7 Red Flags for Middle Tennessee Home Buyers

Buying a home can be one of the most nerve-wracking adventures you will ever experience. And the most financially risky. At Contemporary Home Inspections, we’re here to help you make those decisions with wisdom and confidence. We’ve been in the business long enough to know exactly what to look for. We want you to know too. That’s why we’ve prepared this list for you today.

7 Red Flags for Middle Tennessee Home Buyers

1. FOUNDATION ISSUES - Buyer beware: never let allow yourself to become emotionally invested in a property until you have investigated the foundation. If it is found to be cracked or crumbling, that spells an immediate need for attention and repair, and seldom of the “budget friendly” variety.

2. ROOFING ISSUES - One of the biggest issues in any home purchase is the condition of the roof. Know how much life remains in the existing roof, and whether it will require repair or replacement when that time comes.

3. DRAINAGE ISSUES - Wood rot, wet basements, perpetually wet crawlspaces and dangerous mold growth are serious problems. Dealing with the problem on the front end will always be less costly than down the road.

4. MOLD ISSUES - Serious, pervasive mold issues can be a deal-breaker for a home, as it is not only a tremendous threat to your health, but also a sign of possible long-term moisture issues that may have done irreparable damage to a home's structure.

5. WIRING ISSUES - Often charmingly referred to as “historic wiring, there’s nothing charming about the pricetag in replacing an entire house full of antiquated wiring which is typically an extreme fire hazard.

6. TERMITES & OTHER PESTS - While you never want to discover termites within a property you’re involved with, the only thing that’s worse is overlooking their presence. Remember, once the problem has been addressed, you will want to have a pest control expert advise you on what needs to be done in order to prevent their return.

7. TOXIC BUILDING MATERIAL - Asbestos, lead paint and Chinese drywall all can lead to serious illness and damage to a property. It must be completely removed and replaced when discovered in a home before safe, legal habitation can take place.


Don’t miss the red flags! Let Contemporary Home Inspections help you find peace of mind with a professional home inspection from a company you can trust. We we are your Middle Tennessee Home Inspection experts! You are always welcome to join us during the inspection. We take great pride in every inspection we perform. When the inspection is over, your master certified inspector will prepare a detailed inspection report regarding the property. Contact Contemporary Home Inspections today at (615) 541-8992 for more information.

For info on special offers & updates, click below:  http://www.mastercertifiedinspections.com

What Does a Money Pit Look Like?

Want to know what the proverbial “Money Pit” looks like? Who doesn’t. We’ve all heard the horror stories. Some of us have even experienced them firsthand. It’s an experience that no one is willing to experience twice. So just what does a money pit look like? Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to tell. That’s why it’s so important to have a thorough inspection by a licensed, professional home inspection service company like Contemporary Home Inspections.

When you’re facing the largest financial decision of your life, You need a reliable advocate in your corner. The house you want may look great, fit your budget, be in an outstanding neighborhood, and even your agent may think it’s a steal. But without digging deeper, you just don’t know. Superficial appeal is just that - surface level. You need to ensure that the house is as structurally appealing as well.

A professional inspection report will thoroughly detail the condition of the entire property, from the foundation, basement and crawlspace to the roof, attic and chimney. When possible, touring the property with the inspector is a good idea. Foul weather on the day your inspection is scheduled? Even better. Performing a detailed survey of the property during inclement weather is a great opportunity to spot damage that may not be as evident at any other time. While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to take advantage of any opportunity to chat with the neighbors about the property. After all, arming yourself with information is always the best defense.

So if you’re looking to avoid the “Money Pit”, remember: professional home inspections in Nashville Tn by  Contemporary Home Inspections are your best protection. We take great pride in every inspection. When the inspection is over, your master certified inspector will prepare a detailed report regarding the property. Contact Contemporary Home Inspections today at (615) 541-8992 for more information.

For info on special offers & updates, click below:  http://www.mastercertifiedinspections.com

Home Inspections in Nashville TN |Home Inspection in Hendersonville TN | Home Inspector

Preparing Your Home for a Summer Pre-Sale Inspection

Summer is one of the best times of the year to assess and perform necessary repairs and upgrades in preparing your home for market. The weather is ideal for inspecting the exterior of your home to make sure everything is in proper working order.

As you make your assessments, we recommend starting with items that could lead to expensive repairs if not addressed immediately, then inspecting items of a less time-sensitive nature. Here are some suggestions for items that deserve a first look as you begin the process of assessing your home for repairs.

Have Stucco?

Although it’s not as commonly found these days in Middle Tennessee, if you have stucco, we recommend starting here. Once a hole is made in stucco, most frequently through damage caused by birds, water often gets inside the wall behind the stucco. You may be able to patch minor holes yourself, however, for larger holes, a professional handyman should be consulted.

Brick Work, Masonry and Concrete Slabs

Inspect all brick work and masonry for any cracks, missing, or damaged mortar joints. Clean out any loose material and dirt in mortar joints. Next, mix a small amount of mortar and water to work into the crack. Cement is highly alkaline, so always be sure to wear rubber gloves in order to avoid burning skin. For smaller cracks, the job can generally be completed with a tube of mortar repair caulking. Also be sure to inspect the driveway, sidewalks, and other paved paths for open joints, cracks, and surfaces that have shifted and need to be addressed to avoid a trip and fall hazard. If you are facing a slab that has dropped, it is sometimes possible to mudjack it rather than replace. Always finish with a fresh application of concrete crack sealant to safeguard against water.

Fencing and Gates

Fences and gates must be inspected for proper operation. Tighten all loose screws or bolts and adjust latches for smooth operation. Sagging gate? You may be able to correct it by installing a cable and turn-buckle at the top hinge side corner of the gate to the opposite bottom corner.

Trees and Shrubs

It’s important to assess trees and shrubs for their ability to potentially damage roof or walls. If they are touching or approaching the building, they should be immediately removed to prevent damage. A pole saw is especially helpful for this as it allows you to trim limbs from the ground. Use extreme care when trimming trees and call a professional for large limbs or trees, especially those over roofs. Never trim limbs around power lines; always call a professional.

Irrigation System

It’s important to inspect your sprinkler system for damage. The most common damage occurs when the system is not drained in the fall and the backflow preventer freezes. The backflow preventer is typically installed where the sprinkler system water line leaves the house. Be sure to check that all heads are intact and operate properly as well.

Windows, Window Wells and Emergency Exits

Carefully inspect all window well covers and escape ladders. Can the window well covers hold the weight of an adult? Do all quick releases work properly? Are escape ladders secured to the window well and easily climbable?

For more suggestions, give us a call at Contemporary Home Inspections. We are always happy to share our expertise with clients. As your Middle Tennessee Home Inspection experts, we love being able to give you the kind of guidance that helps you save and make money! Contact Contemporary Home Inspections today at (615) 541-8992 for more information.

For info on special offers & updates, click here:  http://www.mastercertifiedinspections.com

Home Inspections 101

What is a home inspection?

• A home inspection is a physical examination of the physical structure and systems of a house from head to toe (roof to foundation) by an objective, neutral inspection professional.

Why do I need a home inspection?

• Purchasing a home is for many the largest single investment they will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection can identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape, which will allow you to make a confident, educated decision.

• If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
• If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Can I save the money and do do it myself?

• While you may be extremely knowledgeable, even the most experienced homeowner or buyer lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. They know what to look for in how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.

• Still, probably the biggest reason you will want to retain the help of a professional is that most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. Sellers may also be too lax in considering repair, maintenance or replacement issues that need to be managed prior to sale. For best results, it is always optimal to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

What does a home inspection include?

A typical home inspector’s report will cover:

• HVAC System
• Insulation and Ventilation
• Plumbing System
• Electrical System
• Roof System
• Chimney
• Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
• Attic
• Ceilings
• Floors, Walls & Joists
• Windows
• Doors
• Foundation
• Basement
• Structural System
• Gutters & Downspouts
• Exterior Walls
• Lot & Grounds
• Exterior Structures (e.g. pools, outdoor buildings, etc.)

Can a house fail a home inspection?

A professional home inspection is not a pass or fail issue, but rather an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will investigate a house and describe its physical condition, indicating what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

What will it cost?

• The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies from region to region, as does the housing market. As such, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing.

• Cost should not be be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost. Always check for referrals and reviews - the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, and professional affiliations as a guide.

A professional home inspection from a trusted home inspection company will give you peace of mind and help facilitate a successful, pain-free transaction. At Contemporary Home Inspections, we are your Middle Tennessee Home Inspection experts! You are always invited and encouraged to review the report with your inspector after they perform their inspection. We take great pride in every inspection we perform. When the inspection is over, your master certified inspector will prepare a detailed inspection report regarding the property. Contact Contemporary Home Inspections today at (615) 541-8992 for more information.

For info on special offers & updates, click here:  http://www.mastercertifiedinspections.com

Top 5 Home Inspection Mistakes

A home inspection is one of the most important steps you can take to make sure your new Middle Tennessee home is a sound investment and a safe place to live. But, many people don't fully understand what happens in a home inspection or what they need to do to get the most out of it. We have put together a quick list of the top 5 biggest home inspection mistakes buyers make, and how you can avoid these potentially disastrous blunders.

1. Not having a professional inspection on a new home
It’s important to recognize that even though a home has passed all local codes and ordinances, it may not be as ship-shape as you would expect. Don't assume your builder -- or the contractors -- did everything right just because the home passed code. An inspector is your last line of defense against major defects that could quite literally sink your financial future.

2. Choosing an inspector for the wrong reasons
When you choose an inspector, you're selecting the professional who will give one of your biggest investments a full physical checkup. You want to choose someone you know who is competent, thorough and trustworthy. Going with the cheapest inspection company or the one recommended by their Realtor can be a costly mistake. The least expensive person is sometimes the person with the least experience, ability and technical savvy. Always ask about licensing, professional affiliations, credentials, references, and whether the inspector carries errors and omissions insurance.

3. Not attending the inspection
The written report you get from the inspector doesn't give you nearly as clear a picture of the condition of the house as you might think. Buyers who don't go along on the inspection can overemphasize minor problems, or worse, not realize how serious a defect is. Go along with the inspector, ask questions and listen when they give you their professional opinion on the house.

4. Not following up on the inspector's recommendations
Sometimes, buyers don't follow up on items discovered in the inspection before they close. Often inspectors will recommend buyers get an issue evaluated further, but the buyers wait to do it until after closing. Waiting can cause an issue to be more expensive or a bigger deal than anticipated. Always get several estimates on repairs before closing, and feel comfortable calling your inspector to discuss these estimates. Your inspector may be able to share some insight into the contractor’s suggestions.

5. Expecting too much of your inspector
Contrary to what some may want to believe, your home inspector may be skilled, but they can't see the future. They can't specifically predict when an aging system will fail. Homebuyers and sellers can be overly “optimistic” in choosing to think a system still has a few good years just because there aren't visible signs of malfunction at the time of inspection. A home inspector can tell you that an air conditioning system like the one in the home you're buying usually only lasts 10 years, and yours is 11 years old. But they can't tell you when it will fail. That's when you need to follow up with people who know more about each specific system about which you have questions. Remember, the home inspector is hired by you to give you an honest, straight opinion about the house.

A professional home inspection from Contemporary Home Inspections will give you peace of mind and help facilitate a successful, pain-free transaction. At Contemporary Home Inspections, we are your Middle Tennessee Home Inspection experts! We take great pride in every inspection facilitate a successful, pain-free transaction. When the inspection is over, your master certified inspector will prepare a detailed inspection report regarding the property. Contact Contemporary Home Inspections today at (615) 541-8992 for more information.

For info on special offers & updates, click below:  http://www.mastercertifiedinspections.com

Home Inspection Myths Part 1

 

"New Construction Doesn't Need to be Inspected"

If you’re preparing to buy a newly constructed home, it’s a line you’ve probably heard a time or two by now: “This is a brand new house - you’ll just be wasting your money if you hire a home inspector. If there was anything wrong, they would have already caught it.”

Um, ok. But what if they didn’t? It’s the nightmare scenario homebuyers dread. You’re just about settled in - all the boxes are unpacked, and it’s starting to feel like home. Until the first storm hits, and there’s water everywhere. Now what?

One of the most common myths in circulation regarding new construction home inspection is that the home has already been inspected many times by the city as part of the permit process, so the buyer is wasting their money hiring a private home inspector.  While there may have been many brief inspections performed by the city along the way, things still get missed every day.  Did you know that unless a ladder is provided at the site for the city inspector, they won’t even get up on the roof to inspect it?  Believe it or not, it’s common practice for roofers to leave photos for the building inspector to look at to sign off on the roof.  

Of course, the best way to deal with this issue is to prevent it from happening. A professional home inspection from a trusted home inspection company will give you peace of mind and help facilitate a successful, pain-free transaction. At Contemporary Home Inspections, we are your Middle Tennessee Home Inspection experts! You are invited and encouraged to review the report with your inspector after they perform their inspection. We take great pride in every inspection we perform. When the inspection is over, your master certified inspector will prepare a detailed inspection report regarding the property. Contact Contemporary Home Inspections today at (615) 541-8992 for more information.

For info on special offers & updates, click here:  http://www.mastercertifiedinspections.com