Highbridge – Home Inspections New York City

Home and Condo Inspections in Highbridge

Licensed and professional home inspection specialists serving the Highbridge (Bronx) neighborhood (and others), offering a wide range of services for our residential clients.

Home Inspection Services in Highbridge

If you’ve been around the block a few times, then you’ll understand 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 her weight in gold will be able to identify the major components that could be ready to become a problem for you as a new buyer. A great inspector will narrow down the probabilities of system failure considerably.

Typically, a home inspection is a formal professional evaluation of the accessible and visible components and systems of your home in Highbridge (heating and cooling, electrical, roofing, plumbing, roofing, structure, etc.) and should give the client a better understanding of the house’s overall state.

Call today to book an appointment at 332-334-7701 or Request a Quote. You’ll be glad you made the call.

More often than not, the inspection is a buyer who requests an inspection of the home they are serious about purchasing. A home inspection delivers data points so that decision makers can question or confirm details about the home confirmed or questioned, and can uncover expensive-to-repair and serious defects that the homeseller may not be aware of. It is not an appraisal of the property’s value. The inspection does not address any repair costs for defects the inspector finds. Similarly, it makes not claim that the home and its systems complies with local code or protects a client in the event an item inspected fails in the future.

Side note: Warranties may be bought to cover many items.

Highbridge Home Inspection Specialists

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

Home inspections are also used (less often) by a home seller before putting the property on the market to see if there are any hidden problems that they are unaware of, and also by owners simply wanting to care for their homes, prevent surprises, and keep the home investment value as high as possible

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

1. Safety hazards, such as no safety railing on decks above 30 inches, lack of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters), exposed wiring in bathrooms and kitchens, etc.

2. Major defects, such as large cracks in the home’s foundation; structure out of plumb or level; decks not supported or installed properly, etc. These items are pricey to repair, which are entire systems requiring more than two percent of the purchase price to fix.

3. Things that could lead to serious defects – i.e., a beam that was not tied in to the structure properly, a roof flashing leak that could get bigger, or damaged down spouts that could cause backup and water intrusion.

Your home inspector should be able to counsel you about what to do about these areas of concern. He/she may recommend a formal evaluation on serious matters – by certified and/or licensed professionals who specialize in the defect areas. For instance, your inspector may advise you phone a licensed building engineer if he/she finds areas of the property that are out of alignment, as this could indicate a major structural deficiency.

Home inspections are just performed by a buyer after he or she signs a formal agreement, right?

This is not true! As you will discover whenever you continue reading, a home inspection can be used for ad hoc inspections in new construction, as a maintenance tool by a current homeowner, a proactive technique by homeowners to make their property more sellable, and by buyers wanting to ascertain the problem of the potential home.

Homeowners, specifically, can benefit from obtaining a home inspection before listing the home. Here are only a few of the advantages for the homeowner:

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

· A home inspection will 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 is going to be alerted to any safety issues found in the home before they open it up for open house tours.

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

Can I Perform the Inspection Myself?

Most homebuyers lack the data, skill, and objectivity needed seriously 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 understanding of the problem of the property; especially whether any items do not “abjectly affect the home’s living space” or “work as intended” or “warrant more detailed attention” by a qualified specialist. Understand that the home inspector is just a generalist and is broadly been trained in every home system.

Should I Be There at the Inspection?

It’s recommended for you to be present through the inspection – whether you are a home buyer, seller, or homeowner. With you there, the inspector can explain to you any defects and explain their importance in addition to explain maintenance features that would be helpful in the future. If you can’t be there, it is not a problem since the report you receive is going to be very detailed. If you’re not present, then you need to be sure to ask your inspector to describe anything that’s unclear in the report. Also browse the inspection agreement carefully so you know what is covered and what is not covered in the inspection. If there is a problem with the inspection or the report, you must raise the issues quickly by calling the inspector, usually within 24 hours. If you would like the inspector to come back after the inspection to show you things, this is often arranged and is recommended, however, you could be charged extra since a second walkthrough 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 job 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 inspection painfully slow. Jot 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 condition and size of the home. You can usually figure a little more than an hour for every thousand sq. ft. For instance, a 2600 sq. ft. home would take approx. 3 hours. If the inspector also produces the report while in your home, that will take an additional 40-50 minutes. These numbers are not set in stone because you really want her or him to do a thorough inspection without feeling rushed.

What About Condo or Townhome Inspections?

Since condos are units within a single building, owners pay an assessment fee to a also is on the hook for maintaining the HVAC. In smaller condo buildings, many owners have their own boiler that acts as the HVAC that a building would normally provide. Owners are responsible for everything inside the condo unit including electrical, plumbing, porches, balconies, appliances, and walls. There are less items to inspect, but getting an inspection from someone qualified is still important. As you know well, HOAs are a fickled lot to be brutally honest. And they’re all so very different, even within a neighborhood. Ask us about our policy 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.

Average Highbridge Inspection Includes

The following list is not exhaustive. Not all of these may be in the inspection you get, but the inspector will follow a standardized checklist for the property:

· Electrical system and panels
· Electrical grounding, GFCI, outlets
· Ducts and distribution systems
· Fireplaces
· Parking areas on the property
· Heat pumps and controls
· Kitchen appliances (microwave, trash compactor, range/oven, dishwasher, disposal)
· Laundry appliances (washer and dryer)
· Heating equipment and controls
· Drainage and grading
· Eaves, soffits, and fascias
· Windows, doors, patios, walkways, walls
· Insulation and ventilation systems
· Landscaping
· Retaining walls
· Kitchen floors, cabinets, counters
· Windows and window gaskets
· Air Conditioning and controls
· Interior doors and hardware
· Floors, walls, ceilings
· Safety items such as railings, TPR valves, egress, etc.
· Bricks, masonry
· Entry stairs, handrails
· Decks
· Plumbing systems and fixtures
· Garages, garage walls, floors, and doors

Other items that are not a part of the normal inspection is added on an additional charge:

· Gas Line Leak Test
· Swimming Pool and Spa Inspection
· Water Quality Test
· Mold Screening
· Sprinkler System Test
· Septic systems
· Radon Gas Test
· Termite Inspection

Why Should I Obtain a Home Inspection?

Your new home has lots of systems and more than 9800 moving parts – from cooling and heating to ventilation and to appliances. When appliances and systems interact with each another seamlessly, all is right with the world. Weak links in the machinery, however, can produce assorted problems leading to a loss in value and shortened system lifecycle. Would you get a used car with no reputable and qualified mechanic taking a look at it? Your home is far more complex, and to really have a thorough inspection that’s documented in a written report arms you with substantial information where to create informed decisions.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Usually Cost?

That is often the first question asked but the clear answer tells minimal about the caliber of the inspection. Fees are based in accordance with size, age and some other aspects of the home. Inspection fees from an avowed professional home inspector generally start under $350. The average price for a 2,100 square foot unit around the country is approximately $350-$475 for just the initial inspection. In Bronx neighborhoods, it’ll probably run you an additional 25%.

What is NOT Included in a Highbridge Property Inspection

Plenty of people feel that all things are inspected complete on inspection day. This misunderstanding has caused many a homebuyer to generally be upset utilizing their inspector. The inspections we do aren’t exhaustive and there is a justified reason for this.

For those who hire separate licensed experts in hvac, plumbing, electrical, engineering, etc. to inspect the house, it will take about fifteen hours and run you around two grand! It is much more practical to get a professional inspector who has a general understanding of home systems, knows excellent customer service, and can suggest 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 meticulously written in order to protect both your home and also the inspector.

For instance, I am instructed to not turn systems on if they were off prior to the inspection (for safety reasons); we are not allowed to move furniture (might harm something); banned to show on water if it’s off (possible flooding), and banned to interrupt by way of a sealed attic hatch (possible damage). The downside with this practice is by not operating a control, by not seeing under the furniture, and failing to get into the attic or crawlspace, we are going to might miss identifying a problem. However, placed in perspective, the odds of missing something serious therefore is very low. There are more products which 96% of inspectors consider outside a standard inspection, and these include inspecting most things that aren’t bolted down (installed inside the home) like electronics, reduced voltage lighting, space heaters, portable air conditioning, or specialized systems like water purifiers, alarm systems, etc.

Life in Highbridge

Highbridge’s long isolation as an enclave of the Bronx may be nearing its end, but it is a mixed blessing for its residents. Highbridge High School, the city’s only public high school, is set to reopen next year after being closed since the early 1970s.

The Bronx is the hungriest borough in New York, with one in four residents suffering from food insecurity in 2018, according to federal data analyzed by Hunger-Free America. An estimated 32% of Bronx residents live below the poverty line, compared to the national average of 25%, and one in eight (13%) are unemployed, compared to the city’s average unemployment rate of 9% and the state’s median income of $25,000.

Before we get into the full breakdown, it is important to note that there are more than 50 neighborhoods in the Bronx, and if you plan to move, you will of course want to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences. Of course, each Bronx neighborhood has its own characteristics, so we’ll explore some of the best neighborhoods in the borough, so it’s easier to get a sense of which neighborhood you’ll feel most comfortable in. Typically, those who want to live in Manhattan are happy with the West Bronx – but we can’t cover everyone.

The analysis by NeighborhoodScout shows that this neighborhood is characterized by its uniqueness and mobility among its residents. There are also a variety of parks, schools do well, and the neighborhood is often considered the cleanest in the Bronx. As if that wasn’t enough, Street Advisor has rated it as “the best neighborhood in the Bronx,” while DNA Info has ranked it as the best neighborhood in New York City with the highest quality of life. As if that wasn’t enough for you, it’s the safest neighborhood in the Bronx, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

It’s also worth noting that Mott Haven once had a reputation for being a bit rough. For what it’s worth, DNA Info has lumped Riverdale in with the top 10 neighborhoods in New York, while Street Advisor and NeighborhoodScout rank it as the best neighborhood in the Bronx with high quality of life and low crime rate.

Kingsbridge, which includes Kingsbridge Heights and Van Cortlandt Village, as well as parts of Mott Haven, Riverdale and the East End of the Bronx.

The first populated West Bronx was annexed to New York City in 1874, has hilly terrain and is much more urban, and has been annexed to New York City since 1895. The northeast Bronx and southeast Bronx can be further divided by the Pelham Parkway and the eastern Bronx by the Bronx River. It has escaped gentrification, but is isolated from the rest of the city by its proximity to the Hudson River and its high-speed rail lines.

Hunts Point is just outside Mott Haven and represents about a third of the Bronx’s total population of 1.5 million, but it is actually sixth in Bronx DNA Info. Although the road to the top is not as easy as in other neighborhoods, Throgs Neck makes it into the top 10 of New York’s top 10 neighborhoods after commuting time, while it makes the top 30 among New York’s neighborhoods. It is actually the second and most congested neighborhood in the city, just behind the Upper East Side. Hunts Point is at the bottom of the list of the most populated neighborhoods in New York City in terms of commuting time, just behind Mott Haven.

Although the West Bronx is closer to Manhattan, the journey is manageable for parts of the East Bronx, as the ferry service to Soundview has been reduced from almost two hours to 45 minutes and ferry connections to the Bronx Ferry Terminal have been reduced. Riverdale sits overlooking the northernmost point of the West Bronx, which can make transit to Midtown a problem. Irish Town offers great views of the pre-air conditioned New York City and the city skyline.

This section of the Bronx has been the focus of urban regeneration in recent years as the city is ravaged by the effects of Hurricane Sandy and other natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. At the same time, this area has a number of high-quality restaurants, shops and restaurants, as well as a variety of retail outlets, with low rents. It has also earned a reputation as one of the most affordable neighborhoods in New York City, with affordable housing available for all income levels.

Community leaders and health experts told ABC News that it will take time to decipher exactly why the Bronx suffers so disproportionately, but Bronx residents are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Gibson pointed to recently released data from the city’s health department showing that Highbridge-Morrisania in the South Bronx has the most cases in the county. CITY spoke to those affected that precautions against coronavirus have not changed in their community and that, while they have not seen a significant increase in deaths or diseases due to their development, they have changed their policies and practices.

The Best Highbridge Property Inspection Experts

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

Customer Reviews

Good show! Wonderful team from the first time I called. Answered my questions and a tech was out within a week. Superb report we received. Thanks.

Teresa M., Highbridge

Proposal writer

Loved the hat the tech wore. My kinda guy. Thanks for going over in such short notice. Great report. Owner will be repairing about 40% of those items. Saved me a bundle really.

Marcia H., Highbridge

Occupational Therapist

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(332) 334-7701