A home inspection can help you buy or sell your home with confidence. As a trained professional I have seen it all, and I will provide invaluable help in turning you into a knowledgeable consumer. Homeowners can identify problems in the making and take preventative measures to avoid costly repairs. Sellers can understand conditions the buyer’s inspector may point out and put the property in better condition by making repairs. Our inspection services include:
Buyers Home Inspection
In both new and old homes, the best way to ensure that you are well informed about the strengths and weaknesses of a property is to have a professional home inspection. I am specially trained to identify problem areas both small and large that may have been overlooked by the previous owners and to identify which require immediate attention. See my Inspection Overview for more details.
Sellers Home Inspection
Weather you are selling your own home or using a Realtor, it is always a prudent idea to have a professional home inspection. Knowledge is power. All homes have strengths and weaknesses: we help you answer how serious the problems are and which must be immediately addressed and which can wait. The more you know about your home, the more prepared you will be for negotiation. See my Inspection Overview for more details
Construction Phase Inspection
In a new home, the quality of construction is often not what it should be, therefore many buyers opt to have independent reviews of their properties during various stages of the construction process, including foundation, frame and final inspection. This relatively inexpensive inspection protects your purchase, prevents unpleasant surprises, and ensures the quality of the home that you’ve dreamed about.
Wood Destroying Organism Inspections
Wood Destroying Organism Inspections provide extremely valuable information to buyers of both older and newer homes with a report on areas inspected, evidence found of termite activity, high risk termite entry areas inaccessible to inspection and termite control options. By law, all Termite and Wood Destroying Organism inspections must be performed by a New York State Licensed inspector. Termites or other wood destroying organisms can cause serious damage to wooden structures and can also attack stored food, household furniture, and books. See Termite Facts.
Warranty Inspection
Most builders provide a one year warranty for new construction. Generally during this period of time the buyer develops a ‘Punch List’ of corrections for the builder to repair under the warranty coverage. Some defects will not be obvious to the untrained eye. It is prudent to obtain our home inspectors list of items that will most likely be repaired by your builder at no cost to you. You will be reassured knowing that potential problems were addressed before they turn into something that could cost you a great deal down the road.
Radon Testing
I test for Radon in your home so you can be comfortable your family is safe from its harmful effects. If high levels of radon are detected during the testing process radon mitigation will be recommended. Radon mitigation is fairly straightforward and often covered by the seller. See our Radon Information page.
Water Quality Testing
Lead can leach into your drinking water from old pipes and fixtures in your home. Radon gas can be present in your well water. Both lead and radon can be harmful to your families health. Testing for both of these contaminants should be performed if your home was built before 1980 (for lead) or if you are on well water (for radon). See our Water Quality Information page.
Mold Testing
Sterling Home Inspections no longer provides mold testing services. As of January 1, 2016 NYS passed new laws pertaining to mold testing and remediation. If suspected microbial growths are found during your home inspection or you are concerned there may be hidden mold growth in the home you should contact a licensed mold assessment company for further evaluation.