Greenpoint Home Inspections

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

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Home Inspection Services in Greenpoint

If you’ve been around the block a few times, then you’ll recognize the need for home inspections. A home inspection protects you the buyer against the obvious problems that every home has. While the inspection is not fool proof, an inspector worth her weight will be able to pinpoint the primary systems that could be ready to become a problem for you as a new buyer. A good inspector will narrow down the probabilities of system failure considerably.

Typically and simply put, a home inspection is a formal professional evaluation of the accessible and visible systems and components of a house (plumbing, heating and cooling, electrical, structure, roof, etc.) and is intended to give the customer a better understanding of the house’s overall condition. Call today to schedule an inspection at 332-334-7701 or Request a Quote. You’ll be glad you made the call.

Typically, the inspection is a homebuyer who requests an inspection of the home they are serious about buying. An inspection of the home provides data points so that decision makers can question or confirm details about the home confirmed or questioned, and can uncover expensive and serious defects that the homeseller may not be aware of. A home inspection is not a property’s appraisal value. The inspection does not point out any repair costs for defects the inspector finds. Similarly, a home inspection makes not claim that the home and its systems complies with building codes or protects a customer in the event something inspected fails in the future.

Side Note: Warranties can be purchased to cover many items.

Greenpoint Home Inspection Specialists

Don’t consider a home inspection as an exhaustive evaluation, but rather property evaluation on the day it is inspected, taking into account normal wear and tear of the home based on age and location. An inspection of the home can also include for extra, Radon testing, pest inspections, pool inspections, water testing, energy audits, and other specific items that may be location-specific.

Home inspections are also paid for (less often) by a seller prior to listing the property to see if there are any hidden problems, and also by home owners simply wanting to keep the home investment value as high as possible, care for their homes, and prevent surprises.

The following are aspects that inspectors pay close attention to during a property inspection:


1. Safety hazards, such as lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), bare electrical wiring in kitchens and bathrooms, no safety railing on decks more than 30 inches off the ground, etc.

2. Things that could lead to major flaws – i.e. a roof leak that could grow, damaged down spouts that could cause backup and water intrusion, or a support beam that was not tied to the structure properly.

3. Major flaws, such as large differential cracks in the foundation; building out of plumb or level; decks not installed or supported correctly, etc. These are items that are expensive to repair, which we classify as systems requiring over two percent of the purchase price to repair.


Your home inspector should be able to counsel you on what to do about these problems. She may recommend a formal evaluation on issues – by licensed or certified professionals who specialize in the problem areas. For instance, your inspector may advise you phone a licensed structural or building engineer if they find sections of the home that are out of alignment, as this could indicate a major structural deficiency and one that might cost thousands to repair.

Home Inspections are just conducted by a buyer once they sign a formal agreement, right?

This is patently false! As you might find whenever you read on, a home inspection may be used for interim inspections in new construction projects, as a maintenance tool by way of a current home owner, a proactive technique by homeowners to make their home more sellable, and by buyers wanting to find out the condition of the potential home.

Sellers, particularly, can take advantage of obtaining a home inspection before listing the home. Here are simply a some of the advantages for the homeowner:


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

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

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

· The homeowner may take the report and ensure it is into an advertising piece for the home.

Why Can't I Perform the Inspection Myself?

Most homebuyers lack the knowledge, skill, and objectivity had a need to inspect a home themselves. In other words, they think they know their homes, but they really don’t. By using the services of a qualified home inspector, they gain a better knowledge of the condition 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” by way of 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 a good idea for you to personally be present through the inspection – whether you’re a buyer, seller, or homeowner. With you there, the inspector can show you any defects and explain their importance as well as point out maintenance features that would be helpful in the future. If you can’t be there, it’s no problem since the report you get is likely to be very detailed. If you are not present, then you should be sure to ask your inspector to spell out anything that is not clear in the report. Also read the inspection agreement carefully so you know what is covered and what’s not covered in the inspection. If you have 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 return after the inspection to show you things, this is arranged and is advisable, however, you could be charged extra since a second walk through not part of the inspection, unless, of course, you make that a part of your home inspection contract

However, it’s very important to let the inspector do the work you’re paying for. We love our customers, but we also know that constant interruptions and interference 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 on the size and condition of the home. You can approximate 1.1 hours for every 1,000 square feet. For instance, a 2,500 square foot home would take about 3 hours. If the inspector also prepares the report at your home, factor in an additional 40-50 minutes. These figures aren’t set in stone because you really want him or her to do a comprehensive job without being hurried.

What About Condo or Townhome Inspections?

Since condominiums are individual units within a single building, owners pay assessments to a also is responsible for maintaining the community boilder or HVAC. In smaller condo buildings, many home owners have their own mini-boiler that acts as the HVAC that a building would normally provide. Home owners are responsible for everything inside the condo including walls, electrical, appliances, plumbing, balconies, and porches. There are fewer items to inspect, but getting an inspection from someone qualified is still important. As you well know, HOAs are a fickle group to be brutally honest. And they’re all very different, even within a city. Ask us about it and we’ll be honest 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.

Greenpoint Inspections Include

The following list is not exhaustive. Not all of these items may be in the inspection you receive, but the inspector will be following a standard checklist for the home:

* Electrical system, panels
* Electrical grounding, GFCI, outlets
* Ducts and distribution systems
* Fireplaces
* Driveways
* Heat controls and pumps
* Kitchen appliances (microwave, range/oven/stovetop/hoods, dishwasher, trash compactor, disposal)
* Laundry appliances (washer and dryer)
* Heating equipment and controls
* Eaves, soffits, and fascias
* Walls, doors, windows, patios, walkways
* Insulation and ventilation systems
* Retaining walls
* Kitchen floors, cabinets, counters
* Roofing, flashings, chimneys, and attic
* Heating and air conditioning
* Ceilings, walls, floors
* Plumbing fixtures and systems
* Safety items such as egress, TPRV valves, railings, etc.
* Masonry
* Windows and window gaskets
* Basement, crawlspaces, and foundation
* Garages, garage walls, floors, and doors

Some tests which aren’t part of the standard inspection sometimes incur an additional fee.

· Swimming Pool and Spa Inspection
· Mold Screening
· Gas Line Leak test
· Septic systems
· Alarm System
· Sprinkler System test
· Water quality test
· Termite Inspection
· Radon gas test

Why Should I Obtain a Home Inspection?

Your home has a large number of systems and over 10,000 parts – from cooling and heating to ventilation and to appliances. When appliances and systems interact with each another seamlessly, all is well with the world. Weak links in the machinery, however, can produce assorted problems resulting in a loss in value and shortened component lifecycle. Would you buy a used car without a reputable and qualified mechanic taking a look at it? Your house is far more complex, and to have a thorough inspection that is documented in a report arms you with substantial information which to make informed decisions.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Usually Run?

This is the first question asked but the answer tells the least about the caliber of the inspection. Fees are based according to size, age and some other aspects of the home. Inspection fees from a professional professional home inspector generally start under $350. An average fee for a twenty one hundred sq.ft. house nationally is about $300-$450 for just the inspection. In the Bronx neighborhoods, it will probably run you an additional 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 a Claremont Home Inspection

Plenty of people think that everything is inspected complete on inspection day. This misunderstanding is mainly responsible for many a homebuyer for being upset with their inspector. The inspections we all do are not exhaustive and there is a acceptable reason for this.

In case you hired individual licensed experts in heating, engineering, plumbing, electrical, etc to examine your own home, it will take about 14 hours and cost you about two grand! It is much more practical to use an expert inspector who’s a general information about home systems, knows things to look for, and can recommend further inspection by an experienced if needed. Your inspector can be following very specific guidelines issued by national or state organizations as he/she inspects your home. The guidelines are written in order to protect both the home as well as the inspector.

Here are some examples, we’re told to NOT turn systems on if these were off during the inspection (for safety reasons); we are really not capable to move furniture (might harm something); a no-no to turn on water if it’s off (possible flooding), and a no-no to interrupt through the sealed attic hatch (possible damage). Obviously of your practice is the fact that by not operating a control, by not seeing beneath the furniture, and failing to get in to the crawlspace or attic, we’re going to might miss identifying a problem. However, place into perspective, the chances of missing something serious for that reason is quite low. There are additional things that about 94% of inspectors consider outside a typical inspection, and these include inspecting most things that are not bolted down (installed from the home) such as electronics, low voltage lighting, space heaters, portable air conditioners, or specialized systems such as water purifiers, security systems, etc.

Greenpoint Home Inspection Experts

If you are searching for a professional, reliable, and affordable home, condo, or townhome inspection in Greenpoint, look no further. We know you have choices and we’d be honored to send one of our inspectors out to inspect your property. We’re committed to getting the job done right and making you happy. Call or email one of our staff now (332-334-7701 or Request a Quote) to book an appointment.

Customer Reviews

You got me! I did my own walk through of the property, and yet you found four additional items that needed fixed before we made an offer. Great job. I'm humbled. Thanks
Mike P., Greenpoint
Builder
Just what I needed. Thanks. You guys are life savers. I'm passing on that property based on the owner's unwillingness to make updates. That's a whole lot better than the alternative. Thanks again!
Robi D., Greenpoint
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SERVICE AREAS

Melrose, Mott Haven, Port Morris, Hunts Point, Longwood, Claremont, Concourse Village, Crotona Park, Morrisania, Concourse, Highbridge, Olinville, Wakefield, Williamsbridge, Woodlawn Heights, Home inspections NYC, The Bronx

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