Norwood – Home Inspections New York City

Norwood Home Inspections

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

Home Inspection Services in Norwood

If you have been around, then you’ll know all about home inspections. A detailed home inspection protects you the prospective homeowner against those obvious problems that every home has. While the inspection is not fool proof, an inspector worth his or her weight will be able to identify the major components that could be ready to become a problem for you as a new home owner. A competent inspector will narrow down the probabilities of system failure greatly.

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

Typically, it is a buyer who asks for a formal evaluation of the home’s condition he or she is serious about purchasing. An inspection of the home provides data so that decisions about the purchase can be questioned or confirmed, and can uncover expensive-to-repair and serious defects that the seller/owner may not be aware of. It is not an appraisal of the property’s value. The inspection does not point out 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.

Note: You can purchase warranties to cover several items in the house.

Norwood Home Inspection Specialists

Don’t consider a home inspection as an exhaustive evaluation, but rather property evaluation on the day it is inspected, considering normal wear and tear of the home based on age and location. A home inspection can also include for extra, pool inspections, water testing, Radon gas testing, pest inspections, energy audits, and 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, and also by homeowners simply wanting to prevent surprises, and keep the home investment value high, and care for their homes.

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

1. Safety hazards, such as lack of safety railing on decks above 30 inches, lack of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters), exposed electrical wiring in kitchens and bathrooms, etc.

2. Serious flaws, such as large differential cracks in the home’s foundation; building out of level or plumb; decks not installed or supported correctly, etc. These items are expensive to repair, which are items requiring more than 2% of the purchase price to repair.

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

Your inspector will advise you on what you should do about these areas of concern. He may recommend an evaluation on serious issues – by licensed or certified professionals who are specialists in the problem areas. For instance, your inspector may recommend you phone a licensed structural or building engineer if he/she finds sections of the home that are misaligned, as this could indicate a serious structural problem.

Home inspections are only conducted by a buyer when they sign a formal agreement, right?

This is not true! As you will discover whenever you continue reading, a home inspection may be used for interim inspections in new construction, as a maintenance tool with a current home owner, a proactive technique by homeowners to create their property more sellable, and by buyers wanting to find out the problem of the potential home.

Sellers, specifically, can take advantage of getting a home inspection before listing the home. Here are simply a few of the advantages for the home owner:

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

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

· The home owner may take the report and ensure it is into a marketing piece for the home.

· A home inspection can help the home owner become more objective as it pertains to setting a reasonable price on the home.

Can I Perform the Inspection Myself?

You most certainly could do it yourself, but why would you?

Most homebuyers lack the information, skill, and objectivity needed to inspect a house 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 problem of the property; especially whether any items don’t “abjectly affect the home’s living space” or “work as intended” or “warrant more detailed attention” with a qualified specialist. Understand that the home inspector is really a generalist and is broadly been trained in every home system.

Should I Be There For the Inspection?

It’s a good idea for you to personally be present through the inspection – whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, or homeowner. With you there, the inspector can show you any defects and explain their importance along with explain maintenance features that would be helpful in the future. In the event that you can’t be there, it is no problem because the report you receive is likely to 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 browse the inspection agreement carefully which means you understand what is covered and what is not covered in the inspection. When there is a problem with the inspection or the report, you need to raise the difficulties quickly by calling the inspector, usually within 24 hours. If you want the inspector to go back following the inspection to show you things, this is arranged and is a good idea, however, the inspector could charge you extra since it’s not part of the inspection, unless, of course, you make that a part of your contract

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

How Long Does the Inspection Take?

This depends upon the condition and size of the entire home. You can usually figure 1.2 hours for every thousand sq. ft. For instance, a twenty five hundred square foot house would take around 3 hours. If the company also prepares the report while in your home, factor in an additional sixty minutes. These numbers are not set in stone because you really want her or him to do a comprehensive inspection without being rushed.

What About Condo or Townhome Inspections?

Since condos are units within a single building, homeowners pay an assessment fee to a also is responsible for maintaining the HVAC. In smaller condo buildings, many home owners have their own boiler that suffices for the HVAC that a building would normally provide. Home owners are responsible for everything inside the unit including porches, electrical, balconies, walls, and appliances. There are fewer items to inspect, but getting an inspection from someone qualified is still a must. As you know well, HOAs are a fickled lot, to be 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.

A Norwood Inspection Includes the following:

The following list (of systems and inspection items) is not exhaustive. Not all of these items may be in the inspection you get, but the inspector will be following a standard check list for the home:

· Heating and air conditioning
· Heat pumps and controls
· Kitchen appliances (microwave, trash compactor, range/oven, dishwasher, disposal)
· Laundry appliances (dryer and washer)
· Walls, doors, windows, patios, walkways
· Window systems
· Eaves, soffits, and fascias
· Grading and site drainage
· Ventilation systems and Insulation
· Grass, bushes, trees, shrubs
· Retaining walls
· Heating controls and equipment
· Ducts and distribution systems
· Fireplaces
· Driveway
· Indoor doors and hardware
· Roofing system
· Safety items such as TPRV valves, railings, egress etc.
· Ceilings, walls, floors
· Handrails, entry stairs

· Masonry
· Foundation, basement, and crawlspaces
· Garage doors, walls, and floor
· Plumbing systems and fixtures
· Electrical system and panels
· Electrical grounding, GFCI, outlets
· Smoke detectors

Other items aren’t a portion of the average inspection is generally added on 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 dozens of systems and more than 10,000 moving parts – from heating and cooling to ventilation systems and to appliances. When appliances and systems interact, all is right with the world. Weak links in the system, however, can produce assorted problems leading to a loss in value and shortened system/component lifecycle. Would you get a used car with out a reputable and qualified mechanic taking a look under its hood? Your house is far more complicated, and to truly have a thorough inspection that’s documented in a written report arms you with substantial information to make informed decisions.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Usually Run?

This is the first question asked but the solution tells the least about the caliber of the inspection. Fees are based in accordance with size, age and many other aspects of the home. Inspection fees from a certified professional home inspector generally start over $350. A typical fee for a 2000 square foot house nationally is somewhere in the neighborhood of $325-$475 for just the initial inspection. In the Bronx neighborhoods, it’ll probably be an additional 20-30%. But think about what you’re getting for that price. Who can put a price on peace of mind?

What is NOT Included in a Norwood Property Inspection

Most of the people believe that the entire home is inspected comprehensive on inspection day. This misunderstanding is responsible for many a homebuyer to generally be upset using their inspector. The inspections we do aren’t exhaustive and there is a acceptable reason for this.

If you hired separate licensed experts in cooling and heating, electrical, plumbing, engineering, etc. to examine the home, it would take about 15 hours and run you about $2000! It is more practical (and affordable) to hire an experienced inspector who’s a general understanding of home systems, knows things to look for, and can recommend 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. The guidelines are written in order to protect both your home and also the inspector.

For example, we have been told to NOT turn systems on if these were off during the time of the inspection (for safety reasons); we are not allowed to move furniture (might harm something); unacceptable to make on water when it is off (possible flooding), and unacceptable to sneak through the sealed attic hatch (possible damage). The negative effects of the practice is the fact by not operating a control, by not seeing beneath the furniture, and not receiving into your crawlspace or attic, we are going to might miss identifying a problem. However, put in perspective, the prospect of missing something serious because of this is pretty low. There are more items which about 94% of inspectors consider outside an ordinary inspection, including inspecting most things who are not bolted down (installed while in the home) such as electronics, reduced voltage lighting, space heaters, portable air conditioning units, or specialized systems such as water purifiers, alarm systems, etc.

Living in Norwood

The Bronx may not be known as New York’s most glamorous district, but a drive through the northernmost part of the city reveals signs of renewal and development that would have been almost unthinkable just a few years ago. The gentrification wave that swept through Harlem is finally reaching the Bronx. Located in the western part of the Bronx, the neighborhood houses some of the most affordable apartments in New York City, as well as a number of quality restaurants, bars and shops. On the corner of Broadway and Park Avenue, south of Grand Central Terminal, is a neighborhood known for decades as Norwood, because it is located near Central Park in Manhattan. You feel like the neighborhood feels cramped – tight knit, and you feel like you’re in the heart of New York’s liveliest, liveliest, liveliest neighborhood.

However, there are fewer purchases, and those of us who live in the Bronx and work in Manhattan would prefer to continue on public transportation, as depending on the neighborhood, the Metro-North subway will quickly bring you into the city. Just think of the road parking regulations and the convenience of driving huge trucks through Norwood, not to mention navigating the crazy traffic of New York. If you go shopping in Norwoods, you will probably have to go shopping; just like in New York City.

Wherever you live, make sure you protect your apartment and your prospective tenant’s insurance in the Bronx. For more tips on moving to New York, check out our New York moving guide to survive your move by going crazy and finding an apartment in New York. If you’re still unsure which neighborhoods are around you, check out the New York City guide to explain them.

If you are looking for a neighborhood that offers a close and cohesive community with a strong sense of community, the Bronx is the perfect neighborhood for you. There is a lot more to New York City than what you will find here in the Bronx, but all you need to know Is it home to one of the most diverse and lively neighborhoods in Manhattan? So buckle up, because we’re going to be walking through some of our favorite safe Bronx neighborhoods.

Norwood is the more common name of the neighborhood, but even the name Norwood has a lot of money in the Bronx, as in New York City. The area is also known as Bainbridge because it is located around the area’s most famous street, the Bain Bridge, and its main thoroughfares. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a neighborhood of Irish-American communities located at the intersection of the East River and the Hudson River north of Manhattan. At the time of its founding in 1854, Nor Wood, also known as Bainbridge, was home to the works of William McKinley, John F. Kennedy and William Randolph Hearst.

The nearest major schools in Norwood are a mile or two south on Webster Avenue, Fordham University and Rose Hill. The college has attracted the community’s young residents, and the amenities it has provided have attracted a large number of young professionals and students from the area’s schools. Belmont also adjoins Fordham University, but is not as close to the college as the other two schools, according to its website.

The Bronx is considered the birthplace of hip-hop music and is also known for its close ties to its neighborhoods and a strong sense of community.

There are places in Manhattan that are full of metropolitan lifestyles, but Bedford Park is a true hidden gem. Fordham is home to both Bronx Park and the Bronx Zoo, depending on where you live. If there were one place in New York City to move, three neighborhoods within the New York City boundaries would be the perfect place for a single shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.

There are many reasons why Norwood and Jerome Park are so attractive, but Morris Park is a great example of how to accommodate all four suburbs. The subway is hard to get in the Bronx, which is one of the many benefits of living in a neighborhood with such a large population, and the 2 and 5 trains take you from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Highways that could take you to Manhattan include the East River Parkway, West Side Highway and the Brooklyn – Queens Expressway. Morris Park, which is just a few blocks from the New York subway line, has no shortage of restaurants, shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment.

The Bronx is indeed a wonderful place to live, work and visit, but for the average Bronx resident, the borough is simply a lively, green, car-friendly district that they would not leave behind in the world. It is sure to provide a great job market, which is still full of nightlife, shopping and everything you want in a city.

The Norwood Home Inspection Experts

If you’re searching for a professional, affordable, and reliable town home, condo, or home inspection in Norwood, your search is over. We understand you have choices and we’d be honored to send one of our inspectors out to inspect your home and property. We’re committed to getting the job done right and making you a satisfied customer. E-mail or phone one of our staff members now (332-334-7701 or Request a Quote) to book an appointment.

Customer Reviews

I was not sure who to contact concerning a home inspection I was buying a new home from a well-known builder. I'm glad I settled on you guys. On time and at the right price. Thanks.

Mika J., Norwood

Psychologist

I cannot thank you enough for assisting with our home inspection services We were going to buy the home without having an inspection, we are glad that a friend recommended that we contact you. Glad we did. Thanks.

Jeri M., Norwood

Nurse

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