Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime. When you’re looking to purchase a house in Royal Oak or the surrounding areas, it’s crucial to have a professional home inspection performed so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
As experienced home inspectors serving Royal Oak for over 15 years, we’ve seen it all. We understand how stressful and confusing the home buying process can be, especially when it comes to inspections. Our job is to provide homeowners with an objective, comprehensive assessment of the home’s condition so they can make an informed decision.
In this blog post, we’ll outline what you need to know about home inspections in Royal Oak, what to look for in an inspector, and what our inspection process entails from start to finish. Read on to learn why so many Royal Oak homeowners have trusted us over the years to perform their home inspections service in Royal Oak.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual examination of both the interior and exterior components of the home to assess their physical condition. The inspection covers all the major systems and structures like:
- Roof
- Attic
- Exterior siding and trim
- Windows and doors
- Foundation and basement
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system
- HVAC system
- Kitchen appliances
- Bathrooms
- Interior rooms
The goal is to identify any issues, defects, or safety hazards that may impact the home. Typical problems found during inspections include:
- Leaks
- Cracks
- Signs of water damage
- Faulty wiring
- Poor drainage
- Pest damage
- Structural problems
- And more
While inspectors won’t do any destructive testing, they use specialized tools and techniques to thoroughly evaluate the home. Once complete, the inspector provides a detailed report summarizing their findings. This allows the buyer to make negotiations or request repairs from the seller based on inspection results.
Bottom line – a home inspection provides critical insight into the current condition of the home so buyers know what they’re getting into. It can help identify hidden issues and provides peace of mind.
What to Look for in a Home Inspector
Not all home inspectors are created equal. When hiring an inspector, you want to look for specific qualifications and traits to ensure a thorough inspection.
Licensing & Certifications
In most states, home inspectors are required to hold certain licenses and certifications to practice legally. In Michigan, inspectors should be licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Proper licensing ensures inspectors have met experience and educational requirements. Additional voluntary certifications through organizations like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) also demonstrate an inspector’s knowledge and commitment to the profession.
Our inspectors hold all required state licenses as well as stringent InterNACHI certifications.
Experience
The best inspectors have extensive experience performing home inspections in Royal Oak and surrounding areas. Look for an inspector with several years of experience and hundreds of completed inspections under their belt. They will be familiar with local homes and any common issues specific to the area. Our team has over 15 years of experience inspecting Royal Oak homes.
Strong Reviews
One of the best ways to vet an inspector is to read through online reviews from past clients. Look for consistently positive reviews and feedback across multiple platforms. This helps ensure the inspector provides a great experience and high-quality inspections. Our Royal Oak inspection services have earned rave reviews and a strong local reputation over the years.
Detailed Reports
Ask to see sample inspection reports from the inspector. A thorough home inspector will provide comprehensive, detailed reports with photos outlining all findings. The report should be well-organized and written in terms you can understand as a buyer.
Education
At a minimum, inspectors should have construction, engineering, architecture or related educational background. Ongoing training and education is also a must to stay up-to-date on inspection best practices. Our inspectors have the ideal blend of education and hands-on training.
By choosing an inspector who meets these qualifications, Royal Oak homebuyers can have confidence they will receive a precise, professional inspection.
What to Expect During Our Inspection Process
Our home inspectors take great pride in providing homeowners the most comprehensive, educational home inspections in Royal Oak. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect when you choose us for your inspection:
Initial Consultation
We start every inspection with an initial meeting at the home. This gives us a chance to discuss your specific needs, address any areas of concern, and answer all questions you may have before starting. We want you to feel fully at ease throughout the process.
Thorough Walkthrough & Assessment
Next comes the detailed visual examination of the home’s interior and exterior. We inspect from the roof down, room by room, using state-of-the-art tools like infrared cameras, moisture meters, outlet testers, and more. On average, inspections take 2-3 hours to complete thoroughly for a typical single-family home.
Review of Findings
Once the on-site inspection concludes, we take time to review our preliminary findings with you. We discuss any problem areas identified, answer any additional questions, and offer recommendations based on our professional expertise. This allows you the chance to learn more about existing or potential issues.
Comprehensive Written Report
Within 24 hours of completing the inspection, we compile our findings into an easy-to-understand written report complete with photos. The report is carefully organized by category (roof, exterior, structure, electrical, etc.) to make it simple to read. We outline both major and minor defects so you have a full understanding of the home’s condition.
Follow-Up
We always make ourselves available for any follow-up consultation after sending the report. Additional questions often come up after buyers have had time to thoroughly review the inspection report, and we’re happy to provide any extra clarification needed. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.
When you choose us for your Royal Oak home inspection, you can expect an informative experience with clear, transparent communication every step of the way. Our reputation has been built on going above and beyond for buyers.
5 Key Areas We Inspect in Royal Oak Homes
While home inspections are comprehensive, there are certain areas of focus that can reveal larger underlying issues. Based on inspecting hundreds of Royal Oak homes over the years, here are 5 key areas we pay extra attention to during every local inspection:
1. The Roof
As the first line of defense against the elements, a roof plays a critical role in protecting the rest of the home. Typical problems we find in Royal Oak roofs include:
- Damaged, curling or missing shingles
- Leaks and water staining
- Excessive debris buildup
- Flashing failures
- Skylight defects
- Insufficient attic ventilation
- Gutter and downspout issues
Catching minor roofing problems early on can help prevent costly repairs down the road. We thoroughly examine all roof components during inspections.
2. Foundation & Basement
Foundational and basement problems can be one of the most expensive repairs for homeowners. When inspecting Royal Oak houses, we carefully check for:
- Cracks or shifting in foundation walls
- Leaks
- Dampness or water staining
- Improper drainage
- Sump pump failures
- Excess humidity
- Mold growth
- Structural damage
Any issues compromising the integrity of the foundation can lead to ongoing problems. We’ll identify concerns before they turn into headaches.
3. Electrical Systems
Outdated electrical power can present safety risks and not enough power for modern needs. Our electrical inspection looks at:
- Circuit panel and wiring condition
- GFCIs presence and function
- Light fixtures, switches and outlets
- Grounding and bonding
- Smoke and CO detectors
- Load calculations to identify adequate power supply
We use professional tools to identify any electrical deficiencies or code violations.
4. Plumbing
Faulty plumbing often goes unnoticed but can be costly. We inspect visible pipes along with:
- Water pressure
- Pipe leaks and corrosion
- Water heater health and safety
- Drainage and venting issues
- Fixture functionality
- Sewer line condition
Proper plumbing is essential for health, sanitation and home functionality.
5. HVAC Systems
Heating and cooling issues affect comfort and utility costs. Our HVAC inspections cover:
- Condition of equipment
- Age and efficiency ratings
- Signs of leaks, damage or corrosion
- Filter, ductwork and vent condition
- Thermostat operation
- Functionality testing
- Recommended service based on age
Proper HVAC operation provides healthy indoor air quality and consistent comfort and climate control.
By thoroughly inspecting these key areas, we identify the most pressing concerns that directly impact homeowners. This allows us to guide buyers towards the best decisions during and after the home purchase.
Partner With a Trusted Royal Oak Home Inspector
Purchasing a home is a long-term investment in your family’s comfort and security. While exciting, we know the home buying process also comes with its share of stress and uncertainty. Our job is to eliminate the guesswork by providing Royal Oak homebuyers with objective, comprehensive home inspections they can count on.
With over 15 years inspecting local homes, we’re familiar with the common issues homeowners face in Royal Oak. Our expertise and state-of-the-art tools allow us to detect problems not visible to the naked eye. Detailed reporting and transparent communication ensure you make the most informed decision about your most important investment.
We hope this overview has offered helpful insight into what to expect from the home inspection process. When you’re ready to get started, contact us today to schedule your Royal Oak inspection. Let us show you how a great home inspection service in Royal Oak experience can help turn buying your dream home into a pleasure.
No matter which inspector we send to your Royal Oak home, you can expect the same precise, unbiased inspection report. Our commitment to reliability gives clients confidence and peace of mind.