Buyer Home Inspections
Ready to purchase your dream home? The first step is to make sure it’s not a nightmare in disguise. The inspectors from Chester County Home Inspections will vet the home so you’ll have the information needed to either move forward or wait for a better option. Schedule online now, or call (484) 212-1600.
Why Are Home Inspections Beneficial?
Lest you think a home inspection is a frivolous expense, consider the scenario of signing the contract and a few months after possession, the roof leaks or HVAC system breaks down. Yes, homeowners are supposed to fully disclose any defects, but that doesn’t always happen for several reasons.
- They honestly weren’t aware of it.
- It just occurred. The day after signing the papers, one homeowner was greeted by a flooded basement from a burst water heater.
- Unfortunately, not everyone is forthcoming with information.
Home inspections put the onus on the seller. As the buyer, you will then be able to ask for a price adjustment or make the deal contingent on the owner fixing the problems with proof that the work has been professionally completed. It puts you in control.
Schedule Now![Home Inspectors in Chester County PA](/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Happy-Romantic-Couple-Having-F-235978348.png)
What Does a Full Home Inspection Include?
Owner Edwin Dunckley is a consultative inspection professional. With 20+ years of hands-on experience as an investment property owner, he loves to share the knowledge he has gained from working on his own properties. His comprehensive buyer and seller home inspections are thorough and detail-oriented.
Each inspection includes an assessment of the following:
- Roof, vents, flashing, and trim
- Gutters and downspouts
- Skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations
- Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings
- Eaves, soffits, and fascia
- Grading and drainage
- Basement, foundation, and crawlspace
- Water penetration and foundation movement
- Heating system
- Cooling system
- Main water shut-off valve
- 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 panel(s), breakers, and fuses
- Grounding and bonding
- GFCIs and AFCIs
- Fireplace damper door and hearth
- Insulation and ventilation
- Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers
- And more
After each inspection, Edwin issues a detailed inspection report complete with video, recommendations, and high-resolution photos.
View a Sample Report![Chester County PA Home Inspections](/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Edwin-15.jpg)
Concerned about other issues? We also offer these services:
- Termite inspections
- Pool & spa inspections
- Radon testing
- Well certifications
- Water quality testing
- Stucco & EIFS Inspections
- Pre-drywall inspections (for new-home builds)
- Pre-closing walk-through inspections (for new-home builds)
- Restoration assessments for old or historical homes
- Home warranty inspections for new-home builds closing in on the expiration of their one-year warranty
Ed is known locally as the historic home assessment professional. His own home is 200+ years old, so he understands the building practices of years past. He can help determine the feasibility of historical renovation projects.
Buyer Home Inspection Tips
Wondering what you should watch out for when buying a house? Here are three important tips:
- Always inspect the basement. Basements are the heart of the home for structure and major mechanicals. Additionally, both interior and exterior leaks will show up in the basement.
- Always check the roof, being sure to inspect the roof structure in the attic.
- Thoroughly assess the plumbing and electrical.
Pre-Drywall Inspections for New Home Builds
Pre-drywall is the best time to inspect the home! You can never see more of a house than at this point because everything is still open. These inspections are extensive; it takes longer than a drywalled home and costs a bit more. Here are some key inspection points.
Foundation
- Foundation construction: water proofing & drainage systems
- Beams and Girders: construction, dimensions, spans
- Posts and Piers: construction, dimensions
- Walls: sill plate attachment
- Basement exit: presence of egress door or accessibility of egress window
Framing
- Floors: structure type, floor supports, subfloor, penetrations through floor members, spans & supports
- Structure: load bearing & floater walls, webs in engineered I-beams, best practices for framing doors and windows
- House wrap: seams taped & window flanges taped
Plumbing
- Drains: hangars, angles, cleanouts, preparation for basement bathrooms, macerator
- Vents: tied in at drain points, terminate through roof, preinstalled for radon
- Hot water systems: tankless, heated tanks, indirect heated storage, isolation valves & grounded gas lines
- Sump pump: one-way valve, plunger positive stop, float
- Fire suppression: pressure gauges present, reading
Roofing
- Construction: trusses or rafters, support structures, ties, purlins, strongbacks
- Decking: material, joints, use of H-clips, flashing at penetrations
- General: flashing, drip edges, soffits, fascia, dentils, gutters, downspouts
HVAC
- Cabinet: blower door switch, fresh air intake, exhaust vent, grommets
- Gas supply: isolation valves, drip leg, bonded, secured
- Refrigerant: lines secured, insulated
- Evaporator: condensation drain & pump
- Condenser: isolation switch, level pad, drains
Electric
- Entrance: supply panel ampacity, masthead, grounding
- Main panel: ampacity match supply, AFCI in bedrooms
- Outlets: sufficient number per room, switched, GFCI garage & exterior
- Safety: screw blocks at through-stud openings, hard-wired for smoke detectors
- Conveniences: low voltage systems, TV & communications cabling, open channel attic to basement
Pre-Closing Walk-Through Inspections
At pre-closing walk-through inspections, we verify that the home is ready for move-in. It rarely is. We know the typical problem areas. We match the builders spec sheets with your purchase options checklist to see that all is there and working. For example, we check that the gimbal lights option you purchased by the fireplace is installed, that the optional gas line in the laundry room is actually there, likewise the exterior vent for the stove. We check installation details of cabinets, countertops, vanities, lights, doors, sliders, windows and more. We verify operation of HVAC systems, hot water heater, garage door openers, sump pump, doors and window locks and latches, fireplaces and appliances – even little things like three-way switches at the tops and bottoms of stairs. We verify that tub and shower water temperatures are properly regulated. We supply you with a punch-list report for builder corrective action.
When it comes to one of the biggest decisions of your life, do your due diligence with a home inspection from Chester County Home Inspections Call (484) 212-1600 or schedule online now. We serve Chester, Berks, Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware counties.