ARRANGING THE INSPECTION
In many cases a home inspection must be hastily arranged to meet the deadline of the sales contract. At Safeguard Home Inspection we are mindful of those requirements and we make our best effort to accommodate the needs of every buyer, seller and agent. Same-day service is available provided time slots are not already taken. We perform inspections every day of the week. Call our office at (770) 992 5575 to arrange a time.

As an added convenience you may wish to call (770) 643 8367 to listen to a continuously updated recording of our available days and times.

DURATION
The answer to the often-asked question, “How long will it take to do the inspection?” is: It depends. Several variables are involved. In most cases, our inspectors spend 3-4 hours at a property. But it's not unusual for an inspection to last more than 5 hours given the size or condition of a house. At Safeguard we don't cut corners. Our inspections are very thorough.

CUSTOMER INVOLVEMENT
During a Safeguard Home Inspection we welcome and encourage the customer to be with us every step of the way, except on ladders and roofs! Most of our customers prefer to arrive the end of the inspection. But they don't miss a thing. A complete inspection report, with photos, is printed on site and we're more than happy to conduct a walk-through all of the issues or concerns that were found.

STANDARDS
At Safeguard Home Inspection our certified inspectors adhere to the Code of Ethics and exceed the Standards of Inspection established by the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). One example of how we go beyond the industry standards is with the inspection of kitchen appliances, which is not a requirement under NAHI guidelines.

A copy of the NAHI® Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics is attached to every inspection report.

INSPECTION AGREEMENT
Before any work can begin, an Inspection Agreement must be signed. This can be arranged either ahead of time via fax, or on the day of the scheduled inspection. The agreement outlines the scope of work, limitations and liabilities.

AREAS OF INSPECTION
There are more than 350 components of a house examined in an average inspection. These can be broken down into the following broad categories:

• Electrical
  Service drop and equipment, conductors, grounding, service panel, over-current protection devices, light switches, lighting fixtures, receptacles and smoke detectors will be checked for proper installation and function. GFCI and AFCI circuits will be tested for proper wiring and safety.
• Exterior
  Flashing, trim, windows, siding, and all exterior doors will be inspected, along with decks, balconies and porches.
• Garage
  Garage door, automatic door openers and firewall adequacy are examined.
  
• Grounds
  Grading, driveways, walkways and steps are scrutinized.
• Heating and A/C
  The heating and air conditioning systems will be checked for adequacy and distribution. Furnaces are inspected for signs of wear and damage.
• Insulation and Ventilation
  The attic and other accessible areas, such as crawl space, will be examined for insulation and ventilation. Vents from fuel-burning appliances and chimney flues will be inspected.
• Interior
  Walls, ceilings, floors, stairways, doors, windows, countertops, installed cabinets and large kitchen appliances are all part of the inspection.
• Plumbing
  Pipes are tested for adequate pressure and drainage. Fixtures, faucets, showers, tubs, water heaters, vent systems, drainage sumps and sump pumps are examined.
• Roof
  Roof covering, gutters, flashing, skylights and chimneys are examined.
• Structural components
  Foundation and framing will be examined for soundness, cracks, settling and water penetration.

Our trained and certified inspectors use advanced equipment to detect carbon monoxide and combustible gases. And our moisture analysis equipment is able to determine if conditions in the home are susceptible to mold.

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED
Inspections do not include underground storage tanks, erosion control measures, swimming pools, hot tubs, wells, well pumps, water conditioning systems, solar heating systems, sprinkler systems, private waste disposal system, detached structures, chimney interior if not readily accessible, antennae, remote control devices, alarm systems, low voltage wiring systems such as landscape lighting, heat exchanger, humidifier, de-humidifier, measurement of amperage, voltage or impedance, electronic air filters, interior paint, wallpaper or other finish treatments, carpeting, window treatments, shutters, decorative items, washer, dryer, small household appliances, central vacuum systems, recreational facilities, fireplace inserts, indoor air quality.

RADON
Although not included as part of the standard service, Safeguard Home Inspection understands that many homeowners are concerned about indoor air quality such as elevated levels of radon. As an added service Safeguard Home Inspection will conduct a radon test and evaluation for $100. A Radon Agreement must be signed prior to testing. Please note, radon samples are collected during a two-day period in an undisturbed room and it may take several days longer before the gases are analyzed and returned from the lab.

MOLD ANALYSIS
For only $100 Safeguard Home Inspection will provide a detailed laboratory analysis of airborne mold spore concentration. The easy-to-understand analysis examines levels of Basidospores, Cladosporium, Penicillium/Aspergillus types, Stachybotrys and more. Results are available the following business day.

INSPECTION REPORT
At the conclusion of the inspection, a detailed computerized Inspection Report is printed on-site. The report includes photos and a summary of all noteworthy issues. The findings are detailed in clear understandable language. If you are unable to be present when the inspection concludes we will be happy to provide you a copy of the report by mail, email or fax.

PAYMENT
Payment is due at the time of inspection. We accept checks.

CALL-BACK OPTION
Safeguard Home Inspection does everything it can to assure a thorough and complete inspection. In cases where repairs have been made following the inspection, we will be happy to examine the adequacy of the repairs and re-issue a new report within 90 days of the original inspection. The re-inspection fee is only $75.

 

Safeguard Home Inspection, Inc.
(770) 992 5575