With over 35 years of experience in building management, maintenance, and construction, as well as having owned a Home Improvement business, I bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to my Home Inspections. I have been a full-time home inspector since 2009.
A building is a dynamic structure, where each building element depends on another. Being a good home inspector requires more than just knowledge of systems, construction techniques, and materials; it also requires an understanding of how those systems and components work together. Even minor modifications to the original design can have undesirable consequences, such as sagging roofs, rafter spread, sloping floors, and, in some cases, even serious structural movement. Poor soil conditions under part of the footing can cause ongoing foundation movement, which could affect the walls, floors, and roof structure as well. Poor drainage conditions near the foundation walls often result in moisture intrusion into the structure, high hydrostatic and ground freeze pressure onto the foundation walls, eventually causing cracks or bowing of the foundation walls. Many potential new owners may feel that they can assess the house's condition themselves. Still, it requires specialized training in building science, knowledge of the proper construction techniques and materials, and the experience of a licensed home inspector to understand the dynamics of a structure.
What's Included in a General Home Inspection [in more detail]:
The General Home Inspection includes the inspection of all major components of the structure, including but not limited to: Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Roof and Roofing systems, Insulation, Attic Ventilation as well as: Grounds; Basement; Crawl Spaces; Porches; Balconies; Decks; Patios; Siding; Windows/Doors; Attic; Venting; Interior Areas; Walls; Ceilings; Girders/Lintels/Posts; Foundation and Slabs; Stairs; Railings; Bedrooms; Bathrooms; Laundry; Kitchen; Fireplaces; SFB appliances; Functional Attached Garage and more...
Note: detached garages, barns, and outbuildings are not part of a General Home Inspection per NYS Standards of Practice for Home Inspectors, but can be inspected upon request.
A professional home inspection takes approximately 2.5 to 4 hrs., depending on the size and the condition of the home.
As an aid during an inspection, infrared imaging is used as needed to help identify potential radiant floor heating problems, air leakage and insulation issues, hidden roof leaks, rodent, and WDI issues. See some examples below:
properly operational, under the tiles electric radiant floor heating
missing insulation and mice activity in the ceiling
Reviews: To see our reviews, visit GOOGLE, YELP or other search engines, and search for "Prime Inspections"