge; except experience. Ask how long inspectors have been in the profession and how many inspections they’ve completed
 2. Will you provide customer referrals?
 3. What type of inspection report do they provide? Is the report computer generated of a checklist. Is the report concise and easy to read. Check for quality, not quantity.
 4. Will you offer to do repairs or improvements? Ensure there is not a conflict of interest in making repairs.
 5. How long will the inspection take? For an average house the inspection should take two to three hours.
 6. How do you keep your expertise up to date? What is the inspector’s commitment to continuing education? It is the core home inspection aspects and ancillary and environmental aspects of property evaluations?
 7. Money Back Guarantee? We stand behind our work and offer a money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with our services at the time of inspection, you owe us nothing. No disclaimers. No fine print. Just an honest inspection!
 8. What is the cost? There is a difference between cost and value. Costs will vary based upon size and age of the house. Based upon a national survey the national average for an average house is about $325. Larger and older houses will cost more. The peace of mind a buyer receives comes from the value of services and in depth knowledge of the inspector.
 9. Will I be able to attend the inspection? We encourage our clients to attend the inspection. This will be your house! A home inspection is a valuable educational opportunity for the buyer. An inspector's refusal to let the buyer attend should raise a red flag. You should find another inspector.
 10. Do you belong to a professional home inspector association? ASHI is the oldest and most recognized home inspector association. NAHI and AII are also recognized associations.

ASHI – American Society of Home Inspectors
Since 1976, ASHI has worked to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance the professionalism of its membership. The ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics serves as a performance guideline for home inspectors, and is universally recognized and accepted by many professional and governmental bodies.

ASHI is the oldest and most respected home inspector association. At ASHI the members “earn their stripes” and certification. The certification is earned and not bought.

Value vs. Cost
Typically the first question asked is what is the cost. It should be what services do you deliver? There is a difference between cost and value. We have always strived to provide the best and higher level of service for your home inspection dollars. More often than not, we tell you the solution, not consult a heating contractor, electrician, plumber or candle stick maker. We deliver a quality computer generated inspection report. This takes more time and a higher investment.
In the end our report will save you both money and time by eliminating unnecessary headaches later on.

Appraisals are Different from Home Inspections
An appraisal is different from a home inspection. Appraisals are for lenders; home inspections are for buyers. An appraisal is required for three reasons:
  estimate of the market value of a house
  make sure that the house meets FHA minimum property standards
 h to make sure that the house is marketable
A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of the home prior to purchase. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems identify items that need to be repaired or replaced

The purpose of a home inspection is not -
The purpose of a home inspection is to identify material defects and the condition of the property. A material defects include structural, life and safety defects or defects expensive to remedy. An ASHI calls these as significant defects. The ASHI inspection is also to call out house system and items that are at the past their service life. These items are functioning as intended, but they are old. Normally the appraisal takes this into account as the appraised value calculates the effective age.

In my opinion the purpose of the home inspection is to to identify any material defects of the property. A material defect is one that is a structure, safety, or sanitation item. It can also be a costly item to repairs.

Again in my opinion, “The purpose of a home inspection is not to identify the normal wear and tear items to re-negotiate the purchase contract.” Do you want to be nickeled and dimed on such items of the house you are selling or will be selling? The home inspection is also to inform first time homeowners of some of the operational and maintenance considerations of the used house.

 We offering the additional services:

1. Radon Testing

2. Stucco Inspections

3. Mold Sampling

4. InfraRed Thermography

5. Termite Inspections

6. Roof Certifications

7. 203-K FHA Consulting

8. Expert Witness