Allerton – Home Inspections New York City

Allerton Home Inspections

Licensed, professional home inspectors serving the Allerton (Bronx) neighborhood, offering a broad range of services for our residential customers.

Home Inspection Services in Allerton

If you have been around as long as I have, then you’ll recognize the need for home inspections. A quality home inspection protects you the prospective home owner against the obvious problems that every home has. While the inspection is not fool proof, an inspector worth his/her weight in gold will be able to pinpoint the major systems that could be ready to become a problem for you as a new buyer. A good inspector will narrow down the possibilities of system failure greatly.

Simply put, a home inspection in Allerton is a formal professional evaluation of the visible and accessible components and systems of a home (electrical, plumbing, roofing, heating and cooling, structure, etc.) and is meant to give the client a clearer understanding of the house’s general condition. Call today to schedule an inspection at 332-334-7701 or Request a Quote. You’ll be glad you made the call.

Most often, it is a buyer who requests an inspection of the home they are serious about purchasing. An inspection of the home provides data points so that decisions about the purchase can be confirmed or questioned, and can uncover expensive-to-repair and serious defects that the seller/owner may not be aware of. A home inspection is not a property’s appraisal value. The inspection does not address the cost of repairs for defects the inspector finds. Similarly, an inspection of the home makes not claim that the home and its systems complies with building codes or protects a client in the event something inspected fails.

Side note: You can buy warranties for several key items in the house.

Allerton Home Inspection Specialists

Don’t consider a home inspection as a complete evaluation, but rather property evaluation at this point in time, taking into account normal wear and tear of the home based on age and location. An inspection of the home can also include for a little extra of course, Radon gas testing, water testing, energy audits, pest inspections, pool inspections and other specific items that may be location-specific.

Home inspections are also done (less often) by a homeseller prior to listing the property to see if there are any hidden problems that they are unaware of, and also by home owners simply wishing to keep the home investment value as high as possible, care for their homes, and prevent surprises.

The following are areas that inspectors pay close attention to when inspecting your property:

1. Safety hazards, such as lack of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters), bare electrical wiring in bathrooms and kitchens, lack of safety railing on decks more than 30 inches off the ground, etc.

2. Things that could lead to major defects – i.e. damaged downspouts that could cause backup and water intrusion, a roof leak that could get bigger, or a support beam that was not tied in to the structure properly.

3. Major defects, such as large cracks in the foundation; building out of plumb or level; decks not installed or supported properly, and others. These items are costly to repair, which are systems needing over 2% of the buy price to repair.

Your inspector will advise you on what to do about these problems. He/she may recommend an evaluation on more matters – by certified and/or licensed professionals who specialize in the problem areas. For example, your inspector will advise you phone a licensed structural or building engineer if they find sections of the property that are out of alignment, as this could indicate a serious structural problem and one that might cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Home Inspections are just done by a buyer after he or she signs a formal contract, right?

This is simply not true! As you might find once you keep reading, a home inspection can be used for interim inspections in new construction projects, as a maintenance tool with a current home owner, a proactive technique by sellers to make their home more sellable, and by buyers wanting to determine the situation of the potential home.

Home owners, specifically, can benefit from obtaining a home inspection before listing the home. Here are just a some of the advantages for the homeowner:

· The homeowner knows your home! The home inspector will have a way to have answers to his/her questions on the annals of any problems they find.

· A home inspection may help the homeowner be much more objective as it pertains to setting a fair price on the home.

· The homeowner usually takes the report and allow it to be into an advertising piece for the home.

· The homeowner will soon be alerted to any safety issues found in the house before they open it up for open house tours.

· The homeowner could make repairs leisurely instead of being in a rush following the contract is signed.

Can I Perform the Inspection Myself?

Yes, you can certainly do the inspection yourself, but why would you?

Most homebuyers lack the information, skill, and objectivity needed seriously to inspect a property themselves. In other words, they think they know their homes, but they really don’t. Utilizing the services of a professional home inspector, they gain an improved knowledge of the situation of the property; especially whether any items don’t “abjectly affect the home’s living space” or “function as intended” or “warrant more detailed attention” with a qualified specialist. Remember that the home inspector is a generalist and is broadly trained in every home system.

Should I Be There at the Inspection?

It’s recommended for you to be present throughout the inspection – whether you’re a buyer, seller, or homeowner. With you there, the inspector can explain to you any defects and explain their importance along with point out maintenance features that would be helpful in the future. In the event that you can’t be there, it is no problem since the report you obtain will soon be very detailed. If you’re not present, then you ought to be sure to ask your inspector to spell out anything that’s unclear in the report. Also see the inspection agreement carefully so you know what is covered and what’s not covered in the inspection. When there is a trouble with the inspection or the report, you need to raise the problems quickly by calling the inspector, usually within 24 hours. If you would like the inspector to go back following the inspection to show you things, this can be arranged and is a good idea, however, you could be charged extra since it’s not part of the inspection, unless, of course, you make that a part of your agreement

However, it’s very important for you to let the inspector do the work you’re paying for. We love our clients, but we also know that constant interruptions and interference (some might even call it nagging) make the process unnecessarily slow. Write down your questions and ask them after the inspector has presented you with a detailed report.

How Long Does the Inspection Take?

This depends upon the size and condition of the home. You can approximate 1.3 hours for every thousand sq. ft. For example, a twenty five hundred sq.ft. home would take approx. 3 hours. If the company also writes the report at your home, that will take an additional 60 minutes. These numbers aren’t set in stone because you really want her or him to do a comprehensive job without being rushed.

What About Condo or Townhome Inspections?

Since condos are units within a single building, homeowners pay assessments to a also is on the hook for maintaining the HVAC. In smaller condo buildings, many home owners have their own boiler that acts as the HVAC that a building would normally provide. Home owners are responsible for everything inside the unit including electrical, plumbing, porches, balconies, appliances, and walls. There are less items to inspect, but getting an inspection from someone who knows what they’re doing is still critical. As you know well, Home Owners Associations are a fickle bunch to be brutally honest. And they’re all very different, even within a neighborhood. Ask us about our policy and we’ll be blunt with you. If we can inspect your unit, we’ll do it; if we can’t, we’ll also let you know. We believe honesty is always the best policy and we live by it.

Allerton Inspections Include

The following list is not exhaustive. Not all of these may be in the inspection you receive, but the inspector will follow a standard checklist for the property:
· Grading and site drainage
· Driveways
· Entry steps, hand rails
· Decks
· Bricks, masonry
· Landscape
· Roofing system
· Soffits, eaves, and fascias
· Walls, doors, windows, patios, walkways
· Garage doors, walls, and floors
· Kitchen appliances (stove top, oven, disposal, trash compactor, dishwasher, microwave)
· Laundry appliances (washer and dryer) if being sold with the house
· Floors, walls, ceilings
· Kitchen cabinets, counters, and floors
· Windows
· Indoor doors and hardware
· Electrical system, panels
· Electrical grounding, GFCI, outlets
· Ventilation systems and Insulation
· Heating controls and equipment
· Distribution systems and ducts
· Fireplaces
· Air Conditioning and controls
· Safety items such as railings, TPR valves, egress, etc.

Other tests which aren’t part of the original inspection usually require an additional fee.
· Radon Gas Test
· Water Quality Test
· Termites
· Gas Line Leak Test
· Sprinkler System Test
· Swimming Pool and Spa Inspection
· Mold Screening
· Septic systems
· Alarm System

Why Should I Obtain a Home Inspection?

Your home has dozens of systems and more than 10,000 parts – from cooling and heating to ventilation systems and to appliances. When these systems and appliances interact, all is right with the world. Weak links in the system, however, can produce assorted problems ultimately causing a loss in value and shortened component lifecycle. Would you get a used car with out a reputable mechanic taking a look under its hood? Your home is far more complex, and to truly have a thorough inspection that’s documented in a report arms you with substantial information which to make informed decisions.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Usually Run?

That is often the first question asked but the clear answer tells minimal about the caliber of the inspection. Fees are based based on size, age and many other facets of the home. Inspection fees from an avowed professional home inspector generally start over $350. An average fee for a two thousand sq.ft. unit nationally is about $300-$500 for just the initial inspection. In New York, it’ll probably run you an additional 25-35% or more. But consider what you are getting for that premium. Who can put a price tag on peace of mind?

What is NOT Included in an Allerton Home Inspection

Plenty of people believe the entire home is inspected comprehensive on inspection day. This misunderstanding is mainly responsible for many a homebuyer to become upset utilizing their inspector. The inspections we all do usually are not exhaustive and there is a justification for this.

If you hired separate licensed experts in cooling and heating, engineering, plumbing, electrical, etc to inspect the home, it will take about 14 hours and cost you around two grand! It is a bit more practical to rent an expert inspector who’s a general knowledge of home systems, knows what to consider, and can suggest further inspection by an expert if needed. Your inspector is also following very specific guidelines issued by state or national organizations as he/she inspects your home. These guidelines are carefully written to safeguard both your property and the inspector.

For instance, I am instructed to NOT turn systems on if these were off at the time of the inspection (for safety reasons); we are not capable to move furniture (might harm something); unacceptable to turn on water whether it’s off (possible flooding), and unacceptable to get rid of via a sealed attic hatch (possible damage). The side effects of this practice is that by not operating a control, by not seeing below the furniture, and not receiving into the attic or crawlspace, we might miss identifying a problem. However, put into perspective, the prospect of missing something serious therefore is pretty low. There are other items which 96% of inspectors consider outside a typical inspection, including inspecting most things that aren’t bolted down (installed inside the home) for example electronics, low voltage lighting, space heaters, portable air conditioners, or specialized systems for example water purifiers, alarm systems, etc.

Living in Allerton

New Yorkers who have moved out of Manhattan, Brooklyn and parts of Queens have discovered that the Bronx offers a different kind of affordable housing than their counterparts in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Bronx has the highest median household income in New York City, but it is also home to some of the lowest-income neighborhoods in the country, which are littered with vacancies.

According to the New York Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are only about 1,500 affordable housing units in the Bronx, up from about 2,000 in 2010. The neighborhood is predominantly Hispanic, predominantly south of Allerton Avenue in Bronxwood, and predominantly black to the north and south.

The Bronx is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City, still full of nightlife, shopping and everything you could want to see in the city. The neighborhood is great because it is close to the Bronx River and has access to a variety of restaurants, bars, shops and restaurants.

The Southeast neighborhood is convenient because it is connected to Manhattan and Queens by five bridges, so if you have a car, you can easily avoid all of this by being north of Bronx Park. The park is popular, but the surrounding neighborhoods like Pelham Bay get less attention than other areas in the Bronx, “Werdane said.

If you plan to commute to Manhattan or other areas of New York, Woodlawn offers a great alternative to Riverdale, which has access to the North Subway, the subway and the Hudson River Bridge. The Country Club is close enough to Grand Central Terminal to easily transfer to the 6 line and commute to Manhattan, so that won’t be a problem. It takes about 40 minutes to Midtown by subway, while the North subway takes 20 minutes to Grand Central.

If you’re looking for a great place to start a family, check out the Country Club for affordable housing options. NYC trains with public parking and access, and access to the Hudson River Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge.

The border begins in the north and runs clockwise along the Brooklyn-Queens border and between Queens and the Bronx. In 1896, Brooklyn had 1.2 million residents in Kings County, which is now one of the most densely populated counties in the United States. The border was the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Kill Devil Hills Road in Brooklyn, New York, NY. Clockwise from south to north, the boundaries run between the Bronx and Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Queensboro Bridge. Starting from north to south, the clockwork moved, and beginning from east to west, these boundaries were the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, and Brooklyn Heights.

With several subway stations in the area, residents can easily travel between Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Morris Park is a stop on the 2 and 5 trains that run from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Just a short walk from Queens Boulevard and Kill Devil Hills Road subway station, it is one of the most popular destinations in the entire Queens neighborhood.

Greg Kochanov, owner of Moda Realty, says 80 percent of apartments in Riverdale are community-built, solid financiers offer parking and prices that are reasonable compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn. There are decent areas mixed with bad ones, but again, delivering something every day should not be a problem. Housing costs are not too high compared to other neighborhoods in the Bronx, and shops close after closing.

If you’re looking for a safe and affordable place to live in the Bronx, check out these five neighborhoods. Brick Underground spoke with Garcia, a real estate agent, about the neighborhoods to consider in this Bronx. Here we have arranged from north to south and observed the three areas mentioned: Riverdale, East Elmhurst, West End and East New York.

Friedman Realty helps find properties and properties in East Elmhurst, Riverdale and East New York, as well as in the Bronx. Amherst officials said they are offering $1,500 per square foot for a property that likely consists of about 0.5 acres.

The crime rate in the Bronx is slightly higher than in other areas of New York, which may be why housing costs are slightly lower than in other neighborhoods on this list. Crime rates in the Bronx are likely to be part of the reason why it’s a very high crime rate community, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice. This makes it a place where, relative to other communities in America, people are at greater risk of being victims of violence or property crime by population size. In fact, the average rate of violent and property crime in the Bronx was 1.38 in 2013, up from 0.67 in 2010 and 1 in 2009.

The Allerton Property Inspection Experts

If you are searching for a affordable, reliable, and professional town home, condo, or home inspection in Allerton, your search is over. We know you have choices and we would be happy to send out one of our inspectors to inspect your property. We are committed to getting the job done right and making you happy. E-mail or phone one of our staff members today (332-334-7701 or Request a Quote) to book an appointment.

Customer Reviews

Moving and packing and uprooting the family is stressful enough. Fortunately, you helped us with those two inspections. We're glad we spent the extra money on the second. We settle on it tomorrow!

Kathy R., Allerton

Plus size model

I have to say, I'm impressed. so much went into your inspection report makes me think I'm in the wrong business! Thanks for your work. We move in 2 weeks.

Emma B., Allerton

Accountant

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(332) 334-7701