Riverdale – Home Inspections New York City

Riverdale Home Inspections

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

Home Inspection Services in Riverdale

If you’ve been around for a while, then you’ll know all about home inspections. A quality 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 in gold will be able to identify the primary components and systems that could be ready to break on you as a new buyer. A good inspector will narrow down the possibilities of system failure greatly.

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

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

[Side note]: You can purchase warranties for a multitude of items in the home.

Riverdale Home Inspection Specialists

Don’t consider a home inspection as a complete evaluation, but rather property evaluation 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, Radon gas testing, water testing, energy audits, pest inspections, pool inspections and many other specific items that may be location-specific.

Home inspections are conducted (less often) by a home seller prior to putting the property on the market to see if there are any hidden problems, and also by owners simply wishing 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 lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), exposed wiring in bathrooms and kitchens, no safety railing on decks above 30 inches, etc.

2. Items that could lead to major 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.

3. Major defects, such as large cracks in the home’s foundation; building out of plumb or level; decks not supported or installed correctly, etc. These items are costly to repair, which we classify as systems requiring more than two percent of the buy price to repair.

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

Home Inspections are always paid for by a buyer after he or she signs a formal agreement, right?

This is not true! As you might find when you read on, a home inspection can be utilized for ad hoc inspections in new construction projects, as a maintenance tool by way of a current home owner, a proactive technique by home owners to create their house more sellable, and by buyers wanting to ascertain the problem of the potential home.

Sellers, in particular, can benefit from getting a home inspection before listing the home. Here are only a some of the advantages for the homeowner:

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

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

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

· A home inspection will help the homeowner be more objective in regards to setting a fair price on the home.

Why Can't I Perform the Inspection Myself?

Most homebuyers lack the data, skill, and objectivity needed seriously to inspect a property themselves. In other words, they think they know their homes, but they really don’t. By using the services of a professional home inspector, they gain a much better knowledge of the problem of the property; especially whether any items do not “abjectly affect the home’s living space” or “function as intended” or “warrant more detailed attention” by way of a qualified specialist. Understand that the home inspector is just 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 during the inspection – whether you’re a buyer, seller, or homeowner. With you there, the inspector can show you any defects and explain their importance in addition to explain maintenance features that’ll be helpful in the future. If you can’t be there, it’s not a problem considering that the report you get is going to be very detailed. If you’re not present, then you should be sure to ask your inspector to explain anything that is not yet determined in the report. Also read the inspection agreement carefully which means you know what is covered and what’s not covered in the inspection. When there is a problem with the inspection or the report, you need to raise the problems quickly by calling the inspector, usually within 24 hours. If you prefer the inspector to go back following the inspection showing you things, this is arranged and is advisable, 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 home inspection contract

However, it’s very important for you to let the inspector do the work you’re paying for. We love our customers, but we also know that constant interference and interruptions make the inspection 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 entire home. You can usually figure 1.1 hours for every 1,000 sq.ft. For example, a twenty four hundred sq.ft. home would take around 3 hours. If the company also produces the report while in your home, factor in an extra sixty minutes. These numbers are not set in stone because you really want him or her to do a thorough job without feeling hurried.

What About Condo or Townhome Inspections?

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

Riverdale Inspections Includes

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

* Electrical system, panels
* Electrical outlets, GFCI, and grounding
* Fire places
* Driveways
* Heat pumps and controls
* Kitchen appliances (dishwasher, range/oven/stovetop/hoods, microwave, disposal, trash compactor)
* Laundry appliances (washer and dryer)
* Heating equipment and controls
* Soffits, eaves, and fascias
* Insulation and ventilation systems
* Landscape
* Kitchen floors, cabinets, counters
* Roofing system
* Heating and air conditioning
* Indoor doors and hardware
* Walls, floors, ceilings
* Decks
* Plumbing fixtures and systems
* Safety items such as egress, TPRV valves, railings, etc.
* Masonry
* Windows and window gaskets
* Crawlspaces, basement, and foundation
* Garages, garage walls, floors, and doors

Some tests that are not a part of the initial inspection usually incur an extra charge.
· 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 brand-new home has lots of systems and more than 9900 moving pieces – from heating and cooling to ventilation systems and to appliances. When appliances and systems interact, all is well with the world. Weak links in the machinery, however, can produce a myriad of problems ultimately causing 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 written report arms you with substantial information to create informed decisions.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Usually Cost?

That is the first question asked but the clear answer tells the smallest amount of about the grade of the inspection. Fees are based based on size, age and various other facets of the home. Inspection fees from a certified professional home inspector generally start just over $350. The average price for a two thousand sq.ft. unit nationally is about $325-$525 for just the initial inspection. In New York City, it will probably run you an extra 20% or more. But think about what you are getting for that premium. Who can put a price on peace of mind?

What is NOT Included in a Riverdale Home Inspection

A lot of people assume that everything is inspected thoroughly on inspection day. This misunderstanding has caused many a homebuyer to become upset with their inspector. The inspections we perform will not be exhaustive and there is a justification for this.

In case you hired individual licensed experts in HVAC, engineering, plumbing, electrical, etc to inspect the home, it will take about 13 hours and run you around $2000! It may appear far more practical (and affordable) to get a specialist inspector who’s got a general understanding of home systems, knows what to look for, and can suggest further inspection by an experienced if needed. Your inspector can also be following very specific guidelines issued by state or national organizations as he/she inspects your home. The guidelines are carefully written in order to protect both your house as well as the inspector.

Here are some examples, we’re directed to NOT turn systems on if these were off prior to the inspection (for safety reasons); we are really not ready to move furniture (might harm something); against the rules to turn on water if it is off (possible flooding), and against the rules to kick through a sealed attic hatch (possible damage). The negative effects in this practice is the fact by not operating a control, by not seeing underneath the furniture, and to not get in to the attic or crawlspace, we might miss identifying a problem. However, used in perspective, the chances of missing something serious for that reason is rather low. There are other products that about 94% of inspectors consider outside an ordinary inspection, including inspecting most things who are not bolted down (installed while in the home) just like electronics, low voltage lighting, space heaters, portable air conditioners, or specialized systems just like water purifiers, alarm systems, etc.

The Riverdale Home Inspection Experts

If you are searching for a reliable, professional, and affordable town home, condo, or home inspection in Riverdale, your search is over. We get that you have choices and we would 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 a satisfied customer. Email or call one of our staff members (332-334-7701 or Request a Quote) to book an appointment.

Customer Reviews

I've had home inspections in the past so I sort of knew what to expect. Their price was competitive but have paid more for less in the past. We will definitely recommend you to our friends. Thanks again

Berta G., Riverdale

Community Activist

I could not be happier with the level of service and the value I received for my money from you when we purchased our new home.

Louisa., Riverdale

Data scientist

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(332) 334-7701