Wakefield – Home Inspections New York City

Home Inspections in Wakefield

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

Home Inspection Services in Wakefield

If you have been around the block a few times, then you’ll already understand the value of home inspections in Wakefield. 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 his weight should be able to pinpoint the major components that could be ready to break on you as a new homeowner. A decent 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 a home (heating and cooling, electrical, roofing, plumbing, roofing, structure, etc.) and is intended to give the customer a clearer understanding of the unit’s general condition. Call today to schedule an appointment 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 they are serious about purchasing. 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 serious and/or expensive-to-repair defects that the owner/seller may not be aware of. It is not an appraisal of the property’s value. The inspection does not point out repair costs for defects the inspector finds. Similarly, an inspection of the home makes not claim that the home and its systems complies with building codes or protects a customer in the event an item inspected fails in the future.

Sidenote: Warranties may be bought to cover several items.

Wakefield Home Inspection Specialists

Don’t consider a home inspection as an exhaustive evaluation, but rather an evaluation of the property on the day it is inspected, considering normal wear and tear of the home based on age and location. An inspection of the home can also include for extra, 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 used (less often) by a homeseller before putting the property on the market to see if there are any hidden problems, and also by home 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 attention to during a home inspection:

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

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

3. Major flaws, such as large differential cracks in the home’s foundation; structure out of plumb or level; decks not installed or supported correctly, etc. These items are pricey to fix, which we classify as entire systems requiring more than 2% of the purchase price to repair.

Your inspector will counsel you about what you should do about these issues. He may recommend an evaluation on issues – by certified and/or licensed professionals who specialize in the defect areas. For example, your inspector will advise you call a licensed building engineer if they find sections of the home that are out of alignment, as this could indicate a major structural deficiency.

Home inspections are paid for by a buyer when he or she signs a contract, right?

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

Homeowners, in particular, can benefit from getting a home inspection before listing the home. Here are only a several advantages for the seller:

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

· The seller will soon be alerted to any safety issues found in the home before they open it up for open house tours.

· The seller usually takes the report and allow it to be into a marketing piece for the home.

· A home inspection can help the seller be much more objective when it comes to setting a reasonable price on the home.

Why Can't I Perform the Inspection Myself?

Most homebuyers lack the knowledge, 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 an expert home inspector, they gain a much better understanding of the condition 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. Remember 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 wise for you to be present through the inspection – whether you are a buyer, seller, or homeowner. With you there, the inspector can explain to you any defects and explain their importance in addition to point out maintenance features that would be helpful in the future. In the event that you can’t be there, it is not a problem since the report you receive will soon be very detailed. If you’re not present, then you ought to be sure to ask your inspector to explain anything that’s unclear in the report. Also read the inspection agreement carefully which means you understand what is covered and what is not covered in the inspection. If there is a trouble with the inspection or the report, you must raise the problems quickly by calling the inspector, usually within 24 hours. If you would like the inspector to return following the inspection to show you things, this can be arranged and is advisable, however, the inspector could charge you extra since a second walkthrough 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 interference and interruptions make the inspection painfully 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 a little more than an hour for every thousand sq. ft. For example, a 2,600 sq.ft. home would take around three hours. If the inspector also prepares the report while in your home, factor in an additional 40-50 minutes. These numbers aren’t set in stone because you really want her or him to do a thorough job without feeling rushed.

What About Condo or Townhome Inspections?

Since condos are individual units within a building, owners pay an assessment fee to a also is responsible for maintaining the community boilder or HVAC. In smaller condo buildings, many home owners have their own boiler that suffices for the HVAC that a building would normally provide. Owners are responsible for everything inside the unit including walls, electrical, appliances, plumbing, balconies, and porches. There are less items to inspect, but getting an inspection from someone who knows what they’re doing is still a must. As you know well, Home Owners Associations are a fickle bunch to be brutally honest. And they’re all very different, even within a neighborhood. Ask us about our policy and we’ll be blunt 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.

Typical Wakefield Inspection Includes

The following list is not exhaustive. Not all of these items may be in the inspection you get, but the inspector will be following a standardized check list for the home:
· Drainage and grading
· Handrails, entry stairs
· Decks
· Masonry
· Grass, bushes, trees, shrubs
· Roofing system
· Eaves, soffits, and fascias
· Walls, patios, doors, walkways, windows
· Basement, foundation, and crawl spaces
· Garage doors, walls, and floors
· Kitchen appliances (microwave, range/oven/stovetop/hoods, dishwasher, trash compactor, disposal)
· Laundry appliances (washer and dryer) if being sold with the house
· Floors, walls, ceilings
· Windows
· Indoor doors and hardware
· Plumbing systems and fixtures
· Electrical system and panels
· GFCI, outlets, electrical grounding
· Fire detectors
· Ventilation systems and Insulation
· Heating equipment and controls
· Ducts and distribution systems
· Fireplaces
· Heating and air conditioning
· Heat pumps and controls
· Safety items such as egress, TPRV valves, railings, etc.

Some tests which aren’t a part of the normal inspection may incur 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
· Termites

Why Should I Obtain a Home Inspection?

Your brand-new home has lots of systems and more than 9800 moving parts – from cooling and heating to ventilation systems and to appliances. When they interact, you have peace of mind. Weak links in the device, however, can produce a myriad of problems ultimately causing a loss in value and shortened system/component lifecycle. Would you buy a used car with no reputable and qualified mechanic taking a look at it? Your property is far more complicated, and to really 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 smallest amount of 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 professional professional home inspector generally start under $350. A typical price for a two thousand sq.ft. home nationally is somewhere in the neighborhood of $350-$375 for just the inspection. In NYC, it’ll probably be an additional 25-35%. But consider what you’re getting for that price. Who can put a price on peace of mind?

What is NOT Included in a Wakefield Home Inspection

The majority of people imagine that all things are inspected exhaustive on inspection day. This misunderstanding is mainly responsible for many a homebuyer to get upset using their inspector. The inspections we do are usually not exhaustive and there’s a good reason for this.

When you hire separate licensed experts in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, engineering, etc. to examine the home, it might take about fourteen hours and cost you about $2000! It is much more practical to hire an established inspector that has a general information about home systems, knows what to consider, 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 carefully written to protect both your home and also the inspector.

Here are some examples, we’re instructed to not turn systems on if they were off during the inspection (for safety reasons); we are really not in a position to move furniture (might harm something); prohibited to turn on water when it is off (possible flooding), and prohibited to interrupt via a sealed attic hatch (possible damage). The downside of this practice is that often by not operating a control, by not seeing underneath the furniture, and not getting on the attic or crawlspace, we might miss identifying a problem. However, place into perspective, the odds of missing something serious for this reason is pretty low. There are more items that more than 95% of inspectors consider outside a typical inspection, for example inspecting most things aren’t bolted down (installed in the home) such as electronics, reduced voltage lighting, space heaters, portable air conditioning, or specialized systems such as water purifiers, alarm systems, etc.

Wakefield Property Inspection Experts

If you’re searching for a professional, affordable, and reliable townhome, condo, or home inspection in Wakefield, your search is over. We understand you have choices and we would be happy to send one of our inspectors out to inspect your home and property. We are committed to getting the job done right and making you happy. Email or call one of our staff members today (332-334-7701 or Request a Quote) to book an appointment.

Customer Reviews

You're a boon to your profession. Great job. Moving is painful but you made this step easy. Thanks.

Roberts M., Wakefield

Freelance Writer

Thanks for going to the property the same day I called. Can't thank you enough. We've got some work to do but owner will repair 4 of 13 items you identified as "expensive to repair". We close in 11 days.

Sonia C., Wakefield

Physical Therapist

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(332) 334-7701