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INSPECTION INFO ON THIS PAGE:
- Tools & information
- What are home inspections and why would you want one?
- My promise to you
- Understanding the priorities of the Inspection
- Review some of the points included in the inspection
- Rates
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TOOLS & INFORMATION
Some tools I use for home inspections include an infrared camera, (to the best of my knowledge, I am the only home inspector with an infrared camera, in the Keys), electrical circuit tester, voltmeter, GFI & AFI tester, moisture meter, microwave oven leak detector, carbon monoxide detector, air pump, infrared camera, metal detector. water pressure gauge, infrared thermometer, metal detector, electro-magnetic field meter, smoke alarm tester, lazer level, mirco 5s, carpet samplers, swabs, chemical testers and interior wall mold probes.
I examine building interiors, exteriors and grounds, plumbing, electrical, roof systems, structural, cooling, insulation and ventilation.
I also do four point inspections for home owners to send to their insurance companies.
HGTV Holmes Inspection
The following link is to the HGTV show Holmes Inspection. If you want to see the value of an great inspection, check it out.
http://www.hgtv.com/holmes-inspection/show/index.html
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What are they and why would you want one?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from roof to foundation. A home inspection is the equivalent of a physical examination from your doctor. When problems or symptoms of problems are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation or remedies.
A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future. Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before executing an agreement for sale or purchase. A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After an inspection, both parties have a much clearer understanding of the value and needs of the property.
There are many good reasons to do a pre-purchase home inspection. Here are just a few:
Reason #1: It makes good business sense
Consider the fact that the average price of a home is in excess of $400,000.
Consider that a new roof can cost anywhere from $6000 - $35,000
Consider the fact that a new AC can cost from $3000 - $10,000
Reason #2: You will have greater peace of mind
Buildings old and new need repairs and even on newer buildings it is not uncommon to have repairs estimates into the thousands of dollars.
Reason #3: You will be better informed
Being armed with the right information will help you make a good decision and feel great about it. Not doubt about it, buying real estate is not a stress-free event but a home inspection will relieve some of the strain
Reason #4: : Some inspections provide after inspection services to help you maintain your home
These services often provide home maintenance tips, renovation planning tools, home guides, and other resources to help make your home more comfortable and valuable.
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My Promise to You:
Choosing the right Key West building inspector can be difficult. Unlike most professions, you may not get to meet me until after you hire me. Furthermore, different inspectors have varying reporting methods and pricing. One thing for sure is that a building examination requires a lot of work. Ultimately a thorough inspection depends heavily on the individual inspector's own effort.
When you use me for your Key West building inspection I will methodically inspect the structure and its components in order to identify those areas where upgrades or replacements may be necessary, and screen for those costly defects and safety issues that could lead to problems in the future.
I'll be happy to answer all your questions, both during the investigation AND anytime after, for as long as you own the home.
No referral fees are ever given or accepted by me. I work for YOU and YOU only. You'll get an objective, honest report.
Most importantly, I offer Infrared Thermal Imagery. You can read all about this in the thermal section of this web site. The main point to remember, is that without an inspector who is also a trained thermographer, you are not getting a complete report.
I also offer testing and inspections for mold, chinese drywall, electro magnetic fields, carbon monoxide, lead, water quality and four point insurance reports.
Call me with any questions - I'm here to help.
I have passed courses through the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors NACHI. I am certified for mold testing by Environmental Solutions Association (ESA).
Call me at (305) 923-6174
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Understanding the priorities of an Inspection
Below are the three classes of findings which deserve the highest priority of attention. This list can help us sort through the large volume of clues and "findings" that will be produced by a careful inspection of your property.
1. Things that are Dangerous
2. Things causing rapid, costly Damage
3. Things that are essential that Do not Work
I focus on this list in order to distinguish between what is potentially important (costly, dangerous, does not work) and what is not only unimportant (on a cost and risk scale), but can be a dangerous distraction. The purpose of the inspection is NOT to find minor defects or cosmetic quirks.
Areas of concern usually include the following:
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- Roof, vents, flashings and trim.
- Gutters and downspouts.
- Microwave leak detection
- Moisture readings
- Smoke alarms
- Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations.
- Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings.
- Eaves, soffit and fascia.
- Grading and drainage.
- Basement, foundation and crawlspace.
- Water penetration and foundation movement.
- Heating systems.
- Cooling systems.
- Main water shut off valves.
- Water heating system.
- Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets.
- Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.
- Electrical service line and meter box.
- Main disconnect and service amperage.
- Electrical panels, breakers and fuses.
- Grounding and bonding.
- GFCIs and AFCIs.
- Electro Magnetic Fields
- Fireplace damper door and hearth (if any).
- Insulation and ventilation.
- Garage doors, safety sensors and openers.
- And much more.
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Inspect Key West Building Inspection Fees
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My inspection fees are fair and competitive.
In the long run the cost of poor incomplete inspection will usually be far greater than the price of a good thorough inspection with cutting edge technology.
Consider these points:
- Free pre-closing inspection
- Infrared included
- Fully insured
- Fast turn-around
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Professional home buyer report with Limited Infrared included
Professional Grade, Documented Home Inspection, includes concerns, complete with photos.
This is a valuable report that has been used for many years successfully.
To make this report better than it has ever been, I use the infrared camera in some catagories to find problems that are not visible with the naked eye.
CALL HUGH FOR FREE NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE (305) 923-6174
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Detailed Infrared
This is a cutting edge, technologically advanced, infrared, thermal report.
This report may skip some visible concerns, and go right to the concerns you can only see with an infrared camera. Typically, these concerns are very important to know about, such as new water leaks, missing insulation, electrical overheating/shorts, energy loss, exterior wall moisture barrier failure and imminent mechanical breakdowns.
This is an advanced report that is labor intensive and non-destructive. It takes twice as much work to put this report together and the equipment required is expensive, so the fee is about twice as much as the regular inspection.
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Address
Inspect Key West Inc.
2404 Staples Ave.
Key West, Fl
33040
(305) 923-6174
email inspectkeywest@gmail.com
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