A properly conducted home inspection is a thorough visual examination of the structure, systems and components of a home by an experienced, objective professional home inspector. Homebuyers entering the Michigan marketplace view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their life. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase and it will educate them about the construction, operation and maintenance of the home.

In most cases, a home inspection is performed after the seller has accepted the buyers purchase agreement, conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection (and perhaps a satisfactory CLUE report). The inspection can be scheduled within a couple days. The homebuyer is encouraged to attend the inspection, so that they can see firsthand the inner workings of the home, ask questions about any problems or defects that may be discovered or to discuss potential desired changes or improvements.

The home inspectors service to their client is primarily one of education. The goal of the inspector is to provide their client/buyer with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home and what repairs or improvements may be needed. In many cases, the information obtained from the inspection can save the homebuyer hundreds, thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars. After the inspection is completed, a written report is prepared for the homebuyer, documenting the results of the inspection.

The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, an environmental audit, or a homeowner's warranty. The home inspection is not a guarantee. This is because some problems can only be discovered by living in a house. They cannot be discovered during a few hours of inspection. For example, some roofs and basements only leak under certain weather conditions and some shower stalls leak only when people are actually inside the stall showering, but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower.

A complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. At a minimum, an inspection should meet the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Safe & Sound home inspectors are Certified ASHI Inspectors and adhere to the ASHI Standards of Practice.

A Safe & Sound home inspection includes a thorough visual examination of the house from top to bottom. During the inspection the following systems and components will be evaluated:

Roof: Roof coverings, flashings, roof drainage systems, skylights, chimneys, plumbing vents and ventilation.

Exterior/Site: Exterior walls, siding, trim, windows, doors, porches, patios, decks, steps, stairs, garages, sidewalks, driveways and grading.

Structure: Foundations, basements and crawlspaces.

Attics: Framing, sheathing, insulation and ventilation.

Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, countertops, cabinets, stairs and fireplaces.

Plumbing: Water distribution piping and valves, gas distribution piping and valves, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and water heaters.

Electrical: Service entrance wires, main electrical panels, auxiliary electrical panels, distribution branch wiring, outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans.

Heating/Cooling: Heating systems, cooling systems, house fans, humidifiers and air filters/cleaners.

At the end of the inspection all our findings are recorded in a comprehensive report that is customized for your home and delivered on site. The report is narrative in nature so that you can read, in laymen terms, the results of the home inspection. We also supply advice on home improvements, maintenance and safety information. Free life-time advise after the inspection is available, just call, its that easy.

The average cost of a typical inspection is $275. However, some factors will affect the fee. The cost may go up or down based on items like the age of the home and its square footage, type of foundation (basement vs. crawl space vs. slab) and location. If you are comparing home inspection prices, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Call for free advise and price quote. We offer the most comprehensive inspection available.

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