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| About our Home Inspections |
Top to Bottom Home Inspection performs a very valuable and important service. I examine existing homes using professional standards as a measure to accurately report their condition to parties involved in the real estate transaction. Top to Bottom does not evaluate the home for cost or value, but reports objectively in writing the condition of the home's systems as they appear and operate at the time of the inspection. A detailed home inspection usually takes two to three hours or longer, depending on the home’s age and square footage. I recommend that you be present at your home inspection so that you can ask us any questions and to look at any areas needing maintenance or repair.
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| What will be inspected? |
I carefully inspect every major component of the property in question to reveal unknown or potential defects. This allows us to advise you regarding future maintenance, costs and concerns. Top to Bottom’s detailed inspection reports help you avoid nasty surprises that can be very costly. These points include:
Structural Components: Foundations, floors and walls.
Exterior Components: Siding paint, windows, decks, garage doors, etc.
Roofing: Coverings, flashings, chimneys, etc.
Plumbing: Piping, fixtures, faucets, water heating and fuel storage systems, etc.
Electrical: Wiring, main service panels, conductors, switches, receptacles, etc.
Heating: Equipment, safety controls, distribution systems, etc.
Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps: Cooling and air-handling equipment,
controls and ducting, etc.
Interior: Partitions, ceilings, floors, railings, doors and windows, etc.
Insulation and Ventilation: Attics, walls, floors, foundations, kitchen
and bathrooms, etc.
Top to Bottom Home Inspection will present the customer with a clearly written or typed home inspection report, which must conform to the accepted standards of practice for the state of Illinois or the standards of practice of the association that the home inspector belongs to.
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| Why do you need a home inspection? |
Top to Bottom Home Inspection assists in maintaining the health of your home and a property inspection makes home maintenance easy by catching small problems before they become big surprises.
In just a few hours you'll have a detailed report of the condition of your home so that you can plan for needed repairs and upgrades when it’s time to make them. When purchasing a home, home buyers can save literally thousands of dollars through information provided by Top to Bottom. Home owners who have owned their homes for several years can even benefit from our knowledge of maintenance, repairs, and experience to avert potential problems. In many areas where disasters have occurred, homeowners can rely on us to help them identify any damage resulting from storms, fires, earthquakes, etc.
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| Maintenance Advice |
The following is advice that I provide to our customers which contains information on maintaining your new home.
Upon Taking Ownership:
After taking possession of a new home, there are some maintenance and safety issues that should be addressed immediately. The following checklist should help you undertake these improvements:
Change the locks on all exterior entrances, for improved security.
Check that all windows and doors are secure. Improve window hardware as necessary.
Security rods can be added to sliding windows and doors. Consideration could
also be given to a security system.
Install smoke detectors on each level of the home. Ensure that there is a smoke
detector outside all sleeping areas. Replace batteries on any existing smoke
detectors and test them. Make a note to replace batteries again in one year.
Create a plan of action in the event of a fire in your home. Ensure that there is an
operable window or door in every room of the house. Consult with your local
fire department regarding fire safety issues and what to do in the event of fire.
Examine driveways and walkways for trip hazards. Undertake repairs where necessary.
Examine the interior of the home for trip hazards. Loose or torn carpeting and
flooring should be repaired.
Undertake improvements to all stairways, decks, porches and landings where there is
a risk of falling or stumbling.
Review your home inspection report for any items that require immediate improvement
or further investigation. Address these areas as required.
Install rain caps and vermin screens on all chimney flues, as necessary. Investigate
the location of the main shut-offs for the plumbing, heating and electrical
systems. If you attended the home inspection, these items would have been
pointed out to you.
Every Month:
Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged. Re-charge if necessary.
Examine heating/cooling air filters and replace or clean as necessary.
Inspect and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners.
If the house has hot water heating, bleed radiator valves.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Ensure that downspouts are secure, and that the
discharge of the downspouts is appropriate. Remove debris from window wells.
Carefully inspect the condition of shower enclosures. Repair or replace deteriorated
grout and caulk. Ensure that water is not escaping the enclosure during
showering. Check below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of leakage.
Repair or replace leaking faucets or shower heads. Secure loose toilets, or repair flush
mechanisms that become troublesome.
Spring and Fall:
Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys.
Look in the attic (if accessible) to ensure that roof vents are not obstructed. Check for
evidence of leakage, condensation or vermin activity. Level out insulation if needed.
Trim back tree branches and shrubs to ensure that they are not in contact with
the house.
Inspect the exterior walls and foundation for evidence of damage, cracking or
movement. Watch for bird nests or other vermin or insect activity.
Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage.
Look at overhead wires coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of
trees or other obstructions.
Ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water to flow
away from the foundation.
Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and landscape components for
evidence of deterioration, movement or safety hazards.
Clean windows and test their operation. Improve caulking and weather-stripping as
necessary. Watch for evidence of rot in wood window frames. Paint and repair
window sills and frames as necessary.
Test all ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices, as identified in the
inspection report.
Shut off isolating valves for exterior hose bibs in the fall, if below freezing
temperatures are anticipated.
Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief (TR) Valve on water heaters.
Inspect for evidence of wood boring insect activity. Eliminate any wood/soil contact
around the perimeter of the home.
Test the overhead garage door opener, to ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism
is responding properly. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on
overhead doors.
Replace or clean exhaust hood filters.
Clean, inspect and/or service all appliances as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Annually:
Replace smoke detector batteries.
Have the heating, cooling and water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps and vermin screens
are secure.
Examine the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of
overheating. Ensure that all components are secure. Flip the breakers on and
off to ensure that they are not sticky.
If the house utilizes a well, check and service the pump and holding tank. Have
the water quality tested. If the property has a septic system, have the tank
inspected (and pumped as needed).
If your home is in an area prone to wood destroying insects (termites,
carpenter ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed specialist.
Preventative treatments may be recommended in some cases.
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| Prevention is the best approach |
Although I've heard it many times, nothing could be more true than the old cliché "it’s better to be safe than sorry." Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your house in great shape. It also reduces the risk of unexpected repairs and improves the odds of selling your house at fair market value, when the time comes. Please feel free to contact our office should you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your home. Enjoy your home!
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