Standard Full-Home Inspection

A thorough inspection of the home's major systems, this inspection caters to the home buyer who is primarily concerned with the systems that make the home habitable. This visual inspection includes over 275 items, from the foundation to the roof and all the major systems of the house including electrical, plumbing and heating/air conditioning. The inspection takes between 2 and 3 hours depending on the size of the home.

Items inspected include:

What is involved in a pre-purchase home inspection?

A home inspector conducts a visual examination of the home you are planning to buy.
He or she will examine all the major elements of the home, such as the roof, structure, exterior siding, interior electrical, interior plumbing, heating and air conditioning. A thorough inspection usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on home size and age.
Normally, the home inspection is paid for by the buyer, although more and more sellers are retaining the services of a professional home inspector before sale negotiations begin.

Extended Full-Home Inspection

This comprehensive 3 to 3 1/2 hour inspection is for the home buyer who would like a comprehensive analysis of all details of the home. This inspection provides a list of the many small items that may need attention after moving into the home. It includes all the items listed above in the Standard Full Home Inspection, plus information about the condition of the home's interior components including:

• Interior and exterior doors
• Built-in appliances
• Interior stairway components
• Bathtub and shower wall coverings
• Kitchen cabinet doors and drawers

You can also add additional items including:

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A home inspection protects all parties

The truth is, without a thorough home inspection performed by a qualified professional, neither the buyer nor the seller can really know what defects may exist in a home. Universal Inspection professional will evaluate all the major elements of the home, including heating, cooling, structure, electrical, plumbing - and more, so that you can make an informed home purchase decision.

Why a home inspection is a smart investment

Whether you are a first time home buyer or have bought and sold many homes, Universal Inspection recommends you obtain a professional home inspection to take advantage of these benefits:

* Find out what type of systems and components exist in your new home.
* Determine the condition of the systems and major components of the home.
* Understand how the systems and structural components of your new home function.
* Learn how to maintain your new home to improve the enjoyment and value of your home.

Important tips when arranging a home inspection
Order a home inspection soon after your purchase offer has been accepted.

Many of the real estate contracts allow a limited number of days to complete a home inspection (and then to request repairs, or cancel the contract if needed).

If the home is vacant, confirm that the seller will have all utilities on during the home inspection.

Failure to do so may require a second trip to the home when the utilities are on, and you will incur additional fees. To properly evaluate a home a professional inspector must be able to operate the systems, thus requiring the utilities to be on.

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Many homebuyers who are considering purchasing a newly built home wonder if a home inspection is necessary since the home is new. The answer is yes!

Even though local municipality officials will perform code inspections, this does not ensure that the home will be constructed properly and be free of defects. In addition, the cliché "they don`t make them like they used to" holds very true for newly constructed homes. Many builders require home inspections on the homes they build because they understand the value of an objective check of the construction of the home is in everyone`s best interest.

Once you`ve found a home

Contact: Your realtor and/or law professional should explain the purchase process, make and negotiate the offer, and prepare contracts. Once the contract has been accepted you will need to make arrangements for your home inspection.
Most contracts only allow 7-14 days for you to obtain all necessary inspections. Universal Inspection generally schedule appointments within 48-72 hours of the request, which is normally enough time.

Move-In Inspection

This home inspection is performed when construction is finished and ready for occupancy, but prior to the final walk through by the builder. You get critical information about your new home prior to closing and it give the builder time to make any necessary corrections before the purchase is finalized.

One-Year Home Warranty Inspection

This home inspection is performed approximately 30 days before the expiration of the builder's one-year new home warranty. This inspection addresses any warranty-related concerns that you may want to bring to the builder's attention, and allows time for any necessary repairs before the warranty expires.

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Advice on Selecting and Buying a Home
Buying a home is one of the largest investments people make, and can be an overwhelming experience.

When choosing Location

Many considerations must be taken into account when determining where you should buy a home. Proximity to employment and the quality of the schools are common factors to determine if the location is suitable.
Many communities now have websites chock full of information you should review when selecting your future home location. Once you`ve narrowed your search to a few cities or communities, contact local Real Estate Office to learn more about real estate in that area.
In addition to getting a feel for housing in the area, we recommend you spend some time in the town you are considering. Have a meal at a local restaurant, do some shopping, or visit the library to get a feel for the community. And make sure you visit the area during the day and at night, and weekdays as well as weekends.

Condition of your Home

Condition is a significant factor to be calculated into your home purchase equation.
All homes require constant care; care that will cost money. Most homebuyers take into consideration what the cost of paying the home`s mortgage, taxes and utilities will be, but fail to factor in home repairs and maintenance.
Universal Inspection estimates that to adequately maintain a home in today`s economy home owners need to spend between 1-3% of the cost of the home each year on maintenance. Many Universal Inspection customers ask if it`s better to buy a home in a good condition at a higher price or a home in need of repairs at a lower price?
The answer is: It depends! While this response may seem vague, the answer can vary according to the homebuyer. A home with many defects that is selling for a low price may be a great value for a homebuyer who is very handy and has the time and money to make the needed improvements.
On the other hand, buying a home that requires a lot of repairs may be a big mistake. First time homebuyers must consider the cost of repairs and whether or not they can afford to make them after paying their mortgage, particularly if the buyers do not consider themselves do-it-yourselfers.
Another consideration to factor in is how long you plan on staying in the home. Many homebuyers are only planning on being in a home for a few years and don`t have the time, money or inclination to coordinate many repair projects. These buyers often find that paying a premium for a home in good condition is a wise choice for them.

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For many people, nothing compares to the charm and workmanship found in an older home. The individuality of the home is reflected in the type of buyer attracted to these vintage homes. Here are a few tips when purchasing an Older / Vintage home.

* When buying an older home. Simply due to the home`s age, you will need to plan for a higher than average maintenance budget.
If the older home you are considering buying is currently in need of many repairs, plan a budget which prioritizes the work needed as well as desired cosmetic changes. The internet is a wonderful tool to use for this purpose.
Sites such as HGTV.com provide information on many remodeling projects, repairs or additions.

* When making repairs and cosmetic needs performed by a professional contractor, you will still need to dedicate much time in researching materials and products, dealing with changes found during renovations and overseeing the progress.
If the thought of this excites you...then a wonderful charming home may be in your future.

* Renovating, repairing, or even simply maintaining an older home requires perseverance and sheer muscle. As with motivation, even if you are not planning on doing repairs or renovations yourself, managing even the best contractors will take strength and energy.

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Townhouses and Condominiums have become permanent fixtures on the home ownership landscape for many reasons. Most notably, townhouses and condominiums offer the tax advantages of homeownership with less of the maintenance burdens. Townhouses and condominiums provide the perfect solution to homeownership for someone who doesn’t have the time or interest in maintaining a single family home but desires to build equity and save on taxes.
Since most units in a Townhouse / condominium complex are built within the same time frame, associations face significant repair expenses as the complex ages. Just think of the cost of roof repair and multiply that by 100 units? It is imperative when buying a condominium or Townhouse that you consider the age and lifespan of the common elements and verify that the association has the necessary reserves available to make needed repairs and improvements.

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What does Universal Inspect?

Universal Inspection is known for professional inspections and quality service. Universal Inspection professional will inspect the readily accessible elements of the home, including these major systems:

• Built-In Kitchen Appliances
• Central Cooling System
• Central Heating System
• Decks and Porches
• Exterior Siding
• Foundation
• Insulation
• Interior Electrical System
• Interior Plumbing System
• Roofing
• Structure

More than a Home Inspection

In addition to your guaranteed home inspection, Universal Inspection offer a variety of inspection services to meet the needs of today's astute homebuyers. These services MAY include:

• Radon Screening
• Termite or Wood Destroying Insect Inspections
• Pool/Spa Evaluations
• Septic System Evaluations
• Well Equipment Inspection
• Water Quality Testing
• Mold Inspection
• Mold removal
• Lead-Based Paint Inspections/Assessments
• Allergen Inspection

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The three most important words in buying a vacation home are location, location, maintenance. A home away from home is just that. It is a house that will require all the same maintenance needs and costs associated with your principal residence.
One of the most important things to do when considering a vacation home purchase is to find a reputable real estate professional to assist you. You will need to rely on this person even more than you did with the purchase of your principal residence. Because you are buying a property away from where you currently live, your real estate professional will be your lifeline to this property. Select a Realtor that specializes in vacation home sales. Consider using a buyer`s agent who will work exclusively for you.
Once you have chosen the Realtor you are comfortable with, be certain to ask if they handle or recommend a firm to manage the property when you are not there. This is essential if you cannot visit the home periodically or after storms to assess needed repairs.
After you have found your dream vacation home, the condition of the property is something you will need to pay particular attention to. Remember, the climate in the area where your vacation home is located is generally more extreme that that of your primary residence.
Combine that with the pressure to construct brand new vacation properties quickly, or the lack of care taken by previous rental occupants (re-sale properties), and you can understand why premature aging of elements and systems not is not uncommon.
Universal home inspection report will provide you with an overview of the condition of the property you are considering. Here are some suggestions to assist you in getting the most out of your home inspection and to make your vacation home purchase a successful one.

Obtain firm estimates on any repairs or other remedial needs or suggestions identified in your inspection report prior to closing.

Working with local contractors while you are out of town can be a challenge. If the home requires repairs, take the time to gather the estimates now so that when it's time to make those repairs you know exactly what you will have to spend and you have several names of contractors to call.
Following this simple advice as well as advice from your financial planner or lawyer will help ensure that you and your family may enjoy many years of rest, relaxation and fond memories in your new home.

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We provide comprehensive inspections for multi-unit properties (duplexes, multiplexes, etc.). Similar to a standard or extended full home inspection, this inspection reviews all visual aspects of the individual units of a property, as well as all shared major systems and structural components.

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There are many aspects of manufactured and mobile homes that differ from a permanent residence. Similar to a standard or extended full home inspection, the home inspector reviews all visual aspects of all major systems and structural components of the home, as well as items specific to these types of homes including proper bracing and/or anchoring, permanent bolt-on systems and any towing, axles, or vehicular features.

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More common in competitive real estate markets with multiple offers, this preliminary, information-only home inspection evaluates a home’s major systems and any potential issues, giving home buyers the information to make an informed decision on whether to place an offer on a property. Pre-offer home inspections take about an hour and are a valuable option in time-sensitive situations.

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