Commercial Inspections

A commercial property is defined as the building structures and improvements located on a parcel of commercial real estate.  These may include structures such as buildings with residential units operated for profit, mixed-use buildings, strip malls, motels, factories, storage facilities, restaurants and office buildings.

A commercial inspection requires the inspector to make observations, conduct research, and report findings. A-Pro will conduct Commercial Inspections for you.

The A-Pro Inspector will collect information through visual observation during a walk-through survey as well as conduct research about the property including key components and reports relative to the property. A-Pro will then generate a meaningful report about the condition of the property based on the observations made and research conducted.

Structural Inspection

A standard home inspection includes many of the elements of a structural inspection but is not as in depth as a stand-alone Structural Inspection. During a Structural Inspection the A-Pro Inspector will be looking for and reporting on only the foundation and supporting elements of a home, investigating for a variety of distress indications that may result in repair or further evaluation recommendations.

If you notice a problem such as a sagging roof, bowing walls or cracking foundation or your home has been subject to severe storm damage, flooding or fire call your A-Pro Inspector for a Structural Inspection.

FHA Home Inspection

The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Home Inspection is our standard industry leading Home Inspection but formatted to meet the requirements of our clients that are utilizing an FHA loan. FHA loans provide an option for home ownership to borrowers who may not qualify with other lenders, and often allow lower down payments and interest rates. An FHA insured mortgage can be used to purchase a new or existing home. A home inspection is strongly recommended by the FHA as part of the loan process.

As the FHA is a Federal program, the reporting requirements on Home Inspections supersede those of any state mandated reporting requirements.  Insure your loan process is not slowed down due to the Home Inspection expectations and that your investment is protected by calling A-Pro to conduct your FHA Home Inspection.

Radon Inspection

It may surprise you that Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and that nearly all homes have some level of Radon in them.  Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that emits as radioactive uranium breaks down in soil, water or rocks. Radon enters a home many ways such as through cracks in slabs, wall joints and water supply. An elevated amount of Radon in a home is a health hazard. The standard Home Inspection does not include Radon testing.

The EPA has recommended that every home be tested for Radon and that if the test comes back at an exceeded level to fix the home.  The good news is that repairing a home to normal Radon levels is not usually a high cost proposition.

If you need A-Pro’s help in testing for Radon and/or reading the results please call on us.

Mold Inspection

Most if not all of us have heard the horror stories associated with mold in a home and it is absolutely true that an elevated condition of mold in a home is a health danger. Certain mold spores can lead to respiratory disease, allergic reactions, and other health issues.  All mold and the conditions for mold growth (Moisture) can compromise the structure of the home. For Mold to grow it needs three things: (1) Food Source (2) Moisture (3) Warmth

An A-Pro Mold Inspection can help prevent serious problems and significant expenses.

Foundation Inspection

All Home Inspections include a visual inspection of the foundation as a minimum requirement.  At A-Pro we understand that a home’s foundation condition ranks very high with our clients relative to concerns about a property and we go over and beyond to inspect the foundation.

The A-Pro Inspection includes a foundation level survey ($150.00 value) as part of every standard home inspection.  Call us if you need a foundation inspected.

Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report aka Termite Inspection

There are many types of Wood Destroying Insects but termites are the most common and cause the most damage.  A WDI Inspection is often referred to as a Termite Inspection when really all wood destroying insects are inspected for.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing your home, there is a high probability that you will need a (WDI) Wood Destroying Insect report. WDI reports provide evidence of possible infestation by wood destroying insects or damage caused thereof that is visible and accessible at the time of inspection. In addition to identifying possible infestations and previous treatment a WDI report will alert a lender or buyer potential problems within the home.

Termites are slow eaters so if a termite infestation is discovered it is usually not a panic situation. Treatment is effective and can be handled in a few months without causing additional problems.

In nearly all states a State Agency provides oversight of WDI Inspection and Treatment and in all cases this inspection is outside the scope of a traditional Home Inspection.  Your A-Pro Inspector can consult with you on your options and in many cases provide the WDI Inspection for you.

Carbon Monoxide Testing and Inspection

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas and all fuel (gas, oil, kerosene, wood or coal) burning appliances have the potential to produce CO to some degree due to incomplete combustion. Appliances (including fire places) that are not installed, maintained, and used properly run the risk of causing CO accumulation to dangerous levels. Extreme CO exposure can cause death, considering that the gas is colorless and odorless proper detection is vitally important.

You’re A-Pro Inspector can test for Carbon Monoxide in the home as well as the appliances and fixtures that may be causing a dangerous level. You’re A-Pro Inspector will also advise you on the proper detectors and the recommended locations of the detectors as well as proper maintenance needed for offending appliances.

Lead Paint Inspection

The use of Lead Paint in homes was eliminated in 1978.  If your home was built prior to 1978 getting an Inspection specifically to detect lead paint could be advisable but is critical before you do any type of home improvement projects that require even mild demolition.  Many of our A-Pro locations are certified in lead paint inspection.

The health implications associated with lead paint are serious, the toxins from lead paint are most dangerous when the paint is disturbed in some manner and the dust particles infused with lead come in contact with people. Children and women who are pregnant or may become pregnant are the most susceptible to the negative effects associated with high lead exposure.

New Home Construction Phase Inspection Program

The building of a home is critical at every step. Having an ITI® certified building inspector present at each step of this process is also critical. While most contractors are very good at what they do, it is imperative to have another set of eyes with to verify the decisions that they have to make and the execution

The A-Pro New Construction Phase Inspections Program consist of three (3) inspections for the home buyer.

For all new construction phase inspections, it is important to get an idea from the builder a date that they anticipate the building will be ready for each phase of the inspection – as soon as the date is given, notify us immediately.

• PHASE I – Foundation

The foundation inspection is the one of the most important and one of the most difficult to schedule. Builders can easily get ahead of schedule or fall behind of the initial schedule due to weather amongst other problems. We recommend that the home-buyer constantly check with builder about progress.

• Concrete Slab – This phase of the inspection is done after the exterior foundation walls are finished and the plumbing rough-ins are installed, however before the concrete slab is poured.
• Basement – In this phase of the inspection we come out after the forms (walls) are poured and before they backfill. It is extremely important that this inspection is done BEFORE they backfill.
• Crawl Space – A Crawl Space is simply a basement that you cannot stand up in. This phase of the inspection is done after the foundation is poured but before backfilling and framing begins.
• PHASE II – PRE-Drywall

This phase of the inspection is done which involves inspecting the electrical, plumbing, heat, and framing. We usually perform this inspection one to three days before the contractor hangs the drywall. Note: All other inspections above must be performed before this phase.

• PHASE III – FINAL Home Inspection

This phase of the inspection is done after the building process is finish. This is when buyer has a walk-thru inspection with the builder about a week or so before the closing of the home takes place. We need to come out 1 to 3 days before this walk-thru. At this time, we perform a complete 500-point comprehensive home inspection with pictures of any problems so the client still has time to address any issues with the builder before closing takes place. At this time, we can also schedule additional services (i.e., foundation level survey, radon testing, etc.).

• Final Walk Thru Inspection

Having A-Pro on your side during the final walk thru Inspection is a wise decision.  A final walk-through is executed a few hours to five days before closing. It is not a home inspection nor is it a time to begin negotiating repairs. The primary purpose of the final walk thru inspection is to make sure that the property is in the agreed upon condition you agreed to buy it in. (agreed-upon repairs/improvements, if any, were made satisfactory) Many clients re-hire us to conduct the walk thru after our initial home inspection when there were changes, repairs or improvements negotiated in order to come to a purchase agreement.