House Detective

COMPLETE HOME INSPECTIONS -

2007-12-26T12:15:00.000-08:00

are carried out professionally and in accordance with the "Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics" of The American Society of Home Inspections, Inc.

SERVICES INCLUDE:
7 days a week inspections
24 hour response time
Flexible scheduling to meet your individual needs
Computer generated reports by next business day
Custom photo presentation of your home
General Liability Insurance
Errors and Omissions Insurance

ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS AVAILABLE:
Mold Air Quality Testing | Radon Gas | Water | Pest
Pool Equipment | Lead Paint | Septic Tanks

SERVING:
Lake Norman Area | Charlotte Metro Area

QUALIFICATIONS:
North Carolina General Contractor License #59071
North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector #2479
A.S.H.I. Membership #246896
ProLab Certified
Charlotte Regional Realtors Assoc. Member #58207
Supra Display Key

Contact

2007-12-26T12:14:00.001-08:00

Keith DiPascal
keith@housedetectiveonline.com
704.942.7146
fax: 704.799.1707

Prices

2007-12-26T12:12:00.001-08:00

BASE PRICE FOR INSPECTIONS

Up to 1500 square feet $250.00
Up to 2000 square feet $290.00
Each additional 500 square feet $25.00

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Over 20 years old $50.00
Over 30 years old $75.00
Over 100 years old $100.00

Radon testing $125.00
Water testing $125.00
Pool equipment testing $25.00
Crawl space $35.00
Additional trips $100.00
Re-inspection 1/2 of original inspection fee
Pest Testing - call for pricing
Mold Testing - call for pricing

Schedule an Inspection

2007-12-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

To schedule an inspection call
704.942.7146

Please have the following information when calling to schedule an inspection:

Property Address
Age of Property
Approximate Square Footage
Type of Foundation
Access Method and Contact Numbers
Real Estate Agent’s Name and Contact Number
Is the property currently occupied?

Preparing for the inspection:

Leave the Utilities Connected
Keep Pilot Lights Ignited
Provide Workspace Around Furnace and Water Heaters
Provide Access to Attic and Garage
Provide Access to Outbuildings and Electrical Boxes
Provide Access to Detached Garages

Please familiarize yourself with our Pre-Inspection Agreement. This agreement will need to be signed and submitted with payment the day of inspection. If you prefer to pay at the closing, we are happy to accommodate this request. However, your credit card information must be obtained the day of inspection to secure payment.

Our Commitment to you:

Upon completion of the inspection, we will prepare a computer generated report with digital photographs for your review. This report will include a detailed summary of our findings and is delivered (via email) within 24 hours after the inspection. An additional copy can also be sent to your agent or closing attorney per your request. We will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding this report.

Services

2007-12-25T15:26:00.000-08:00

Each inspection is carried out professionally and in accordance with the “Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics” of “THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS, INC.”

A typical home inspection will last about three hours. Our services include the following:

Exterior Structure
Wall Structure
Doors and Windows
Roof, Vents, Flashings and Trim
Skylight, Chimney, and other Roof Penetrations
Garage Doors, Safety Sensors, and Openers
Decks, Stoops, Porches, Walkways, and Railings
Exterior Grading and Drainage System
Gutters and Downspouts
Eaves, Soffits and Fascia
Attic, Basement, Foundation and Crawl Space
Water Penetration
Interior Structure
Insulation & Ventilation
Heating Systems
Cooling Systems
Plumbing Fixtures and Faucets
Electrical Services Line and Meter Box
Electrical Panels, Breakers and Fuses
Wiring System
Water Heating System
Kitchen
Built In Appliances
Bathrooms
Floors, Ceilings and Walls
Stairways
And much more…

Additional Services available: Radon gas, Pest, Mold, Lead Paint, Septic Tanks, Well Water Analysis, Pool Equipment.

Please call us for details and pricing: 704.942.7146

Links

2007-12-25T15:23:00.000-08:00

A.S.H.I.
www.ashi.org

Safety Codes
http://www.iccsafe.org

Product Recalls
www.ashi.org/customers/cpsc_recalls.asp

Consumer Alerts
www.ashi.org/customers/alerts.asp

Home Product Recalls
www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html/

Fire Safety
http://www.firesafety.gov

Radon
www.epa.gov/iaq/radon

Mold
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html
www.moldtips.com

Pest & Wood Destroying Organisms
www.pestworld.org/
www.orkin.com/pestlibrary/pestgroup.asp?category=termites

Septic Tanks
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/what_happens_after_the_flush.pdf

Lead Paint
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5054.html

Frequently Asked Questions on Home Inspections

2007-12-25T13:36:00.000-08:00

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.

What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your home inspection report.

Why do I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.

If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing.

Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspected. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use our qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with the state’s regulations, and professional affiliations as a guide. Be sure to check out our pricing page for more details.

Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. We are familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. We also know how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

How do I find a home inspector?
You already have! We offer excellent service to all of our customers 7 days a week. We promise a 24 hour response time and have flexible scheduling to meet your many needs. Please contact us at 704.942.7146 to schedule your inspection today. You can also email us at Keith@housedetectiveonline.com.

When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.

What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.

If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.