Licensed, professional home inspectors serving the Astoria Queens neighborhood, offering a broad range of services for our residential customers.
If you’ve been around for a while, then you’ll recognize the need for home inspections in Astoria. A detailed home inspection protects you the prospective homeowner against the obvious problems that every home has. While the inspection is not fool proof, an inspector worth his weight in gold will be able to pinpoint the primary components and systems that could be ready to become a problem for you as a new homeowner. A good inspector will narrow down the likelihood of system failure greatly.
Typically and simply put, a home inspection is a formal professional evaluation of the visible and accessible systems and components within a house (electrical, plumbing, roofing, heating and cooling, structure, etc.) and is meant to give the client a better understanding of the house’s general state. Phone today to schedule 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 evaluation of the home he or she is serious about purchasing. An inspection of the home 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 seller/owner may not be aware of. A home inspection is not an appraisal of the property’s value. The inspection does not address repair costs for defects the inspector finds. Similarly, an inspection of the property makes not claim that the home and its systems complies with building codes or protects a client in the event an item inspected fails in the future.
Note: You can buy warranties for several key items in the house.
Don’t consider an inspection of the home as an exhaustive evaluation, but rather property evaluation at this point in time, considering normal wear and tear of the home based on age and location. A home inspection can also include Radon gas testing, water testing, energy audits, pest inspections, pool inspections and several other specific items that may be location-specific.
Home inspections are also paid for (less often) by a home seller before listing the property to see if there are any hidden problems that they are unaware of, and also by home owners simply wishing to keep the home investment value as high as possible, care for their homes, and prevent surprises.
The following are aspects that inspectors pay close attention to during an inspection:
1. Safety hazards, such as lack of safety railing on decks above 30 inches, lack of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters), bare electrical wiring in kitchens and bathrooms, etc.
2. Major defects, such as large cracks in the foundation; structure out of level or plumb; decks not installed or supported properly, and others. These items are expensive to repair, which are entire systems needing more than 2% of the purchase price to fix.
3. Items that could lead to serious defects – damaged down spouts that could cause backup and water intrusion, a roof flashing leak that could grow, or a beam that was not tied to the structure properly.
Your inspector should counsel you on what to do about these problems. She may recommend a formal evaluation on more matters – by certified and/or licensed professionals who are specialists in the problem areas. For example, your inspector may recommend you call a licensed building engineer if he/she finds areas of the property that are misaligned, as this could indicate a major structural problem.
Home inspections are merely performed by a buyer once they sign a formal agreement, right?
This is simply not true! As you might find once you keep reading, a home inspection can be utilized for ad hoc inspections in new construction, as a maintenance tool by a current home owner, a proactive technique by sellers to produce their property more sellable, and by buyers wanting to find out the situation of the potential home.
Home owners, specifically, can benefit from obtaining a home inspection before listing the home. Here are just a some of the advantages for the homeowner:
· The homeowner will 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 house before they open it up for open house tours.
· The homeowner will take the report and make it into a marketing piece for the home.
· A home inspection may help the homeowner be more objective as it pertains to setting a reasonable price on the home.
Most homebuyers lack the information, skill, and objectivity needed seriously to inspect a house themselves. In other words, they think they know their homes, but they really don’t. When you use services of a professional home inspector, they gain a much better knowledge 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 a qualified specialist. Understand that the home inspector is a generalist and is broadly been trained in every home system.
It’s a great idea for you to personally be present throughout 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 point out maintenance features that will be helpful in the future. If you can’t be there, it is no problem because 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 describe anything that’s unclear in the report. Also browse the inspection agreement carefully so you understand what is covered and what’s not covered in the inspection. If you have a trouble with the inspection or the report, you should raise the difficulties quickly by calling the inspector, usually within 24 hours. If you’d like the inspector to return following the inspection to show you things, this can be arranged and is advisable, however, you could be charged 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 job 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 inspection painfully slow. Write down your questions and ask them after the inspector has presented you with a report.
Since condominiums are units within a single building, homeowners pay a monthly assessment fee to a Home Owners Association (HOA) or condo association, which pays for the maintenance and upkeep of all exteriors including the actual (lighting, exterior walls, roof, etc.), stairways, fire escapes, landscaping, sidewalks, and parking areas. Depending on the size of the building, the is also responsible for maintaining the HVAC. In smaller condo buildings, many home 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, electrical, appliances, plumbing, balconies, and porches. There are fewer items to inspect, but getting an inspection from someone who knows what they’re doing is still critical. As you well know, HOAs are a fickled bunch to be brutally honest. And they’re all so very different, even within a city. 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.
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 checklist for the property:
* Heat pumps and controls
* Kitchen appliances (microwave, range/oven/stovetop/hoods, dishwasher, trash compactor, disposal)
* Laundry appliances (washer and dryer) if being sold with the house
* Eaves, soffits, and fascias
* Site drainage and grading
* Ventilation systems and Insulation
* Landscaping
* Retaining walls
* Heating equipment and controls
* Ducts and distribution systems
* Fireplaces
* Driveways
* Roofing, flashings, chimneys, and attic
* Safety items such as TPRV valves, railings, egress etc.
* Walls, floors, ceilings
* Decks
* Masonry
* Basement, foundation, and crawl spaces
* Plumbing systems and fixtures
* Electrical panels, electrical system
* Electrical outlets, GFCI, and grounding
* Smoke detectors
Some tests that are not a part of the standard inspection sometimes require an additional charge.
· Gas Line Leak Test
· Swimming Pool and Spa Inspection
· Water Quality Test
· Mold Screening
· Sprinkler System Test
· Septic System Inspection
· Radon Gas Test
· Termites
Your home has dozens of systems and approx. 9900 moving parts – from heating and cooling to ventilation systems and to appliances. When appliances and systems work together, you have peace of mind. Weak links in the machinery, however, can produce assorted problems ultimately causing a loss in value and shortened system lifecycle. Would you buy a used car with out a reputable and qualified mechanic taking a look at it? Your home is far more complex, and to truly have a thorough inspection that’s documented in a written report arms you with substantial information to create informed decisions.
The majority of people assume that all things are inspected comprehensive on inspection day. This misunderstanding is responsible for many a homebuyer for being upset utilizing their inspector. The inspections we do are not exhaustive and there’s a acceptable reason for this.
In case you hired individual licensed experts in HVAC, engineering, plumbing, electrical, etc to inspect your home, it could take about 13 hours and cost you around $2000! It may appear far more practical (and affordable) to rent a reliable inspector who’s a general understanding of home systems, knows what to look for, and can suggest further inspection by an authority if needed. Your inspector can also be following very specific guidelines issued by state or national organizations as he/she inspects your home. These guidelines are meticulously written to safeguard both your home as well as the inspector.
Here are some examples, we are instructed to not turn systems on if these were off during the inspection (for safety reasons); we’re not ready to move furniture (might harm something); against the rules to turn on water whether it’s off (possible flooding), and against the rules to kick by using a sealed attic hatch (possible damage). The negative effects with this practice is by not operating a control, by not seeing within the furniture, and enough sleep. into your crawlspace or attic, we are going to might miss identifying a problem. However, placed into perspective, the chances of missing something serious for that reason is pretty low. There are additional items that about 94% of inspectors consider outside a typical inspection, including inspecting most things that are not bolted down (installed inside home) just like electronics, reduced voltage lighting, space heaters, portable ac units, or specialized systems just like water purifiers, security alarms, etc.
This emerging hot spot in Queens has everything New York City has to offer, but residents don’t have to leave to experience a thriving food, art and cultural scene. In this post I have put together what I think is the best thing about Astoria, Queens, a small town in the Bronx, New Jersey. This is the closest neighborhood between Manhattan and Queens and you may never want to cross the river.
While rents in Manhattan are insanely high, Astoria offers a better selection of apartments and definitely gives the hip Brooklyn neighborhood a chance to get its money’s worth. Best of all, you can find one – bedrooms for $1,000 to $2,000 a month, which makes it perfect for people who want to spend their time in Manhattan and live affordably. Queens has some of the best views of Manhattan in New York City, and the views from Manhattan are superb in this neighborhood. Generally it is pretty safe (except for the 21st Street project) and there is a strip of green, but it is definitely not as safe as in some other parts of Queens.
Queens is also home to several colleges, including New York University, Queens College and Queens Community College. Residents of Queens also have access to a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as a wide range of shops and restaurants in Queens.
Astoria is also the perfect pop culture junkie, with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, theatres and theatres as well as a variety of art galleries. Move, located in the bustling eastern corner of the neighborhood, and the Astoria Museum of Art, one of the city’s most popular museums.
If you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, visit the Astoria Museum. If you want to find out more about the Astoria’s activities, you can catch the train to Manhattan. Take the N / W train and head north on Broadway, where you’ll find a short stop at the Astoria Ditmars, a variety of restaurants, bars and theaters, as well as a wide selection of shops and restaurants. It is also a nice place to be on a warm, sunny day in New York City, which is just as much a part of the city as it is in the heart of Queens.
Head to Astoria Park to get a sandwich at the Sandwich King Astorian, or head to Queens Queen for a hot dog at Queens Park Zoo. The Astoria is already a melting pot of cultures and hosts a wide range of restaurants, bars, theatres, shops and theatres. Some of the best Italian and Greek dishes to be found throughout the five boroughs, as well as an emerging restaurant scene. Only a few good restaurants in Astorias are: Queen Bistro, Bolognese and the first and only Greek American restaurant in New York City.
The Q4 Hotel is located in Long Island City, Queens and is only open to state guests, but it is one of the best hotels in New York City and the only one in the city.
Founded in 2001 by actress Susan Scannell, it promises to bring high quality theater and entertainment to the heart of Astoria, Queens, a community of more than 1.5 million people. The cultural diversity of Astoria and Queens is dedicated to musical enrichment in Western Queens and is presented through concerts and music from around the world. In Western Queens, the cultural diversity of Astoria and Queens is celebrated with a special musical enrichment with concerts, music and events.
The Astoria is located in the heart of New York City, home to more than 1.5 million people, and the neighborhood has been featured in television and film.
One big drawback to living in the Astoria, however, is that it is really slower at weekends and there is not much to do in the area in terms of art and cultural events. If you move to Queens, you’ll find that life slows down a bit on weekdays, but not as much on weekends. The district is one of the best nightlife neighborhoods in New York, however, and you can find some of them right here on Queens Boulevard, just a few blocks from the Queensboro Bridge. The Astorian has a number of restaurants, bars, shops, restaurants and restaurants with a variety of food.
With just 20 minutes by subway from Midtown, the Astoria offers easy access to Manhattan for work and play. If you need to commute to the city but are willing to take a break from the “city pace,” Sunnyside is a great place to live. This Long Island City neighborhood is near Tohattan and only takes about ten minutes by train. Hotels in the neighborhood are right here on Queens Boulevard, just a few blocks south of the Queensboro Bridge, and you have the advantage of being very easy to get there.
If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable, and professional townhome, condo, or home inspection in Astoria, your search is over. We know you have choices and we’d be honored to send 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. Email or call one of our staff today (332-334-7701 or Request a Quote) to book an appointment.
Queensbridge, Lindenwood, South Ozone Park, Tudor Village, Auburndale, Bayside, Douglaston, East Flushing, Hollis Hills, Little Neck, Oakland Gardens, Baisley Park, Jamaica, Hollis, Rochdale Village, St. Albans, South Jamaica, Springfield Gardens, Bellerose, Brookville, Cambria Heights, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Laurelton, Meadowmere, New Hyde Park, Queens Village, Rosedale, Arverne, Bayswater, Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Neponsit, Rockaway Park, Seaside, Home inspections NYC
