Residential

Residential Inspections

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Contact us to have your home or building inspected by a Licensed New York State Professional Engineer.


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RESIDENTIAL HOME INSPECTIONS


Showing Consultations

Can’t get a traditional home inspection because of a competitive home buying market? Get a top-to-bottom walkthrough with an engineer to look for “showstoppers”. You can take notes, record us, FaceTime/Zoom, ask us questions, and lower your financial risk. Feel confident about the bid you submit for the house.


No potential disclosure issues are generated for the seller. This is a “verbal only” inspection with no written report or photos given to you. 30+ minute walkthrough with an engineer starts $150 and you will receive a discount on a future full inspection, such as a post-purchase inspection.

Pre-listing Inspections

This is a note we recently received from an experienced real estate agent:

“We used your pre-listing inspection report as a marketing tool.  We had 75 showings in 3 days.  We had 14 offers and got $55,000 over the asking price!  I am convinced that if we did not have your inspection report we would have ended up with maybe $20,000 over asking.  Your inspection made a $35,000 difference by disclosing the good qualities of the house and by disclosing a few skeletons in the closets.  Your reports ABSOLUTELY bring in stronger offers!”

Not only does a pre-listing inspection bring in stronger offers, but it also relieves the seller and agents of significant liability.  If a buyer moves in and finds a foundation wall collapsing in the basement crawlspace or finds mold in the attic (both of which are real examples from recent experiences), the seller stands the risk of getting sued.  Even if the suit is unsuccessful, the financial and emotional cost of defense is significant.   

All-or-nothing Inspections

On luxury, rural, historic, depressed, and unique properties, more and more buyers have been including an “all-or-nothing” pre-purchase inspection as part of their offer.  They get an inspection, with the agreement that they will not negotiate the price based on the inspection findings.  They still have an option to “walk-away” if a large, costly issue is discovered.  This also relieves sellers and agents of liability.


Fortunately, we have seen a resurgence of this type of inspection.  Agents are encouraging buyers to pursue this option.  It is more agreeable to sellers as opposed to a traditional inspection contingency where the house price and/or credits are negotiable based on the inspection.


At least with the "All-or-nothing" arrangement, the potential liability to all parties involved is greatly reduced.  Everyone moves forward with peace of mind that the condition of the property is well known by the buyer because of a thorough inspection.

Post-Closing Inspections

With today’s housing market, most buyers cannot get a home inspection. New owners are left with many questions:

  • What did I buy?
  • How old is my furnace?
  • What do I need to do before winter?
  • Where is my water shutoff valve?
  • Is my attic okay?


Homeowners should get a “Post-Closing” Home Inspection to learn what is “under the hood”.  Inspections can teach you how to operate your home, prioritize renovations and improvements, and schedule maintenance. Buyers find these after purchase inspections very helpful and are excited learn more about their new home.  If large issues are discovered, it is better to know about them as soon after closing as possible, in case there is any potential recourse against the seller. The new buyer can obtain valuable advice on planning future renovations and prioritize improvements.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


  • Why should I have a pre-listing inspection?

    "Putting all the cards on the table” is usually the best way to achieve satisfying, long-term results for home sellers and buyers.  Buyers that feel comfortable with the known condition of the property are prepared to submit their best offer, and not hold money back for future unexpected repairs that might pop up when they move in.  An inspection report prior to listing the house assists sellers in getting the house ready for showing.  It reduces potential liability that a seller might have if an unexpected issue crops up after a buyer moves in.  Most importantly, it brings out the highest dollar-value offers from buyers.

  • Why should I have a post-purchase inspection?

    An inspection on the day of closing, a few days after, of even years after moving in can help you understand what you now own.  Our inspection will help you learn how to maintain your house.  We explain how things work, what can be removed, the ages of equipment, potential improvements and renovations, the preferred order of modifications, the order of priorities, and how to protect yourself against predatory contractors.  We constantly hear from buyers how amazed they are at the value of having an inspection, even after they live in the house.

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