What do you charge for a comprehensive inspection?
Prices are based upon the age and size of a home, please contact our office for a quote.
May we attend the inspection?
Yes! We encourage you to be there. It’s a great opportunity for learning!
We don’t recommend bringing contractors or a large group with you, however. It is important that the inspector be able to get around in the house without additional interruptions or distractions from other workers to ensure the highest quality inspection possible.
What factors should I consider when I hire a home inspector?
Qualifications:
Training and experience in home inspections, including construction and building maintenance standards.
What is inspected?
Confirm what is included in the inspection, such as roof, foundation, and mechanical components.
Reports:
Look for a combination report that offers detail, checklist and narrative format which is easy to read and understand.
What are the qualifications and experience of your company?
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- Sherlock Homes Inspection Service has been inspecting homes since 1979.
- Over 30,000 inspections completed.
- All of our inspectors have been with us for more than a decade & hold many certifications.
Please see our Inspector Qualification section for complete details.
What is included in your basic inspection?
We inspect the following:
- Framing
- Foundation
- Roof
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Electricals
- Mechanicals
- Termite
A more complete scope of our inspection can be found on our Sample Report in the Table of Contents.
What is Radon, and why is it important to test for it?
According to the EPA, Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside. Any home, new or old, well sealed or drafty, with a basement or without a basement, can have a radon problem. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend the most time. Nearly one out of 15 homes in the U.S has an elevated radon level. You can visit the EPA for more information. Or, check out A Citizens Guide to Radon!
Do you test for radon?
Yes, we can. There are two levels of service to choose from, there is a Level A-Certified test and a Level B-Non-certified test. The main difference between the two is that in the certified test there is a compliance agreement that goes to the seller or to their representative that says they know the test is in place, they will not disturb it and if they do they will pay to replace the test. The certified test also involves putting certification seals on the windows, this indicates to us if the windows have not been opened or tampered with during the testing period. Any additional air fluctuation can disturb the reading on the test. The non-certified test has no compliance agreement; or no certification seals on the windows. We use the short-term radon testing method. Two air samples are taken at the lowest livable area of the home for a minimum of 48 hours to a maximum of 7 days. The air sample is tested at a lab and reports are usually issued the business day following the end of the testing period.
What is the problem with lead and is it necessary to test for?
Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use even earlier. You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. You can get lead in your body by swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. Lead can be found anywhere. It can be found in the soil around a home, household dust, and even drinking water. If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air. Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.
I have a well. Can you test the well water?
Yes, we can take a well water sample and send it into a lab to test for the coliform bacteria. If a colony is present, then the water is considered undrinkable. Other tests are sometimes required by the lender such as lead, nitrites/nitrates.
Can a home inspector perform a septic inspection?
Can & should are two different things. Given the amount of time a home inspector is at a property we feel like a home inspector performing a septic inspection is a disadvantage to the client. We have performed push or dye septic tests at properties for a number of years but we strongly feel that there are other avenues to check septic systems that are more conclusive.
During a home inspection if a septic inspection were added to the order the inspector would either perform a push test or a dye test. A septic push test basically means that water is run at a fixture for a period of time. The inspector then probes for the tank and walks the suspected drainage field to check for other signs of failure, in addition to observing if waste appears to be directed toward the septic. A dye test is where dye is added to the toilet & after a period of time the field is checked for leakage. If the home is vacant, it is unlikely that any test, dye or push will be conclusive. Even if the drainage field were failing, the under utilized system may not indicate failure.
I have a septic system, who should check this?
In Monroe County;
We STRONGLY recommend contacting the Monroe County Health Department regarding the septic system. The Health Department has access to the septic permit that is in place for the property. In Monroe County homes are permitted based on number of bedrooms. If this number has increased (added a bedroom) since it was permitted it will be prone to failure due to the size changes. The county reserves the right to red flag & require replacement if the number of bedrooms is out of compliance. It would be wise to acquire as much information about the septic as possible prior to the purchase. They also have, in most cases, information regarding the location, type of field.
For a link to the Health Department Wastewater Sanitation Real Estate Inspection information please go to https://www.co.monroe.in.us/topic/subtopic.php?topicid=180&structureid=12
For the real estate septic inspection form necessary for the Health Department to perform this service please go to: https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1590684544_90689.pdf
Outside of Monroe County;
We STRONGLY recommend contacting a licensed “honey dipper” or septic servicing company. They have access to tools & equipment that can provide much more conclusive information about how the system is performing.
For other questions please give us a call! 812-339-5828