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About A+ Home Inspections

Home Owner Tips

Why You Need a Home Inspection

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. A+ Home Inspections will: Evaluate the physical condition: the structure, construction and mechanical systems. Identify items that should be repaired or replaced. Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure and finishes. The inspector does not estimate the value of the house. After the inspection is complete, you will access an on-line report of the findings from the home inspector, usually within five to seven days.

Home Inspections Are Not Appraisals

A property appraisal is a document that provides an estimate of a property's market value. Lenders require appraisals on properties prior to loan approval to ensure that the mortgage loan amount is not more than the value of the property. Appraisals are for lenders; home inspections are for buyers. FHA, which is part of http://www.hud.gov/, requires lenders to obtain appraisals of properties securing FHA-insured loans. FHA requires appraisals for three reasons: To estimate the market value of the property. To make sure that the property meets FHA minimum property requirements/standards (health and safety). To make sure that the property is marketable. The FHA appraisal process will note property deficiencies that are readily observable and found not in compliance with HUD's minimum property requirements/standards (Handbook 4905.1 REV-1 and Handbook 4910.1). These deficiencies may not be the same as those items noted in a home inspection report.

My name is Justin Wisner. I own and operate A+ Home Inspections. I've got over 16 years of new construction and remodeling experience. This alone does not make me a home inspector, but the experience certainly helps. I am certified and insured in the state of Minnesota to do property inspections and I am very good at it.

I am a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors, Indoor Air Quality Association, am a Microbial (Mold) Consultant and can literally see through walls with my high tech infrared camera.

I like to keep things simple so let me walk you through the process.

1. Contact me to schedule a home inspection.
2. Meet me at the property for an un-bias opinion of the property and maintenance tips to keep it in top condition.
3. Review my inspection report online or in paper format to make your decision. It's that easy.

During my detailed inspection, I'll concentrate on:

• Grounds & Drainage
  Inspection of the exterior grounds and drainage is visual and intended to determine if the grading is properly carrying surface water away from the foundation. It is based on normal weather conditions at the time of the inspection. Inspectors do not perform a soil analysis or evaluate homes based on geological conditions. More...
  
  
• Roof
  Roofs are inspected visually and from an area that does not put either the inspector or the roof at risk. Steep, wet, snow or ice covered roofs are not walked on. Slate, tile or asbestos roofs are not walked on. More...
  
  
• Exterior
  The exterior is inspected visually at grade level. The inspector's evaluation is based on generally accepted building practices and the age of the components. More...
  
  
• Attic
  Attic inspections are visual. Inspectors will access the attic if possible. Most attics are unfinished and outside the living space of the home. More...
  
  
• Foundation
  Foundation inspections are visual an limited to accessible components. Accessibility will vary due to type of foundation and other obstacles. The most common problem concerning foundations is water. More...
  
  
• Kitchen & Laundry
  Kitchen and laundry inspections are visual and operational. Inspectors operate kitchen and laundry room fixtures and appliances. More...
  
  
• Bathrooms
  Bathroom inspections are visual and operational. Inspectors operate plumbing fixtures to determine the presence of leaks and look for water damage. More...
  
  
• Interior Rooms
  Interior room inspections are conducted visually. Inspectors examine and base findings on homes of similar construction and age. More...
  
  
• Heating & AC
  Heating and cooling inspections are visual. Weather permitting, we will operate both the heating and A/C units in their respective modes. We will use normal controls and evaluate how well the system is performing its intended function. More...
  
  
• Plumbing
  Plumbing inspections are visual and operational. Inspectors operate normal controls and put the system through a normal cycle. More...
  
  
• Electrical
  Electrical inspections are visual and operational. Inspectors operate all normal switches, test a representative number of outlets and observe visible lines. More...
  
  
• Garage
  Garages are inspected based on accessibility and are reported as being attaché or detached from the house structure. The exterior components (i.e. roof, walls, eaves, fascia, gutters, etc.) should be reported when defects exist. They should also be reported when they differ from those components previously listed as part of the house structure. Interior components (i.e. walls, etc.) should be reported when defects exist and when they differ from those components previously listed as part of the house structure. More...