Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

As an inspection company, we have encountered numerous situations where unawareness of an Underground Storage Tank (UST) on a property led to various complications. We have included a few stories below from our experience to illustrate the potential risks: Surprise Discovery During Renovation One of our clients, a family, purchased an older home with plans to renovate. During the excavation for an extension, they discovered an old, rusted UST. It turned out that the tank had been leaking for years, causing significant soil contamination. The family faced unexpected costs for environmental cleanup and tank removal, delaying their renovation project by several months and greatly exceeding their budget. Real Estate Deal Gone Awry In another instance, a couple was in the process of selling their home when our routine inspection requested by the buyers revealed an abandoned UST buried in the yard. The buyers became concerned about potential contamination and demanded a reduction in the sal...

  Let’s face it. Older homes have a great deal of charm to them. They just do. They are comfortable, warm, and just feel cozy. As a purchaser of an older home or potential purchaser of an older home you know going into it that you are going to need to pay attention to maintenance. We wanted to touch on a topic this week that isn’t talked about much but can be very important  and could pose significant risks both financially and for your health. This feature is an underground fuel tank. What is an Underground Fuel Tank? Underground heating oil tanks were particularly popular among home builders during the mid-20th century. The peak period for their installation was from about the 1930s through the 1980s. This trend was primarily due to the widespread availability and cost-effectiveness of heating oil during those times. Heating oil was a common choice for residential heating before the widespread adoption of natural gas and electric heat systems, which have since become more po...

  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Although we do not perform inspections on these, inspect your septic system and sewer lines for blockages or other issues, particularly if the home has experienced recent heavy rains. Check the irrigation systems to ensure they are functioning properly and ready for the spring growing season.  Review your insurance policies to ensure all aspects of the home are covered, including assessing needs for flood or hurricane insurance as the season approaches. Examine trees and landscaping for any signs of disease or damage, and prune back any branches that could pose a threat in a  storm. Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

We often emphasize the importance of a thorough home inspection before purchasing a property. However, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of a home inspection extend far beyond the buying process. Today, we’ll  explain a bit of how a home inspection can be an invaluable tool for the first-time homeowner, even after they’ve settled into their new home. A Blueprint for Maintenance and Upkeep Insightful Reference: Your home inspection report serves as a detailed map of your home's current condition. It highlights areas that are in good shape and those that need attention, providing you with a prioritized list for maintenance. This can be incredibly helpful in planning your annual home maintenance schedule, ensuring that your home remains in top condition. Budget Planning for Future Repairs Financial Forecasting: The inspection report can help you forecast potential future expenses. Understanding the life expectancy of major components like the roof, HVAC system, and appliances ...

Understanding your home inspection report is vital to making well-informed decisions about your future home. Below we have described for you what you can expect from your report and how to navigate the findings effectively. What is a Home Inspection Report? A home inspection report is a comprehensive document provided by a professional home inspector after they have assessed the condition of your property or potential property purchase. This report will detail any possible issues, defects, or areas of concern related to the physical structure and systems of your home. Key Elements in the Report: Introduction : Inspector’s details and credentials. Date, time, and location of the inspection. Summary Section : Quick overview of major findings that may need immediate attention or may influence the purchase decision. Detailed Findings : Structural Components: Assessment of the foundation, walls, ceilings, and roof. Systems : Evaluation of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Interior ...

Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and inspect fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment to ensure they are in working order. Take a look at your water heater looking for efficiency and any signs of leaks or damage. Check the foundation of your home for any cracks or signs of movement that could indicate a problem. Look in your attic and check insulation to ensure it’s in good condition and providing you effective thermal resistance. Review your home’s electrical systems for any potential fire hazards or other issues, paying particular attention to outlets, wiring, and breaker boxes. Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

We’ve seen a fair amount of what can happen when first-time home buyers skip getting a home inspection in order to help them close the deal on a home they really want. Today, we’re sharing some stories that highlight the importance of having an idea of the condition of what you are buying. Mysterious Water Damage A Couple, excited about their first home, called to set up an inspection with us and then called to cancel it. They said they were going to go ahead and waive the home inspection in order to speed up the closing process in this competitive market. They  mentioned that once they closed on the home, would have us come out to complete an inspection. Shortly after moving in, they noticed some discoloration on the living room walls. It turned out to be extensive water damage from a hidden leak in the plumbing. They ultimately did have us come out, but the repair costs were substantial for them. These expenses most definitely could have been avoided and potentially  negotia...

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you'll make. To protect this investment, a home inspection is indispensable. This assessment evaluates the property’s condition, ensuring that you’re aware of any potential issues before finalizing your purchase. Below is a thorough guide detailing the step-by-step process of scheduling your home inspection. Step 1: Understanding the Importance of an Inspection Before diving into scheduling, it’s important to understand why a home inspection should be done. An inspection:  Identifies potential safety issues Uncovers possible structural problems Helps to estimate potential future costs Provides an opportunity for negotiating price Offers peace of mind by validating your investment in this purchase Step 2: Finding a Qualified Home Inspector Get Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or your real estate agent for inspector recommendations. Check online reviews and ratings. Verify Qualifications: Ensure the inspector is cert...

Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Given our warmer climate, February is a good time to check for any signs of pest and insect infestations and treat them accordingly. Check all plumbing for leaks or damage and ensure that outdoor spigots and irrigation systems are in good working order for spring. Inspect seals around windows and doors to ensure they are intact and maintaining energy efficiency. If your home has a pool, inspect it for any needed maintenance or repairs to ensure it’s ready for use in the upcoming warmer months. Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

Today we wanted to touch base on a trend we are seeing with first-time home buyers: the increasing importance placed on home inspections before finalizing their purchase. We’ll take you through why we think this is on the rise and how we think it benefits you as a first-time home buyer. Increasing Awareness and Education In today’s digital age, first-time home buyers are more informed than ever. With easy access to online resources, buyers are becoming aware of the potential risks involved in purchasing a property. Educational content from real estate experts and customer reviews highlight the importance of a thorough home inspection. This growing awareness is leading more buyers to seek professional inspections before making one of the largest investments of their lives. Complexity of Modern Homes Modern homes are more complex than ever, featuring advanced technologies and systems. From HVAC units to smart home features, there’s a lot that can go wrong. Home inspectors provide a detai...