The largest single investment you will ever make will be the purchase of a home. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs. Our home inspectors are "house experts". A complete assessment of the property is recorded in a typed narrative style report.  You can minimize costly repair bills or any unpleasant surprises after moving in.  We consider our  "inspection reporting system" to be the best there is in the industry.

What is 'Home Protection-Plus"?  Top of Page 

"Home Protection-Plus" assures you that all visually accessible areas are inspected. All of the electrical and mechanical systems will be tested. All attic areas & crawl spaces that can be safely entered will be inspected. An inspector will climb a ladder to view a roof not visible at grade. Items that may be needing repair or replacement are mentioned. Maintenance items are always discussed during the home inspection. Soil grades at or near the house foundation and lot drainage are always detailed. You will learn a lot about the house if you can be present for the home inspection. The inspectors report is your best assurance that the house will have no major undiscovered defects. If you have any more questions after the inspection, the home inspector will call you back.

Can I do it myself?  Top of Page 

Even the most knowledgeable home owners lacks the expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected thousands of homes in his career. An inspector is a highly trained professional that checks all elements of the home. For example, questions concerning signs of wear and roof life expectancy, structural wood frame cracks, wet stains/or efflorescence on basement walls, the condition and life expectancy of the heating system are answered. You will have a clearer understanding of the major systems of the home before leaving the property. Our impartial third-party opinion will objectively help you organize all the important facts concerning the house and grounds. 

Mortgage lending institutions usually require a "Home Inspection," a "Wood Destroying Insect Report" and a "Radon Gas Measurement Report" before they can deliver a mortgage.

What if the inspector finds problems?  Top of Page 

No house is perfect.  If problems are found with the house, you will know in advance what to expect.  The seller may be flexible with the contract terms if major problems are found. I f your budget is very tight,  this information will be extremely important to you. 

As professional home inspectors, we have no other financial interests in the property as defined by the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) "Code of Ethics".   We generally do not offer repair contracts if work needs to be done to the house.  During the home inspection, the inspector objectively records all pertinent data that will be of use to you and your attorney before closing in the property.  The report will be very specific and detailed.

Does a Home Inspector need to be an Engineer?  Top of Page 

You do not have to be an engineer to be a good home inspector.  As a matter of fact, being an engineer will not ensure you that a good home inspection will be done!  Performing a home inspection is a discipline of it's own, unlike any other field of endeavor.  A home inspector's role, as being a generalist, can reveal to you any major problems or deficiencies throughout the home that may cost a lot to correct. Also any problems that pose a potential health, safety, or fire hazard will be mentioned in the report.  

A home inspection does not involve engineering analysis. Engineering is a different type of investigation, involving scientific measurements and mathematical calculations. This is what is done when structural blue prints for a new house are devised.  When during the course of a visual home inspection, evidence indicates a structural situation that warrants serious further investigation, an engineer or architect will be advised to be contacted "before closing on the property". If the situation should arise, we also have a staffed  engineer on hand who will go out and visit the site for a "very reasonable additional fee". A "state seal" will than accompany all documentation submitted thereafter.

What kind of insurance is carried?  Top of Page 

Home Inspections obtains "general liability" and "errors and omissions" insurance from , the "Foundation of Real Estate Appraisers", as a Commercial Real Estate Inspector. FREA is one of the oldest and most reliable carriers in the industry. They protect both home buyers and realtors alike. Ameri-Search presently maintains a one million dollar E&O policy.

Why would I need a BUYER home inspection?  Top of Page 

When a family purchases a home, it is usually an exciting period filled with hopeful dreams, but may sometimes become disappointing after moving in to their home. However, disappointments can be avoided when the purchaser knows the true condition of the home they are about to purchase, by having a home inspection. Most people are not to be considered house experts. Because Ameri-Search Inspectors have had expert training and experience, a prospective home buyer is much better able to find any problems and relate these issues to their attorney, before closing on the property.

Why would I need a SELLER home inspection?  Top of Page 

A homeowner needs to know how to put their property in shape to efficiently market and sell to potential buyers. Again most home sellers are not home experts.  Most people and a lot of contractors do not know how to identify termite damage. Of course, most people have to squeeze in time to maintain their homes.  This is where the home inspector comes in.  A home inspector will find things the average person would never have thought of.  A home inspection can help you identify maintenance concerns , organize an agenda for repair, and save you a lot of time!

This information is helpful in several ways. A presale inspection will eliminate last minute surprises, which can cause the deal to fall apart. By accurately disclosing the properties condition to potential buyers you will more likely receive realistic offers and the deal will close with fewer problems. Properties with fewer unanswered questions will often sell faster. Surprises which arise after the buyer makes an offer often leads to delays and price renegotiations.

Almost all homes have defects, which buyers will want the sellers to correct prior to the close of escrow. When you know those defects in advance you can get repair estimates from contractors and provide that information to the buyers. You may wish to have some of the items repaired prior to listing the property for sale. A defect disclosure, which is accompanied by a cost to correct can provided by a reputable contractor.  This can defuse a potential problem before it occurs. The unknown possible cost always appears more threatening and risky than a known expense.

How long does the inspection take?  Top of Page 

The length of the inspection varies according to the size of the home and the type of services that we are providing. In general, we recommend that you reserve 2 1/2 hours for a general house inspection. Townhouses and condominiums usually take between  1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Should I be present during the inspection?  Top of Page 

We urge you to be present throughout the inspection.  You will learn first hand about the strengths and weaknesses of your new home.  We encourage our clients to ask questions during the inspection.  Maintenance items will be discussed.  Our goal is to thoroughly inspect the property.  You will find the written report easier to understand after seeing the property through the inspectors eyes.  If for some reason you cannot be present during the home inspection,  and there are questions or concerns, the inspector can quickly address any concerns that you may have by telephone.

What does the home inspection cover?  Top of Page