Home Inspections
Just think how the home improvement stores have made “do it your self” remodeling sound so easy. Quite often these projects are done without building permits or permit inspections by people that have good intentions but really do not know what they are doing. Many of the homes we inspect might look “OK”, until you take a closer look, many times uncovering safety and health issues. Over 400 potential items are inspected on an average home. Things like unsafe or non-conforming wiring, unvented plumbing, unflashed decks and roofs, or structural issues. The relatively small cost of an inspection compared to the investment you will have in your home, is money well spent on your piece of mind.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a professional inspect the home before you close and inform you as to the current condition of the home you are considering?
Call us. Let us help you!
buyer and seller inspections
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home’s condition by a trained expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy. The inspector will:
Evaluate the physical condition: the structure, construction, and mechanical systems.
Identify: items that should be repaired or replaced.
Discuss the useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure, and finishes.
Evaluate – doors, windows, walls, foundation, roof, grading, walkways, insulation, ventilation, interior wall coverings, siding, plumbing, electrical, soffits, fascia, furnace, water heater, air conditioner.
The Bottom Line: Spending Hundreds May Save You Thousands.
radon test scheduling and consulting
Radon and Real Estate in Minnesota
Radon testing is now regulated in Minnesota. Handling radon issues during the sale of a home is open to negotiation between the buyer and seller. Since a radon problem can be easily identified and fixed, there is no health-based reason why it should be a “deal-breaker”.
Why is radon important in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s geology contains widespread uranium and radium that supply a constant source of radon. Many of our houses are also built and operated in ways that increase the likelihood of radon entry in homes. The MDH estimates that one in three (1/3) Minnesota homes has radon levels that may pose a large risk to health over many years of exposure. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers in the United States. For more information on the health risks from radon see the MDH fact sheet Radon in Minnesota Homes.
moisture mold evaluation
Mold Basics
The key to mold control is moisture control.
If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
warranty inspection
Do not rely on some home warranties to cover problems after you buy the house. Many of these warranties are written so the problems will be denied, you will give up dealing with the company because of poor customer service, or you will have to pay additional money for the repairs. Some of these companies deny you because the product was not serviced regularly, correctly, or you may not have proof that it was serviced at all. There may be some good companies but many sources say that this is the most complained about service of homeowners.
Have an inspection before you buy the house. There are many places on the internet to get information and reviews on these companies.
distress property and vintage home specialist
Although there may be opportunity for substantial financial gain, these properties can have their own unique set of problems. Some foreclosure properties often have unique and extra problems due to the winterization process many of these homes have gone through. The properties that have had the heat and water turned off for the winter or extended periods of time tend to be the homes of our greatest concern. Many times foreclosure property has been stripped of many things that a buyer would expect to be in the home.