Four Square Home Inspections

A Home Inspection is a largely visual, non-invasive examination of the home from the foundation to the top of the chimney. We examine all of the electro-mechanical systems including the electrical, plumbing, drainage, HVAC and appliances. We pay particular attention to the structure and its integrity. We do measure a number of destructive elements including combustible natural gas and moisture (with particular emphasis on the basement, bathrooms and attic spaces). Finished basements and slab on grade construction can be problematic and get special attention as well. We perform moisture measurements in carpeting and side walls that can reveal defects in concrete slabs and wall areas that may create habitable conditions for fungal growth. I am certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) as an ASHI certified Inspector (ACI) and by the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) as a Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI), and a Certified Master Inspector by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) among other relevant certifications. We are "A+" rated by the Cleveland Better Business Bureau and have consistently "A" ratings on Angie's List and have earned the coveted Angie's List "Super Service Award" in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Defects are recorded with a digital camera, annotated and added to the comprehensive inspection report (report samples are available on our website at www.foursquarehomeinspections.net). Procedurally, I handle our inspections as follows: Please know that we want to you learn as much about your prospective home as possible. At the completion of the inspection, you should know more about the home than when you arrived and you should have every one of your questions answered to your satisfaction. First, and when possible, I meet with you, my client, at the outset of the inspection and review the inspection process. I will answer your unanswered questions and determine whether you have any particular concerns that you wish me to address during the inspection. Second, I then complete the inspection on the exterior of the property. This includes the landscaping, exterior cladding, roof and gutter system, windows and doors, ventilation and all exterior components and systems. Upon completion, I will find you (and other's in you party interested in learning more about the home) and tour the exterior where I will show you each of the identified defects and concerns. Of course, everything that I show and tell you about will be photographed, annotated and embedded in the final inspection report. Third, I will inspect the garage and then locate you and we'll examine together the issues in the garage Fourth, I will inspect the basement, crawl space and/or the electromechanical systems (when in slab-on-grade construction) and then review those with you. Fifth, I will inspect the interior (living space) of the home and then we'll tour the interior to discuss the living space issues together. Sixth, I'll inspect the attic space and then discuss the findings with you. Finally, we'll spend a few minutes answering your remaining questions to be sure that you have every questions answered and that you know as much about the home as you wish to know. Following the inspection, and typically the same day (but no later than the next morning) we'll send your email copy of the inspection report. I will then send a "hard-copy" of the report in the US Mail. This "hard copy" often contains such supplemental information as the 90 day limited structural and mechanical warranty, appliance recall information, and specialized information about mold infections, wiring systems, electrical components or other applicable supplemental information. Our inspections typically require three to five hours on site (we encourage your attendance and participation to learn as much about your prospective home as possible). Many people ask about the process for roof inspections and whether I "walk the roof." The answer is a qualified "yes." If conditions permit me to safely (for both me and the roof) walk the roof, I will do so. Some roof systems should never be "walked" for an inspection; those roof surfaces include standing seam, slate, wood shake, wood shingle and clay tile roof surfaces. I will generally "walk the roof" if the pitch is 6 in 12 or less, if the roof can be walked without jeopardizing the roof, and again, when it is safe for me and the roof to do so. If I cannot inspect the roof "from the topside", I will do so with a ladder at the eaves and with the judicious use of binoculars. I am licensed to perform Asbestos evaluations and Radon tests as well as and Wood Destroying Insect (WDI also called termite) inspections for you if you or your lender so require. I am also certified to perform Indoor Air Quality and mold inspections or to perform thermographic imaging (infrared thermography) for you if so required. Selected Services include: Home Inspections Property Inspections Real Estate Inspections Mold Testing Radon Testing Water quality analysis Infrared Thermography Asbestos Sampling and Testing Manufactured Home Inspections Water Quality Testing and Analysis Foundation and Structural Inspections Termite (Wood Destroying Insect) Inspections Free Mold-Safe Warranty with every Home Inspection Free 90 Day Limited Structural and Mechanical Warranty Free Appliance Recall Check (using CPSC database dating to 1974) Indoor Air Quality Inspections (e.g., bacteria, particulates, formaldehydes, Volatile Organic compounds (VOC's), molds, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, allergens) Same day reporting by email (typical) and then US Mail (next day)