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Home Inspecting & Contracting Direct, Inc. - We Inspect and Tailor Your Home through the Eyes of Your Family

Home Inspecting & Contracting Direct is able to provide a Uniquely Superior perspective to our clients:Having nearly 10 years of local Contracting experience, not only do we have a Working Knowledge to identify code, safety, or deficiency concerns, but our Certified Inspectors can also educate our customers about the necessary repairs, associated costs and time required to repair. We'll help You make Educated Decisions about your most Important - Your Home!!!

Home Inspecting & Contracting Direct provides Custom Tailored to Your Family: No two families are the same just like no two homes are the same - both have different features. Some families have young children while others have elderly family members, and homes have different characteristics and utilize different .We Inspect Your Home through the Eyes of Your Family!

Types Of Inspections:

Comprehensive - This is also called a Buyer's Inspection and is a complete roof to basement detailed inspection. This inspection will cover between 800 to 1000 inspection points within a house. The major areas are listed below. Typically this inspection will take about 3 to 3 1/2 hours to complete. The pricing on this inspection varies based on the size and age of the property. Call us for pricing @ (612)-616-3627.

Condo - The major focus of this inspection is the interior walls, systems and components inside the condominium being inspected. The inspector will also do a visible inspection of the exterior to alert the client as to major visible defects which could effect the cost of ownership.

New Construction - A new construction inspection is quite different from a full house inspection. This inspections looks for unfinished items, poor workmanship, improper grading and poor insulation as well as many other areas. Call for details and pricing.

Warranty Inspections - This type of inspection is performed prior to the expiration of your home warranty, usually at 11 months. It is used to take advantage of the features and benefits of your home warranty to assure that necessary repairs guaranteed under your warranty are executed should a damage or problems be discovered.

Siding Inspection - We specialize in LP composite type siding and EIFS investigations. We are certified by NEFSI and have years of experience with siding products. We are frequently called in to provide "second opinions"

Commercial Inspections - We offer inspections on Apartment Buildings, Strip Malls, Retail/Factor/Warehouse, Office Building, Bank/Office Building, and Clinic/Hospitals. Call for information and pricing.

Pest Inspections - Pest inspections are part of our comprehensive home inspection or can be just a pest inspection. Wood destroying Pests are primarily termites and beetles, but the category of “pests” also include several other insects of less consequence. Wood destroying organisms are categorized as fungi (often times called “dry rot”), and there are several varieties.

Periodic Maintenance Inspections - This type of inspection is performed every two years to assure the health of your family and the safety of your real estate investment. Periodic Maintenance Inspections are necessary to assure the integrity of your structure, to identify possible indoor issues (such as water leaks, CO, mold), to check the building's integrity that may compromised by cracked beams or foundations, to visually inspect for wood-destroying insects, and more. Any these situations can contribute to decrease home value or pose a physical risk to your family if not identified in time.

Investigative Inspections - This type of inspection is most-often used when a homeowner feels that a problem may exist. For example, you may want to have an Investigative Inspection after a hail storm or flood or if you experience and odd smell in your home that cannot be identified, or if you notice unusual pest and insect activity. In many cases, Home Inspecting & Contracting Direct can help homeowners to catch problems before they become an expensive or irreversible liability.

Pre-Listing Inspection - A professional pre-listing inspection report is a great sales tool. It sets your home apart from the thousands on the market. The more information prospective buyers have, the more thought they might give to purchasing the property. Everyone in the transaction benefits by having an Pre-Listing Inspection performed by Home inspecting & Contracting Direct - in this changing market it will give your property that competitive edge

It helps you establish a realistic asking price with your sellers.

Buyers are more likely to make offers and pay your asking price or minimize negotiations when more thorough credible disclosure is offered.

It establishes buyer confidence and trust. • It minimizes risk liability for you and your sellers.

It discloses significant problems and allows the option of repairing or simply disclosing to potential buyers prior to making their offers, after you establish the most reasonable cost to repair and negotiate.

Knowing what the significant defects are and making selective repairs can enhance the value of the property and make it a more attractive option for potential buyers in this buyer's market.

You stay in control and establish a reputation for having smoother, less stressful transactions.

It is very user friendly, thorough, well organized and easy to read. • Enlargeable photos make it very clear and easy for anyone to understand.

Comments are specifically designed to educate rather than alarm the reader.

The report is absolutely unbiased, thus ensuring credibility, buyer confidence and trust.

Inspection Checklist

General Information

Inspect the existing condition of all systems & equipment
Look for unusual features which may increase or decrease appeal of home
Inspect routine repair maintenance items

Drainage

Check condition all downspouts and extenders
Ensure that spouts drain away from house
Yard should slope away from house to draw water away
Earth should be 6-8” below top of concrete foundation
Ensure gutters are firmly secured and in good working condition

Foundation

Inspect for cracks, scaling, shifting or settling
Check to see if foundation was retrofitted
Check for bowing
Check for areas where moisture can enter house

Improvements/Additions

Find out what, if any, Improvements/Additions have been made to house
Inquire about the competence of the individual or company who made the improvements/addition.

Pests

Inspect for insect or rodent damage throughout house
Check attic vents for hornet/wasp nests
Check for rodent droppings in drawers and throughout house
Look for chew holes in roof, eaves and wiring from squirrels

The Roof

Inspect Condition of roofing material
Check for leaks or conditions that may lead to leakage
Ensure that there are no trees touching or overhanging the roof
Check for dry rot or other problems around overhang
If not already know, determine approximate age of roofing material
Check for bowing of roof decking

Inspect Flashing around all vents, skylights and chimney(s)
Inspect head of chimney, chimney cap & hat
Inspect flue lining & ensure there isn’t creosol build-up
Inspect the gutters for slope and drainage

Doors, Stairs & Walkways

Ensure that Doors, Stairs & Walkways are free of obstructions
All stepping stones should be firmly secured
Ensure railings are secure
Inspect exterior doors for adequate weather stripping and thresholds
Ensure doors are level and easy to open/close

Windows

Look for dry rot on panes, sills and frames
Check for cracks in glass
Ensure that all windows open/close properly
Ensure that windows seal securely – check weather stripping
Check for moisture damage inside
Ensure that bedroom windows are large enough to escape through in case of emergency
Open all windows to ensure they are not painted shut
Check casement windows to ensure hardware is working properly
See whether double hung windows have broken sash cords

Air Conditioning Unit, Gas Meter, & Overhead Power Lines

Check cleanliness & overall condition
Determine size & age of air conditioner – ensure that it’s adequate for home
Note make, model & serial number of air conditioning unit
Check disconnect box for air conditioner
Check for gas leaks on gas meter
Look for Drip Loop where wires reach house
Check condition of wires

General Condition of Exterior

Check all steps, sidewalks and driveway for cracks or damaged areas
Inspect overall condition of house exterior

Looks for cracks or openings where water, insects, or pests can enter house
Look for damaged/missing siding, damaged stucco, or damaged/missing soffits.
Inspect overall condition of the exterior side of all windows & doors

Decks & Porches

Ensure Structural Integrity of attached decks & porches
Ensure flooring, railing & steps are safe & secure
Check ledger board and flashing/drip guard
Check footings and substructure for safety & configuration

The Garage

Check the operation and safety of garage door/door opener

Test auto reverse
Test inferred beam

Check all electrical outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter for grounding.
Check for evidence of moisture (past/present) throughout garage interior
If a drain is present in garage, check to ensure drain is operational
If water source inside garage, check for leaks and ensure operational
If garage is heated, inspect heater for gas leaks, ensure that mounting is adequate and heater is operational
Check for potential fire hazards
Ensure that there are no openings that will let exhaust fumes into living areas
The service door between the garage and living areas must be fireproof

Flooring

Check for water damage – especially around plumbing fixtures
Test for “Soft Spots” in floor
Check under house for damaged/water damaged floor boards and supports
Inspect condition of flooring material (hardwood, tile, carpet, etc.)

Walls & Ceilings

Inspect the overall condition of all walls and ceilings
Pay special attention to the condition of taped joints
Look for waves or cracks in walls or ceilings
Look for water spots from roof or plumbing leaks

Plumbing

Check for leaks around pipes and fixtures
Test the water pressure
Test hot water pressure

Kitchen

Turn on hot water & check temp – over 120 degrees is too hot
Check garbage Disposal – hook-up configuration and operation
Look under sink - check for leaks/water damage/corrosion

Check overall condition of dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer & ice maker
Check overall condition of stove, kitchen fan & built in microwave

Check all burners
Check for gas leaks if gas stove
Ensure stove heats up to correct temp.

Check all electrical outlets with GFCI for grounding.
Check all drawers and doors to ensure operational
Note flooring & wall covering
Check walls, ceilings & floor for damage
All doors and windows should fit well – locks and other hardware should be in working order
Walls & ceilings should be smooth & free of seams or popped nails. Baseboards, Crown molding, door & window trim should fit properly and have mitered corners

Bedroom (s)

Check overall condition of room
Note flooring & wall covering
Check walls, ceilings & floor for damage
All doors and windows should fit well – locks and other hardware should be in working order
Check general condition of closet (s) for damage and workmanship
Check all electrical outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter for grounding.
Walls & ceilings should be smooth & free of seams or popped nails. Baseboards, Crown molding, door & window trim should fit properly and have mitered corners

Bathroom (s)

Check overall condition of room
Note flooring & wall covering
Check walls, ceilings & floor for damage
All doors and windows should fit well – locks and other hardware should be in working order
Make sure toilet is mounted securely
Flush toilet several times – checking for leaks, drainage & regeneration.
Check lights and fan – check venting of fan
Check walls around showers and tub surrounds for water damage
Fill sink basin with water & check for leaks

Look under sink & inspect water supply lines, shut off valves & drain line for leaks - check cabinet base for evidence of leakage
Check all electrical outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter for grounding.
Walls & ceilings should be smooth & free of seams or popped nails. Baseboards, Crown molding, door & window trim should fit properly and have mitered corners

Family Room (s), Living Room (s), Amusement Room (s)

Check overall condition of room
Note flooring & wall covering
Check walls, ceilings & floor for damage
All doors and windows should fit well – locks and other hardware should be in working order

Check all lighting, ceiling fans & switches
Check all electrical outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter for grounding.
Walls & ceilings should be smooth & free of seams or popped nails. Baseboards, Crown molding, door & window trim should fit properly and have mitered corners

If fireplace is present

Inspect overall condition of unit – check venting
Look for crumbling mortar around brickwork
Check for gas leaks (if gas fireplace)
Inspect condition of damper & throat
Inspect initial flue lining

Attic

Inspect roof sheeting for water damage
Inspect condition of joists
Check integrity of Ridge Beam
Check general condition of insulation
Check attic venting

Basement

Check overall condition of basement
Check for sump pump – ensure operational

Inspect foundation walls and floor for cracking, scaling, mold, and evidence of water intrusion
Look for structural defects like cracking in the basement floor

Furnace

Inspect overall condition of furnace, electrical & gas supply lines
Determine age/size of heating unit – ensure that it’s adequate for home
Ensure that thermostat is operational
Inspect operation of furnace, fan & blower.
Monitor air/heat generation/circulation throughout home
Check for rust/corrosion
Check condition air filter

Water Heater

Inspect overall condition of water heater – look for condensation/corrosion
Inspect water & gas supply lines, flue, venting & draft
Check pressure release valve
Check burner & pilot light - ensure consistent flame
Check temperature control versus temp of water from kitchen sink

Electrical

Test all outlets, switches & light sockets to ensure proper function
Ensure system is updated – 3-Prong outlets, circuit breakers, etc.
Check for GFI outlets in bathroom & kitchen
Check for blown fuses, overloaded circuits, broken outlets or flickering lights
Inspect overall condition of Electric Panel – check for rust/corrosion
Check overall neatness of box configuration
Inspect condition of wires and breakers/fuses
Ensure matching wire gauge to corresponding breaker/fuse

** The scope of your Home Inspection meets or exceeds all Industry & State Standards.

View Sample Report: http://www.reporthost.com/hicd/wenell01262012

Home Inspecting & Contracting Direct is Your Full Service Home Inspection & Improvement Expert: Whether it's for your primary residence, an investment property or vacation home, our qualified team will provide you with unmatched expertise, the highest Quality workmanship with attention to detail, and punctual service - All At a Fair Price!

At Home Inspecting & Contracting Direct, We Understand that Appearance matters: We'll help you refresh, refinish or even reshape the look of your home. From finishing your basement to create an exciting new living space, to remodeling or updating your kitchen or bathroom, painting the interior or exterior or finally building the deck you've always wanted, we'll work with you to come up with a comprehensive plan for the work you want to be done. With our nearly 10 years experience, we guarantee you'll be satisfied!

For more information about Contracting Services provided by Home Inspecting & Contracting Direct, give us a call at (612) 616-3627 today! We look forward to working with you and Your Family at this very Important Time, on Your Very Important Decision - Your Home!

Call us today to Schedule a Home Inspection or Discuss a Home Project:

Ted J. Koltes, Owner/Operator

(612) 616-3627

tkted1969@gmail.com