Inspection Services
Arrow Home Inspection Services is licensed and insured to provide comprehensive home inspection services around New Baltimore and Albany, New York.
Pre-Purchase Home Inspections
Are you buying a home? A home is probably the largest purchase you will ever make, so it is important to understand the condition of your investment. When buying a home, you should always have a professional home inspection performed. It can identify potential issues and give you a better idea of the ongoing maintenance the property will require. You need to know exactly what you are getting.
Pre-Listing Home Inspections
Are you selling your home? Have it inspected before you even list it. Home inspections aren’t just for home buyers. A move-in certified seller inspection alerts you to any defects or problems with your home so that you can address them before prospective buyers discover them. When a prospective buyer discovers problems it can lead to time delays, added expenses, and even derail a deal altogether.
New Construction Inspections
You may think since a home is newly built, it must be perfect. This isn’t always the case though. With so many people working on a home and with so many components to the actual construction, mistakes can be made. No home is perfect but it’s important to know which aspects of a home are worth repairing and which are deal-breakers. A new-construction home inspection can provide key insights into the home’s construction, as well as a chance to prevent costly repairs later on down the line.
Water Quality Test
Water quality testing is a specialized test that checks a home’s water supply for contaminants and pollutants, such as chlorine, lead, and coliform bacteria. Testing can reveal chemical imbalances of the pH, and other attributes, such as hardness of the water. No natural water source is completely free of impurities; contaminants and pathogens must be monitored and mitigated. Testing ensures that the home’s water is consumable and safe for everyday use.
Radon Inspections
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless — making it impossible to detect without specialized equipment. Radon gas can enter your home through the foundation and collect in the basement. Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA’s Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). That’s because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer.
Mold Inspections
Mold is a fungus, and like all fungi, it thrives in moist places. Mold spreads by emitting spores, microscopic particles often as small as a single cell. 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. Sometimes mold can form within the walls of the house or in places completely out of sight.
Covered in Every Home Inspection:
Plumbing
The main water shutoff valve is located. Faucets and showers are checked for visible leaks, and the water pressure is tested. The types of pipes used are identified, if visible.
Electrical
Wires are identified, all outlets are tested and verified that there are GFCI’s installed where needed to protect from electrical shock. The electrical panel is inspected for safety issues and fire hazards.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. Determine the age of the furnace and/or air system, whether or not they function properly, and possibly recommend repairs or maintenance needed.
Water Heater
Identify the age of the water heater and check that it has been properly installed. Determine the condition of the unit and possibly give an estimated remaining life span.
Laundry
Inspect the mechanical exhaust system for the clothes dryer. A poorly ventilated dryer exhaust can be a serious fire hazard. The clothes dryer must vent directly to the outdoors, unless it is a ventless dryer.
Fire Safety
Test the smoke detectors and ensure that any garage walls present have the proper fire ratings, and are undamaged. Inspect the fireplace for proper installation and maintenance.
Bathrooms
Check toilets & tubs for visible leaks and proper ventilation, to prevent moisture related issues. Test toilets to see they’re flushing, run showers to see they spray and properly drain.
Attic
Check for any structural damage and for proper ventilation, if available. Identify any leaks from roof and inspect the insulation to ensure proper placement and ventilation.
Garage
Inspect the garage foundation, windows, ceiling, and framing. Test the garage for proper ventilation and be sure the doors operate properly. Check and test the outlets electrical system.
Roof
If accessible and visible, inspect the roof for any defects, including attic shingles, flashing and fascia. Check all gutters to be sure they are secure and look for defects in chimneys and skylights.
Exterior
Inspect all exterior walls for damaged or missing siding, cracks, or excessive soil contact which can be an invitation for pests. Check the foundation for possible cracks or settling.
Grading
Check to ensure that the ground slopes away from the house, which prevents water from entering the house or causing damage to the foundation. Identify any problematic, soggy areas.
Contact Us
Arrow Home Inspection Services LLC provides certified and professional inspection services in the following areas throughout NY:
New Baltimore, Albany, The Capital Region, and the Catskills
Have more questions?
Feel free to call, email, or reach out through the contact form to schedule an inspection. We look forward to getting the opportunity to work with you.
Phone: (518) 819-9409
Email: ron@inspectionsbyarrow.com