Licensed, professional home inspectors serving the Soundview (Bronx) neighborhood, offering a broad range of services for our residential customers.
If you have been around for a while, then you’ll already understand the value of home inspections in Soundview A quality home inspection protects you the prospective home owner 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 and systems that could be ready to become a problem for you as a new home owner. A great inspector will narrow down the likelihood of system failure greatly.
Simply put, a home inspection is an evaluation of the accessible and visible components and systems within a house (electrical, plumbing, roofing, heating and cooling, structure, etc.) and is intended to give the client a better understanding of the house’s overall state. Phone today to book an inspection at 332-334-7701 or Request a Quote. You’ll be glad you made the call.
Most often, the inspection is a homebuyer who asks for a home inspection she or he is serious about buying. An inspection of the home delivers data 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 home seller may not be aware of. It is not a property’s appraisal value. The inspection does not address any repair costs for defects the inspector finds. Similarly, a home inspection 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 purchased to cover many items.
Don’t consider a home inspection as an exhaustive 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. A home inspection can also include for a little extra of course, pest inspections, pool inspections, energy audits, Radon testing, water testing, energy audits, and several other specific items that may be location-specific.
Home inspections are also done (less often) by a seller prior to putting the property on the market to see if there are any hidden problems, and also by home owners simply wishing to prevent surprises, and keep the home investment value high, and care for their homes.
The following are aspects that inspectors pay close attention to during an inspection:
1. Safety hazards, such as bare wiring in kitchens and bathrooms, lack of safety railing on decks more than 30 inches off the ground, lack of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters), etc.
2. Items that could lead to serious flaws – a beam that was not tied in to the structure properly, a roof leak that could grow, or damaged down spouts that could cause backup and water intrusion.
3. Major flaws, such as large cracks in the home’s foundation; structure out of plumb or level; decks not supported or installed properly, etc. These are items that are costly to repair, which we classify as items requiring more than two percent of the buy price to fix.
Your property inspector should counsel you about what you should do about these issues. He/she may recommend an evaluation on issues – by certified and/or licensed professionals who specialize in the defect areas. For example, your inspector will recommend you phone a licensed building engineer if he/she finds areas of the home that are out of alignment, as this could indicate a serious structural deficiency.
Home inspections are merely conducted by a buyer after they sign a formal contract, right?
This is not true! As you will see once you read on, a home inspection can be used for ad hoc inspections in new construction projects, as a maintenance tool by way of a current home owner, a proactive technique by sellers to make their property more sellable, and by buyers wanting to determine the situation of the potential home.
Sellers, in particular, can take advantage of finding a home inspection before listing the home. Here are only a several advantages for the seller:
· The seller 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 seller be more objective in regards to setting a reasonable price on the home.
· The seller usually takes the report and ensure it is into a marketing piece for the home.
· The seller is going to be alerted to any safety issues found in your home before they open it down for open house tours.
· The seller can make repairs leisurely instead of being in a hurry after the contract is signed.
Most homebuyers lack the data, skill, and objectivity needed 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 a much better comprehension of the situation 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” by way of a qualified specialist. Remember that the home inspector is a generalist and is broadly been trained in every home system.
It’s wise for you to personally be present through the inspection – whether you are a buyer, seller, or homeowner. With you there, the inspector can show you any defects and explain their importance along with point out maintenance features which would be helpful in the future. In the event that you can’t be there, it’s no problem because the report you get is going to be very detailed. If you’re not present, then you need to be sure to ask your inspector to spell out anything that’s not clear in the report. Also read the inspection agreement carefully so you understand what is covered and what is not covered in the inspection. If you have a trouble with the inspection or the report, you must raise the problems quickly by calling the inspector, usually within 24 hours. If you want the inspector to go back after the inspection to show you things, this can be arranged and is advisable, 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 agreement
However, it’s 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 make the process painfully slow. Jot down your questions and ask them after the inspector has presented you with a report.
This depends on the size and condition of the entire home. You can approximate 1.1 hours for every thousand sq. ft. For example, a 2400 sq. ft. house would take about 3 hours. If the inspector also writes the report while in your home, that will take an extra 30-50 minutes. These numbers aren’t set in stone because you really want her or him to do a complete inspection without feeling rushed.
Since condos are individual units within a condo building, owners pay assessments to a also is responsible for maintaining the community boiler system or HVAC. In smaller condo buildings, many 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 unit including walls, appliances, balconies, porches, plumbing, and electrical. There are fewer items to inspect, but getting an inspection from someone qualified is still critical. As you know well, HOAs are a fickled lot to be brutally honest. And they’re all very different, even within a city. Ask us about it and we’ll be blunt 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.
The following list (of systems and inspection items) is not exhaustive. Not all of these items may be in the inspection you receive, but the inspector will follow a standardized checklist for the home:
* Electrical system and panels
* Electrical grounding, GFCI, outlets
* Fire detectors
* Distribution systems and ducts
* Fireplaces
* Driveway
* Heat controls and pumps
* Kitchen appliances (microwave, range/oven/stovetop/hoods, dishwasher, trash compactor, disposal)
* Laundry appliances (washer and dryer)
* Heating controls and equipment
* Drainage and grading
* Eaves, soffits, and fascias
* Windows, doors, patios, walkways, walls
* Ventilation systems and Insulation
* Grass, bushes, trees, shrubs
* Kitchen floors, cabinets, counters
* Roofing, flashings, chimneys, and attic
* Heating and air conditioning
* Indoor doors and hardware
* Ceilings, walls, floors
* Plumbing systems and fixtures
* Bricks, masonry
* Windows and window gaskets
* Crawlspaces, basement, and foundation
* Garage doors, walls, and floors
Some tests which aren’t part of the standard inspection sometimes require an extra 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
Your brand-new home has a large number of systems and approx. 10,000 moving pieces – from heating and cooling to ventilation and to appliances. When these systems and appliances work together, all is right with the world. Weak links in the device, however, can produce assorted problems leading to a loss in value and shortened component lifecycle. Would you get a used car without a reputable and qualified mechanic looking at it? 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.
That is the first question asked but the clear answer tells minimal about the quality of the inspection. Fees are based based on size, age and some other aspects of the home. Inspection fees from a professional professional home inspector generally start just over $350. An average price for a nineteen hundred sq.ft. home around the country is approximately $325-$500 for just the inspection. In the Bronx neighborhoods, it will probably run you an extra 35%. But think about what you are getting for that premium. Who can put a price tag on peace of mind?
Most of the people believe that all things are inspected exhaustive on inspection day. This misunderstanding is responsible for many a homebuyer to generally be upset making use of their inspector. The inspections we all do are not exhaustive and there is a acceptable reason for this.
In the event you hired individual licensed experts in heating and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, engineering, etc. to inspect your home, it could take about 13 hours and cost you about $2000! It is much more practical (and affordable) to get a professional inspector who’s got a general knowledge of home systems, knows things to look for, and can suggest further inspection by a professional 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 written to protect both your house and the inspector.
Here are some examples, we have been directed to not turn systems on if these were off during the time of the inspection (for safety reasons); we’re not allowed to move furniture (might harm something); a no-no to turn on water if it is off (possible flooding), and a no-no to get rid of by having a sealed attic hatch (possible damage). The side effects on this practice is by not operating a control, by not seeing under the furniture, and failing to get to the crawlspace or attic, we’re going to might miss identifying a problem. However, placed in perspective, the odds of missing something serious as a result is reasonably low. There are many items which more than 90% of inspectors consider outside an average inspection, including inspecting most things which are not bolted down (installed while in the home) including electronics, reduced voltage lighting, space heaters, portable ac units, or specialized systems including water purifiers, alarm systems, etc.
Most people associate the Bronx with hip-hop, but the northwest Bronx community is known for its leafy suburbs that have attracted Manhattan residents seeking to settle across the country for more than 100 years. The salsa was born, and schools tend to do pretty well, too. If that’s not enough, the Bronx has some of the safest neighborhoods. For what it’s worth, it was rated by Street Advisor as the “Best Neighborhood in the Bronx,” while DNA Info rates it as the second safest neighborhood in New York City, behind only Westchester County in Manhattan. If that wasn’t enough, DNA information has also lumped Riverdale, which includes the 10 most dangerous neighborhoods in the Bronx, with a good chance of attending one of the schools, such as Bronx Community College.
It’s also worth noting that Mott Haven once had a reputation for being a bit rough. It is actually ranked sixth in the Bronx by DNA Info and is home to one of the best schools in New York City, the Bronx Community College, as well as a number of upscale restaurants.
Although the Bronx is a very high crime rate community, it is also one of the most livable communities in New York City. This makes it a place where, compared to other communities across America, regardless of population size, you are less likely to be the victim of property crime.
There are more than 50 neighborhoods in the Bronx, but before we get into the full breakdown, it is important to note that there are many more we cannot cover in this article. The Bronx is indeed a wonderful place to live, work and visit, and is safe, so buckle up before you walk into your preferred safe Bronx neighborhood.
The Bronx is divided into the West Bronx and East Bronx, separated by the Bronx River, which runs vertically through the center of the borough. The Northeast Bronx or Southeast Bronx can be further divided by splitting off Pelham Parkway. In 1895, New York City, the first borough, was annexed to the South Bronx, but since then it has been isolated and has escaped gentrification.
Staten Island, southwest of Manhattan and Brooklyn, is the most dangerous and safest island, with a few exceptions, interspersed with the Bronx, the Staten Island Expressway and the Brooklyn Bridge. Although the West Bronx is closer to Manhattan, commute times to parts of the East Bronx are manageable, as the ferry service to Soundview reduces the journey time from nearly two hours to 45 minutes. On the island, you can drive from the South Bronx to the North Bronx in less than an hour and a half.
Although the commute time is not as long as in other neighborhoods, Throgs Neck makes it into the top 30 if you put it among New York neighborhoods. Monroe Houses is affected or not, but overall I would say that it is one of the safest neighborhoods on the island, with a high level of safety and quality of life.
Brooklyn is generally considered safe for tourists, but suffers from a higher crime rate than most other boroughs in New York City. Compared to all New Yorkers, the Bronx has a much higher murder rate and is more criminal than the city as a whole. In other districts, residents are more likely to succumb to viruses and die twice as often as in the city, where residents die per 100,000 residents, according to an analysis of the city.
An increase in welfare dependency and crime has made empty buildings the perfect setting for drug dealing. Since they moved to the streets of New York City in the 2000 “s, they have seen a rise in crime, including in their” ghettos of the Bronx, “as local laws have become much stricter, even though most parts of the borough are becoming much safer, at least compared to previous years. An estimated 26% of New Yorkers live in poverty, according to an analysis of NYPD data, compared with only 5% in other districts and 4% in the city as a whole.
Now let’s look at how the Bronx deals with violent crime and how it deals with property crimes. To identify the worst neighborhoods in New York, we need to give each neighborhood a specific score. It can be called “snackability,” which gives the overall snackability of a neighborhood, but has no real impact on overall crime rates or quality of life.
If you are looking for a professional, reliable, and affordable home, condo, or townhome inspection in Soundview, your search is over. We know you have choices and we would be honored to send one of our inspectors out to inspect your property. We are 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.
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