Home Inspection Services

An experienced inspector will prepare your Home Inspection Reports with easy-to-read details on:

• The condition of every major component from the roof to the basement
• Major and minor deficiencies
• Any major expenditures necessary
• What to watch out for
• Helpful home preservation tips
• Safety concerns

Our home inspectors will review the detailed report with you to make sure you understand everything and answer any remaining questions.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

A home inspection is a visual process where all of the items typically used within a home are tested and/or operated to verify proper operation or installation. Doors and windows are opened and closed, roofing materials inspected, air-conditioning and heating systems operated. The Inspector will fill the sinks and tub(s), run the shower(s), and flush the toilets. All the while making notes on the condition and operation of the components tested. Upon completion a report will be distributed to you.

4-Point Inspections

A "Four Point Inspection" focuses only on four main areas of interest in a home:

1. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)
2. Electrical wiring and panels
3. Plumbing connections and fixtures
4. Roof

Insurance companies have become increasingly reluctant to issue Homeowner Insurance Policies on older homes (usually 25 years old or more).Their common concern is that there may be conditions in an older home that could become a liability to them. For instance; a home with a roof nearing the end of its reliable service life may fail while under the policy and the homeowner may seek reimbursement from their insurance company for damages to the home or its contents. Similar concerns extend to the condition of the HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems in an older home. If these elements are in poor condition, in need of being updated or replaced or were improperly installed, they may fail and cause fire or water damage to a home. Newer homes are assumed (by the insurance companies) to not have these problems as frequently as older homes.

Click here to view a sample 4-Point Inspection Report.

Roof Certification

Citizen insurance now requires Roof Condition Certification inspections or proof of roof replacement upon renewal for homes of certain ages. All roofs must be in good condition with no damage or visible signs of leaks to be eligible for coverage with Citizens. In addition, specific age of roof requirements have been implemented. Age of Roof Requirements: Homes over 25 years old with a shingle roof, homes over 50 years old with any other type of roof and mobile homes over 25 years old must have the roof replaced to be eligible for coverage. To assist policyholders, Citizens has created a Roof Condition Certification Form (CIT RCF-1 1108) which may be used to certify the eligibility of the roof. Other acceptable documentation includes a copy of a completed roofing contract or an inspection completed by a licensed roofing contractor, which contains the required information, found on form (CIT RCF-1 1108).

There are 7 items that the inspector will look at:

1. What building code the home was built under
2. The type and age of the roof covering
3. How the roof sheathing is attached to the trusses
4. How the trusses are attached to the walls
5. The geometry of the roof
6. If a Secondary Water Resistance is applied to the roof
7. What form of wind borne debris protection installed on the structure (shutters & garage door)

Click here to view a sample Wind Mitigation Report.

Termite (WDO) Inspections

Termites and other wood destroying insects (WDO) and other organisms can cause serious problems in the wood structural components of a house and may go undetected for a long period of time. A termite inspection is included in all our home inspection packages, saving you money and time in one appointment.

Ground Up Home Inspections, LLC starts with a full termite inspection which includes visual and probing methods. We will look for termite mud tubes, tunnels, and wings on window ledges, door frames, and in boiler rooms. Termite damaged wood beams, joists, and wood support columns in your basement and garage are also inspected.

New Construction Inspections

New construction inspections are performed at the completion of construction, but prior to your final walk through with the Builder's Customer Service Representative or Superintendent. It is always a good idea to verify that utilities (gas, water, and electric) have been turned on, either by you or the Builder depending on the Builder's policy. The inspection should be scheduled just a day or two before your final walk through with the Builder. This will ensure that most, if not all, last minute items have been completed prior to your inspection. At the conclusion of the inspection a completed report will be distributed to you.

Pre-Warranty Expiration Inspections

Warranty inspections are performed during the 11th month of your 1-year Builder Warranty. The inspection will be performed to verify that proper building techniques were used and that the various components of the home were properly installed. You will be presented with a completed report at the end of the inspection along with digital photos taken as needed for inaccessible areas.

Investor Property Inspections

Investor property inspections are performed prior to purchase as well as periodically during ownership. Pre-purchase inspections are performed to identify defects prior to taking ownership to negotiate repairs or price adjustments which reflect the condition of the property. Periodic inspections for properties currently in your portfolio would ensure the identification of needed repairs following say a long term tenant's departure. Long-term tenants sometimes neglect to mention repairs and/or abuse the property during their tenancy. Identifying those problems early is the key to profitable ownership.

Seller Certified Home Program
(Pre-Listing Inspections)

Listing inspections are very good for the homeowner who may not be in tune with the condition of their home. Many sales are cancelled due to the buyer's shock at the "functional condition" of the home. It may look great, but have serious technical, safety, or functional issues present without the owner's knowledge. Having the home inspected prior to placing on the market is the ideal way to identify and either repair or disclose the issue found in the Inspection Report. Obviously, repairing the items would be the most beneficial towards completing the sale. However, there may be financial reasons where the owner can't make the repairs. Disclosing them up front and pricing the home based upon that disclosure will often times produce a higher net sales price for the owner.