Home Inspections

Inspectors We Recommend

Anthony Terry

HomePro Systems
(810) 667-2124

www.homepromich.com

Steve Dipple

All American Home Inspections
(248) 760-5441

Mike Herriman

Complete Home Inspections
(810) 423-2360

mikeschi.com

Investing time in an inspection of a property can save you a lot of time and money in the purchase process and during the repair process. Your real estate professional may require or recommend the following inspections:

STANDARD HOME INSPECTION

The areas which may be inspected include lot and grounds, roofs, exterior surfaces, garages/carports, structures, attics, basements, crawl spaces, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, fireplaces/wood burning devices, and appliance condition. Your inspection rights are clearly outlined in the contract for sale and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Although an inspection may be conducted, some homes can be sold “as-is.”

RADON INSPECTION

Radon levels are measured and detected. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), between 15,000 and 22,000 deaths result from radon exposure each year, which is why they recommend that every home be tested for radon. In homes containing 4.0 or more Pico Curies per liter, EPA recommends remediation.

ASBESTOS INSPECTION

An asbestos fiber analysis will determine if there are asbestos fibers present and evaluate their condition. A buyer should seek professional assistance if friable or non-friable conditions exist.

COMPOSITION BOARD SIDING INSPECTION

This inspection evaluates the siding and any areas of high moisture. Composition board siding is a paper-based product that simulates traditional wood siding at a fraction of the cost. There have been recent class-action lawsuits brought by homeowners against some of the larger manufacturers. According to the homeowners, the siding was susceptible to water penetration, which led to premature deterioration and rot. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Louisiana Pacific (LP), Georgia Pacific (GP), Masonite, and Weyerhaeuser are some of the most commonly known manufacturers of composition board siding.

TERMITE INSPECTION

A termite inspector will check the property for the presence of wood-destroying insects (WDI) or wood-destroying organisms (WDO, such as fungi) and conducive conditions. Each state has its own inspection requirements.

Lead Paint Inspection

A home’s painted surfaces can be evaluated to determine if they contain lead paint. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Children and babies can be harmed by lead exposure. Children with lead in their bodies can suffer damage to their brains and nervous systems, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, and headaches.

On-Site Waste System Evaluation

A SeptiChekTM assessment is performed by waste management professionals on-site. Examining the fluid level inside the septic tank involves accessing the cover of the septic tank. It is then pumped in order to check its condition and the baffles. Leaching fields are probed to determine the amount of subsurface liquid waste (effluent). The test alerts the buyer to a variety of potential septic system problems. SeptiChekTM evaluations offer more reliable information about potential problems than septic dye tests.

Pool/Hot Tub Inspection

Analyzes the overall condition and operability of a pool and/or hot tub. In addition, the condition of the pool deck will be inspected for deterioration and/or other noticeable defects.

Private Well Flow and Potability Inspection

The purpose of this test is to determine whether or not a private well can adequately provide water to a residence. Laboratory analysis of potability (drinkability) is performed on the samples.

Stucco Siding Inspection

There are two types of stucco siding that you need to know about: cement-based “traditional” stucco and synthetic stucco. Inspect the siding according to the manufacturer’s installation specifications. Exterior Insulated Finish System (EIFS) is the common name for synthetic stucco siding.

 

  • When considering a home with stucco exterior, we recommend an inspection of the siding be performed.
  • Typically, synthetic stucco is found in the Southeast, but it can also be found in other rural areas.
  • Synthetic stucco homes have been found to have hidden structural damage in 34 states.
  • To determine if water has already gotten into the system, moisture readings are taken.

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspection

The most common methods for testing a UST, which is typically used to store oil for heating homes, are the soil test or vacuum test. A soil test involves taking random core samples near the tank and sending them to a lab for analysis. A contamination test will determine if and how much soil has been contaminated in that specific area. In a vacuum test, the technician seals off the tank and places it under a vacuum. The readings are taken periodically to determine whether or not the tank is losing its vacuum. This test provides buyers with immediate results.

 

  • USTs are primarily made of metal, so over time they rust and corrode, allowing hazardous materials to leak into soil and potentially contaminate nearby aquifers.
  • Due to the older properties in the northeastern states, UST problems are most prevalent there.
  • Before you purchase a home, you should obtain the proper inspections to make a smart purchase decision and protect your investment. Although the above is not an exhaustive list of all types of inspections that may be necessary on a home, it is meant to provide general information on some of the most common types of inspections.
  • Before you purchase a home, you should obtain the proper inspections to make a smart purchase decision and protect your investment.

Chantel Fick

Associate Broker

Realty Executives Main Street, LLC
1022 S. Lapeer Road
Lapeer, MI 48446

(810) 834-6606

CHANTEL@FICKSOLDIT.COM