Home Inspection Services in Albany, Schenectady, Troy and Surrounding Communities
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Gain peace of mind and clarity when buying a new home, or ensure a quick transaction with maximum return when selling your home.
Pre-purchase Inspections
A pre-purchase home inspection, also called a home buyer's inspection, can help identify major defects and other problems to give you a clear picture of a home's condition and the expense of related repairs. A pre-purchase inspection can help save you from making a terrible investment in some cases, and may even be required for financing.
Pre-listing Inspections
A pre-listing home inspection, otherwise called a home seller's inspection, can be used to ensure a quick sale on the house and can help maximize your return. You can go into the selling process confident that there won't be any potentially deal-killing transaction delays due to repairs that need to be made, which can take weeks or even longer.
New Construction Inspections
Unfortunately, new does not mean perfect. In fact, it doesn't even guarantee good. Defects, mistakes and oversights during the construction process can lead to major problems and expenses down the road. A new construction inspection will help identify these early on when they're cheaper to fix, and may even be covered under warranty.
Services & Fees
Home Inspections
A typical home inspection from Best Inspections is $375 for a single family home under 3,000 square feet. This price can vary depending on the size, location, number of units, and other variables.
Radon Testing
Radon is a naturally produced, radioactive gas — and the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind cigarettes. Radon gas can enter your home through the foundation and collect in the basement. A radon test will help to protect your family by checking for hazardous concentrations. If levels are too high, then a radon mitigation system should be installed.
A typical short term radon test for a residential home is $150. The testing is performed over a 48-hour period using charcoal canisters or a state of the art CRM (Continuous Radon Monitor) manufactured by Sun Nuclear. Kevin is ESA Certified in Initial Radon Measurement.
Septic Load and Dye Test
Septic repairs can be very expensive, not to mention unpleasant. A septic load and dye test is a non-invasive visual inspection using fluorescent dye to expose leaks in the system, and does not require any excavation. Septic load and dye testing is a common and affordable test to see if a more invasive, and more expensive, inspection is needed.
The cost of a septic load and dye test is $75. This is the most common type of inspection and testing in realtor transactions. Kevin is an ESA Certified Septic System Inspector.
Not available during winter months.
Wood Destroying Insect (Termite) Inspection
Commonly referred to as a termite inspection, Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspections look for more than just termites, including beetles and carpernter bees. WDIs cause more property damage than house fires in the United States every year. Because they can be difficult to detect, a trained inspector is necessary to check for the presence of any WDIs in your home.
The cost of a WDI inspection, including report, is $75.
Well Water Function and Quality Testing
A well water flow test will check the condition and yield of an underground well that supplies water to your home. The test checks the flow rate and pressure over an extended period of time. If the flow rate from the well is not high enough, then you may have water supply problems, especially for a large family.
Water quality testing is important to verify that the water in your home is not tainted by any dangerous or offensive contaminants such as certain strains of bacteria, lead, nitrates/nitrites, other heavy metals such as arsenic, and more. Water quality tests should be performed regardless of whether the water comes from a public source or a private well.
Testing ranges from $100 for coliform bacterial testing up to $315 for more thorough testing (Long FHA). If you are purchasing a home with a well, testing the water is required to obtain a mortgage. For a conventional mortgage, coliform bacterial testing is a minimum requirement. For mortgages backed by FHA, HUD, or the VA then the minimum testing requirements are coliform bacterial testing, lead (first flush), and nitrate & nitrite. Lab work is performed by a certified laboratory.
What a Typical Home Inspection Includes
A typical home inspection generally covers the following points:
Interior Inspection Details
Plumbing
Check faucets and showers looking for visible leaks as well as testing water pressure. Identify the types of pipes used, if visible. Identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.
Electrical
Identify the type of wiring, test all outlets and make sure there are GFCIs installed where needed to protect from electrical shock. Inspect the electrical panel for safety issues and fire hazards.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Determine the age of the furnace and air conditioner, whether or not they function properly, and may recommend repairs or maintenance.
Water heater
Determine the age of the water heater and check for proper installation. We can also determine the condition and give an estimated remaining lifespan of the unit.
Laundry room
Check for proper ventilation. A poorly ventilated dryer exhaust can be a serious fire hazard.
Fire Safety
Identify smoke detectors and ensure that the garage wall, if present, has the proper fire rating and is undamaged. Also check the fireplace for proper installation and maintenance.
Bathrooms
Check for visible leaks, properly secured toilets, proper ventilation to prevent moisture related issues, etc.
Attic
If possible, check for structural damage and proper ventilation. Also check insulation and ensure that nothing is ventilated directly into the attic, such as the bathroom.
Exterior Inspection Details
Exterior Walls
Damaged or missing siding, cracks, and excessive soil contact which can be an invitation for pests.
Foundation
Check for indications of foundation failure such as cracks or settling.
Grading
Check to ensure that the ground slopes away from the house as it should, which prevents water from entering the house or causing damage to the foundation.
Roof
If accessible and visible, check for roof damage or poor installation that may allow for water penetration as well as checking the condition of the gutters.
Garage
Test the garage door for proper functionality, check for proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and check for risks of explosion from ignition sources too close to the floor.