Hiring a Home Inspector

Home Inspector Options

If you are buying a home, an inspection could reveal problems you never would've noticed. An inspection can require the seller to fix what needs fixing before you buy the home. You could also find issues that make you decide not to buy. If you're a seller, an inspection can help you find problems before you put the house on the market, letting you make the repairs without wrangling over the cost with a potential buyer. Learn why you should get an inspection before selling your home

All homes, even newly built ones will have defects that will be pointed-out during a home Inspection. Deficient items identified, no matter how minor, will be photographed and detailed in a computer generated report for the buyer’s reference and review. We encourage the buyer’s to attend the inspection, walk around with the inspector, ask questions, and the inspector will demonstrate the systems and verbally explain the findings of the inspection to those in attendance at the inspection.

You only need to do a quick search for home inspectors in your area to find numerous options, but as with so many professions, some inspectors are better than others.Many first-time home buyers don’t realize that it’s their responsibility to hire a home inspector. Make sure you make your offer conditional upon inspection or get one done before you make a bid.

The Basic Inspection

Professional Home Evaluation

A home inspection is a documented, professional evaluation of a home, based on a visual evaluation and operational testing of the home's systems and components to determine their current condition.  A home inspection is an essential step in the buying process to determine the condition and safety of your purchase.  A sound home inspection provides you with the information necessary to make an educated home purchase decision and increases your understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the home.  It also helps determine any major visible defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase, reducing any unpleasant surprises or insurmountable financial burdens in the future.

A typical home inspector spends his or her day inspecting homes for buyers and writing reports. A typical home inspection begins when a client or real estate agent calls and books an inspection. An inspection may last from two to four hours or longer. The inspector looks at the building interior and exterior and includes any basement or crawlspace, the living spaces, and any accessible attic or roof spaces. He or she explains the findings to the client, describing the building's condition and any improvements recommended. Inspectors frequently offer tips for operating and maintaining the home as they go.

We understand your concerns during the real estate transaction.  Whether purchasing or selling a home, you need the absolute best home inspection experience possible. We treat our clients as if your time, money, and property were our own.

Our promise to you is that we have put everything in place to give you the highest value for your investment. Every home inspector hired will work with you to deliver the best results.

Visual Home Inspection

Comprehensive Home Inspection

Our Inspectors will conduct a thorough visual Home Inspection while providing you with the most detailed reports! We inspect single family homes, condos, mobile homes, multi-families and small commercial properties, covering exterior roof and structure, interior attic, foundation, basement, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and much more. Comprehensive report designed to enhance client interaction is given on site. We provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about the property being inspected. This is done in a clear, concise, and professional manner. We deliver an oral report on site and a detailed, electronic report to all customers following the home inspection.

We strongly urge the prospective buyer to be present for the walk through. By being present, you will have a far greater understanding of your new home and the report. We will be able to explain features and answer any questions that you may have about the property or the report.

Our philosophy is that no one should have to make a real estate purchase without knowing everything possible about the property by way of a complete home inspection. We back this up with real investigative knowledge gathered through the use of our tools and tradecraft.

If we inspect your home and you are not 100% satisfied with our home inspection pro, you pay absolutely nothing for the inspection.

Home Purchase Inspection

New Home Purchase

When you are considering the purchase of a home it is a very exciting time and a lot of important decisions have to be made. There are many plans, promises and expectations in the home purchase process. You need Qualified, Experienced, and Professionals working on your behalf. One of the very important steps is having your potential home inspected, which typically occurs once you and the seller have agreed upon a price and signed an earnest money contract.

Over the many years of inspecting homes We have earned the reputation of performing quality inspections with consistency on every property, providing a comprehensive detailed report. We follow-up with the highest in customer service and back our inspections with our exclusive inspection guarantee. We invite you to experience the Big Moose difference… where the inspection is just the beginning!

We use our knowledge and experience to provide our customers with superior inspection services. We will evaluate your home’s overall condition, from the foundation to the roof and everything in between. Performance tests are performed on all major systems and we will identify areas of concern or recommend repairs or replacement. Our detailed home inspection reports will provide you with the information you need to understand and evaluate on of the most important investments of your life – your home.

We are dedicated to providing you with valuable information about your new home. We thoroughly inspect all major components of the subject property to expose unknown defects and advise you about future maintenance about your home once the purchase is complete. I will give you the information you require to make an informed decision.

Home Inspections and The buying process

Home Inspections

The home buying process can be very confusing and stressful. Not only do you need to consider things such as price and location, you also have to worry about whether the house itself has any hidden problems that could become costly surprises down the road.

As a professional Home Inspector, its our job to be as thorough as we can be without performing an evasive inspection. The Home Inspection is an unbiased, professional overview of the condition of the house. Although we may greatly reduce the risk of buying a house, we cannot possibly eliminate it, since it is visual in nature and not destructive. Inspectors cannot see through walls or predict future performance. The inspection report provides you with an expert assessment on the condition of the structure and various systems within it. This will give you peace of mind knowing you did everything you could to to make the right decision on what is likely the largest single purchase youll ever make.
In order to accurately write the report, an inspector must conduct a visual inspection of the house. The inspection process typically takes about 2-3 hours or more to complete. This of course may vary, according to the size, condition, age of the home and if the sellers are there to help us, you may add another 30 to 45 minutes. You are highly encouraged to accompany the inspector during the inspection. This will give you a chance to actually see the inspector in action, ask any questions about the house and become more familiar with the systems of the home.
We will inspect all the structural elements and systems of the home. Items that will typically be included in an inspection are:

• Framing (structure)
• Roof and attic
• Foundation
• Walls/Ceilings/Flooring
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system
• Heating and Cooling systems
• Kitchen (including built-in appliances) 
• Bathrooms
• Exterior site and grounds
• Any potentially health or safety concerns

Additional items and systems unique to a particular home may also be inspected
When the inspection is complete, you will be advised of any problems that were discovered and the inspector should discuss them with you. You will also be informed about any routine or periodic maintenance that should be performed, as well as the answer to any questions you may have. You should also receive an inspection report of the inspection. This may be written or computer generated.
The objective of the inspection is to inform you about the condition of the home and what items warrant further investigation and/or repair or replacement. The report should also state any maintenance tasks that are required to keep the home and all of the systems in top condition.

Pueblo Low Cost Inspections

Pueblo Full Service Inspections

We are a full service company inspecting homes, cottages, condominiums and commercial buildings. We take pride in offering the best services in the industry. Our inspections are value packed giving our clients the best inspection their money can buy. In addition to our core home inspection, we offer septic inspections, well inspections and environmental services to help homeowners live greener and healthier lives. Click on the map to view our areas of service.

Our #1 priority is you, the client. While every home will have its own set of challenges, we believe that it is better to know up front what you are dealing with.  Armed with our easy to understand inspection report and the knowledge it provides, you can enter into real estate transactions confident that you know exactly what you are getting into.  Knowledge is power, and knowing more about your potential new home will help you better negotiate on price and other concessions.  As a nonprofit organization, our only goal is helping you make safe, financially sound, and environmentally friendly housing decisions.  You can count on us.

Unlike many inspectors, we make use of thermal imaging at every inspection. This infrared technology allows us to see inaccessible areas, such as beneath flooring and inside walls. Thermal imaging can help us detect signs of water intrusion, heat loss, pest infestations and other hidden defects that may warrant further investigation.

We are expert home inspectors and have inspected homes ranging from $5,000 to $2,000,000;  homes as small as 800 sq ft to homes as large as 15,000 sq ft.   Homes built in 1809 to new construction.  We have experience inspecting single family homes, multi-family homes, luxury homes, manufactured homes, mobile homes, condos, condos in rehabbed downtown buildings, town homes, century homes, bank owned homes, slate roofs, wood shake roofs, tiled roofs, metal roofs,…every type of residential structure.

Your Home Inspection Leader

• Home Inspection Guarantee
• Team of full time professional inspectors
• Inspectors are licensed, certified and insured
• Full time office staff for easy scheduling
• Same-day and weekend inspections
• Agreement and online payment options
• Winterization services available
• Radon, mold, and asbestos testing
• 18,000+ inspections performed
• Unlimited consultation for clients

3201 Fairfield Ln, Pueblo, CO 81005

Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?

What is a home inspection?

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the home inspection is probably one of the items at the top of a lengthy “to do” list. But what is involved? How much does it cost? Why is it done in the first place? It’s important to understand what a home inspection entails and how it affects the sale of your home or the purchase of a new one. The more you know, the less likely you are to get ripped off or taken by surprise.

First of all, let’s clear up a commonly misunderstood point: a home inspection is not the same as an appraisal. An appraisal is an estimate of a property’s overall market value. A home inspection is much more detailed and practical. It is also not a code inspection and therefore does not report on building code compliance or give a “passing” or “failing” grade. It is defined as an objective visual examination of the structure and systems of a home by an impartial, neutral third party not related to the buyer or seller.

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterward.

Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

Can I do it myself?

Even the most experienced home owner probably lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds of homes in his career.

An inspector is familiar with the many element sof home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He understands how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.

Additionally, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment.
For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the home inspection field.

You can, however, be present at the inspection. In fact, it’s a good idea to be there for a couple of reasons: You can ask the inspector questions during the inspection. The inspector will have the opportunity to point out areas of potential trouble, which will mean more to you if you see if with your own eyes than if you read it in the inspector’s report later. And many inspectors will offer maintenance tips as the inspection progresses.

What do the results mean?

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t buy the house. However, the seller is not required to make any repairs, replacements, or maintenance since this is not a code inspection. Instead, the buyer can use the inspection report as a negotiating tool, or the seller may decide to adjust the purchase price, the contract terms, or credit money to the buyer at closing to pay for any necessary repairs. In some cases, if the problems are more than the buyer wants to take on, the contingency clause in the contract may allow the buyer to pull out of the transaction at this stage.

Even if the report reveals no major problems, the decision to hire an inspector was still worth the investment. Now you can complete your home purchase with a realistic understanding of the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. Be sure to save your written inspection report for future reference.

Home Inspection Checklist

Home Inspection Checklist

If you are working with a professional inspector, he or she should know what to look for. However, it’s also important for investors to be able to identify crucial inspection components. The more one knows about the process, the easier they will be able to evaluate a property of their own. Having said that, there are six categories to focus on:

1. Foundation: Evaluate the property’s foundation and whether or not it will pose any problems down the road.
2. Structure: Take a close look at the structural integrity of the home, as it will determine several other factors moving forward.
3. Exterior: Examine the exterior. Don’t leave any stone unturned, whether it’s on the roof or in the yard.
4. Interior: Walk through the house and be critical of everything you see.
5. Plumbing/HVAC: Don’t forget to take a look at the property’s plumbing and HVAC unit, as both are big-ticket items worthy of a closer inspection.
6. Electrical: While harder to examine than just about everything else, it pays to have an idea of how the home’s electrical system is operating.

With that out of the way, here’s an extensive list of questions to ask yourself when referencing a home inspection checklist.

Foundation, Structure, and Exterior

• Is the visible foundation in good condition?
• Are there cracks or shifts in foundation at the base of the walls and ceiling?
• Is there proper drainage carrying water away from the house?
• Are there any obvious soggy areas in the landscaping?
• Is there any evidence of standing water?
• Are there leaks in the septic tank?
• Is there any evidence of termite damage or rotted wood?
• Are windows and door frames square or bowed?
• Are there large cracks in the stucco?
• Is the exterior paint stained, peeling, or faded?
• Does the home look as though it will need repairs in the near future?
• Is the roof decaying?
• Does the roof have patching?
• Is the chimney in good condition?
• Do the gutters properly drain?
• Is the siding cracked, loose, rotted, or decayed?

Interior

• Are there any strange odors coming from inside the home?
• Are any appliances included in the purchase of the home? (I.e. refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, etc.)
• Is there evidence of proper insulation?
• Have the electrical outlets been tested?
• Are there stains or other damages on the floors?
• Will any flooring need to be replaced?
• Are there an adequate number of electrical outlets in every room?
• Do windows and doors operate properly?
• Are the joints around window frames caulked?
• Is there leakage in or around sinks?
• Is the water pressure adequate?
• Is there sufficient ventilation throughout the home?
• Do toilets operate properly?
• Can you easily spot the required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
• Are there stains on the underside of the roofing in the attic?
• Does the attic have sufficient insulation and ventilation?
• Are there any open electrical splices in the attic?

Plumbing & HVAC

• Do pipes leak?
• Are pipes rusted or damaged?
• Is the water pump in working condition?
• Does the hot water temperature exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit?
• Do pipes restrict water flow?
• Does every room in the home receive sufficient air flow?
• Does the cooling unit appear rusty?
• Have the air filters in the cooling unit been replaced recently?
• Is there a history of asbestos on heating pipes, water pipes, are air ducts?
• Can you smell gas?

Electrical

• Are there any exposed splices?
• Are cables secured and protected?
• Can you locate the service panel?
• Are fuses or breakers overheating?

How to Choose a Home Inspector

How to Choose a Home Inspection Company?

When a house is bought or sold, a home inspection is a necessary procedure that alerts both homeowners and buyers regarding the condition of the property in question. If you are selling a home, it is important to have an inspection conducted so that you will be aware of any potential issues with the home you are selling. If you are buying a home, you should avail top home inspection services in Colorado Springs that caters to repairing hidden issues.
Understand the actual inspection

Home inspectors enter a home and analyze all of the major components that make up a house purchase. Home inspection companies document the safety and overall condition of a home at the time of the inspection. Home inspections usually take about 2 hours for a minimal inspection, and 3 or 4 hours in order to arrive at a thorough, proper assessment. Depending on how old or large a house is, it may take longer or less time to complete.

Finding potential companies
If you are buying a house, ask the seller what company they are affiliated with to ensure that you are working with a reliable company. This is important in cases of fraud or deception, which are rare but still possible. For example, the seller could have a personal relationship with the inspector, and he could ask them to refrain from disclosing important information.

It is also important because it is always a great idea to have two separate, unbiased, and impartial inspections done from two different perspectives to ensure that nothing major is overlooked.
Ask friends in the area

Everyone in your social circle has hired the services of a home inspector to inspect their house. If you are not sure how to begin hunting for a home inspector or a home inspection company, you should consider asking your friends and neighbors regarding the best home inspector that they have worked with. You can consider resorting to posting ads on your social media account to seek the approval and suggestions of your friends. Or, you can reach out to a real estate agency to connect with a home inspector that meet your needs the best.