Frequently Asked Questions

By Stephen Gladstone, President of Stonehollow Fine Home Inspections / Coordinator for Home Protection Network, Inc. / Past National President of ASHI

1. What is involved in a typical inspection?

We carefully and systematically evaluate the mechanical (electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, and ventilation) systems within the home. We will have discussions with you about the quality and function of the doors and windows, roofing, drainage, siding, insulation, appliances and many other areas of importance. We will discuss safety items, environmental concerns, and discuss any plans you may have to renovate, or alter the home. We will answer any questions you may have about anything related to the home.

2. Do I get a written report?

Yes, you will receive your inspection report on site, at the end  of the inspection.. The Matrix Deluxe report is a format where notes and comments from your inspection are keyed to additional information about repairs, costs, and maintenance. You will also receive a termite inspection certification, a walk through check list to be used the morning of your closing, and up to date home information, reference material, and useful home maintenance and cost information. The Matrix Deluxe report will give you important information in relation to the conditions found at the home that day. The report is a combination checklist, narrative and reference.  Comments are specific for the home needs, as are any recommendations made by the inspector. The report is in a binder with many extras that we hope will become your "Home" book. A great reference and easy way to find your important papers.

3. Do I really need to be there?

We truly encourage you to attend the entire process. We also recommend you do it with as few distractions as possible. Allow yourself time to ask the inspector questions and show him your concerns. We recommend you follow the inspector around the entire survey of the home. You will learn the conditions, maintenance requirements, and safety information for your new home. We really try to teach you the important needs of the home. You will appreciate the difference between our level of care and other home inspection  services.

Try not to bring your entire extended family for home tours at the inspection, and if you make appointments for additional contractors, decorators and such...have them arrive about 3 hours from the inspection appointment. Spend time with your inspector. This is the time to focus on the needs of the home and get a good handle on projected costs and equipment maintenance.

4. How long does the inspection take?

If you really want us to take a careful look at your home, and answer your questions you should figure approximately three hours, (or longer) for a home, (one to two hours for a condo). As with any detective work...it can go quicker if conditions are obvious, and slower if more complicated. Antique homes and homes with more equipment take longer. If you cannot attend the entire inspection we recommend you discuss all areas of concern with the inspector when possible.

5. Is there a warranty or guarantee offered with the inspection?

Unfortunately we cannot act as an insurance company, nor offer to cover damages that may occur over time on your new home. What you are buying from us is our opinion about the home. This opinion is based on a time specific and limited visual inspection of the home.  What is hidden, non-accessible, and apt to happen over time; is not within the scope of the inspection.  We do recommend that you carefully re-inspect the home the morning of the closing...before you sign the dotted line.  We offer a helpful walk-through checklist in the report package, to help you with this process.

6. Do you give prices for repairs of items that are broken or need upgrading?

Ballpark prices are verbally discussed and you will be encouraged to get real prices from local contractors if an item is found to be deficient. Real prices are important for your negotiations and budgeting.

7. What about "free Telephone Consultation for as long as I own my home," what's that about?

Really...If you get into a situation where you are advised to do something, or your home is ready for a piece of equipment or repair, feel free to call and ask our opinion, or advice. We do not charge for telephone consultation. We only charge for visitations Should you require that, consulting costs will be discussed with you ahead of time. We have arranged a special unlisted client question line for you to get the fastest service. Just call 203-327-6824 when you need a question answered.

8. How do we pay for our inspection?

A personal check or cash is fine. You will receive a receipt and an explanation of costs. We ask that you pay the inspector at the conclusion of the inspection. You will only need one check as we will pay the upfront testing and subcontractors in order to supervise, provide quality control, and collect documentation from each for your file.

9. When do we get laboratory reports on water/radon etc.?

Depending on the equipment used, some testing is done on site and results will be in the report, or they will be mailed or faxed to you as soon as possible. All testing is documented with written certifications.

10. What additional services do you provide and what do they cost?

For clients that require special testing services, we are able to offer the following additional services:

Termite certifications--using the National Pest Control Association/H.U.D. form. Stephen Gladstone has his Supervisory License from the State of Connecticut for Termite Inspections. Termite certifications are included in the basic home inspection fee for homes and are $75.00 for condos.

Radon testing following the EPA protocols is performed on most houses either during the inspection and collected in 48 hours or can be pre-installed 2 days before the inspection if desired. We use state of the art continuous monitor computers for most homes... Stonehollow will place one of these tamper resistant units in the home for the test period and we will go back to the home & retrieve the machine and download the data in 48 hours. The fee for this service is $155.00.

Carbon Monoxide testing of the heating system can often diagnose leaks and maintenance needs that can lead to health and safety concerns. Using a Bacharach Monoxor II we can determine carbon monoxide leaks and make necessary recommendations. The price for this service is $45.00. We can also use a Continuous Carbon Monoxide monitor for a 48 hour test for an additional $70.00 For those concerned about water quality, we offer several testing services including water potability and mineralization, lead in water, radon in water, and well flow and volume testing. Samples are rushed to a State approved laboratory and results will be faxed as soon as they are received.

Pricing for water testing are as follows: Potability and mineralization $115.00; lead in water $65.00; radon in water $110.00; Volatile Organic compound testing is available for $155.00; and flow and volume $45.00.

Asbestos sampling and wipe testing are available for those concerned about air quality from asbestos fibers. Hard samples can be analyzed for $135.00 and wipe tests are $150.00 for 2 test areas. Stephen Gladstone is CT Certified for both lead inspection and lead risk assessments. Preliminary screening using wipe swabs of 6-8 locations is priced at $175.00. X-ray florescence testing, with approximately 50-60 readings begins at $400.00 Also available are oil tank testing, septic inspections and pool and spa inspections. Please call us with specific needs for pricing.

11. Where are we located?

Stonehollow's office is located in Stamford, Connecticut. We perform inspections in most towns from Stratford to Scarsdale on the coast, and from Newtown to many towns in Westchester County. You can call us in Stamford at 356-9611, or toll free at 1-800-356-9611, or fax us at 203-975-7799.

12. What are the Inspectors experience and credentials?

Stephen Gladstone comes to inspecting with a Masters and 6-year degree in Education & Counseling.  He owned and ran a successful contracting business for over 17 years before opening Stonehollow Fine Home Inspections.  Stonehollow, now in its 23rd year, has a reputation of being very thorough, and is known for providing a higher level of service to its clients.  Mr. Gladstone is a State Licensed Supervisory Level Pest and Termite Inspector,  A retired State of Ct. Deputy Fire Marshal & Fire Code Inspector, State of Ct. Certified Lead Risk Assessor and Lead Inspector. He is licensed as a Home Inspector in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey & Massachusetts.  He has lectured nationally and internationally on many subjects in the home inspection industry.  He offers first time home buyer seminars, and teaches home inspector & realtor educational courses. He is a Past President of the Southern New England and Coastal Ct. Chapters of The American Society of Home Inspectors, and was National President of ASHI in 2004. For the last six years he has produced & hosted a weekly radio show "Around the House with Steve Gladstone."

Mel Wilkes is a Licensed State of Ct. Inspector and has been working for Stonehollow, Inc. for the past 8 years.  He is a Graduate of Inspection Training Associates, having attended their Manassas Virginia School. Mel has achieved his his National Certification. He is a Certified Member of ASHI and of The Home Protection Network.

Matthew Gladstone is a State of Ct. Licensed Inspector and has been working for Stonehollow as an Inspector for the last 10 years. He has completed his Masters Degree in Bilingual Special Education and is fluent in Spanish. He is a Certified Member of ASHI and the Home Protection Network.

13. Do we have insurance?

Of course, we carry insurance to cover errors and omissions, and liability insurance in case something becomes damaged at the inspection. All inspections are performed with written contracts that specifically explain the scope and limitations of the inspection. The contract can be faxed to you on request, before the inspection. All inspections are performed in accordance with the Code of Ethics and the Standard of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

14. Why an ASHI Inspection?

In order to become a certified member of ASHI, members must successfully pass a written examination. They must perform at least 250 paid inspections following the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the Society and must maintain educational credits annually to remain in good standing. Stephen Gladstone has been a Member since 1986, and has personally performed over 1000 home inspections. ASHI inspectors must provide written reports, and must remain objective and independent of the sale. Our code of ethics forbids any commissions, or financial relationships that might be construed to influence a real estate transaction.

15. Why STONEHOLLOW?

Simply put... there will always be others out there that can do a job quicker, cheaper, and find a way to cut corners. In home inspection our philosophy has always been to provide the highest level of service for our clients. We inspect carefully, systematically, and maintain close scrutiny on all testing and documentation. Our reputation is critical to our longevity in the industry, and we try our hardest to protect our clients.  Remember we offer independent objective inspections so that you will know  the conditions and costs associated with the home you are considering.  We work only for you, and have no interest in whether you buy or not...just that you understand what you are buying.

Written Reports

All Inspections are documented with written reports, We use the Matrix Deluxe reporting system affording our clients the best available report and information that will be incredibly useful for understanding, maintaining and re-selling their home. The report is usually completed on site, and delivered to the client immediately at the end of the inspection. Lab reports and testing results are mailed separately, as soon as they are completed. Fax's can be sent at your request.

Structural Damage Assessments

All of the important structural systems that are visible and accessible are examined during the inspection, to try to determine if there is an on-going problem, and if additional inspection, or remediation is required.

Roof Inspection

We carry a 22' ladder and a 16' telescopic ladder. In most cases, if a roof is safe to walk on and we can access it, we will walk it. We will often examine a roof from the eaves, from within the attic, and with field glasses from the ground as well.

Furnace Inspection

While we always recommend bringing in the service company currently providing service to find out their perception of conditions, recommendations and maintenance needs, we will look at the units for safety, equipment operation, and maintenance needs, and happily explain how it works, what to watch for, and how to troubleshoot should the unit shut down. Carbon Monoxide testing is available for the heating system and a 48 hour grab test as well.

Well Water Testing

Since safety of the water is so important, we offer a full battery of testing for water including Potability and Minerals, Lead in Water, Radon in Water, and Volatile Organic Compounds. If all the water tests are performed by us we offer a discount. We do re-testing services if a well fails, we will re-test it for you after the chlorination has been performed. We also offer flow and volume well testing 

Radon Gas Testing & Radon Water Testing

Using state of the art anti-tamper computers, our continuous radon monitors take 10-20 readings each hour of the 48 hour test and download a radon level average for each hour of the test. The machines measure radon levels, moisture, barometric pressure, temperature and if the machine is moved or tampered with.  This equipment takes most of the risk away associated with charcoal canisters and  other testing modes being tampered with & skewing the results.

Though naturally occurring, radon gas can become trapped in your well and exit your plumbing from sink aerators or your shower head. Testing for radon in the water can help you determine if reduction of radon levels are needed.

Asbestos Testing

If you desire we will take samples of potential asbestos-containing materials to a State approved environmental lab for testing.

Lead Testing

We are certified by the State of Connecticut to perform Lead Inspections and Risk Assessments. We also perform Lead paint surveys, where we take a representative sample of eight to ten paint chips from bedrooms, windows and trim, and test them for lead. A survey is a preliminary screening that can often give you a good representation of the lead conditions without spending a lot of money. We can arrange X-ray florescence testing if you want a more definitive test above the screening.

Pool & Spa Assessments:

Pools, spas, saunas and steamers, while outside the scope of a home inspection, can be evaluated at additional fees. Steve Gladstone has over 20 years of experience in the pool and spa service industry.

Central A/C Testing

Weather permitting, central and wall air conditioners will be run to establish that they operate, and to try to determine if they need service. In colder weather they cannot be tested as they are more prone to break. Get a representation from the seller as to conditions of appliances not readily accessible to test. Operation and maintenance tips will be discussed.

Heat Pump Inspections

Units are operated with normal controls to ascertain conditions and serviceability. Operation and maintenance tips will be discussed.

Testimonials

We hope your experience will reflect the same feelings [expressed below]...best wishes in your search for your new home.-- Steve Gladstone, President, Stonehollow, Inc.

"Professional , educational, funny. Nice experience."  Harold R., Cos Cob

"The report was fine, it will act as a good reference for us. Steve was clear, with a good sense of humor, he was patient with my questions."  Candie T.

"I liked the reporting system... it was very detailed." Richard L. Stamford

"I appreciated Steve's effort in expediting the inspection process, and still maintaining the level of thoroughness- We both learned a lot , and  we would not hesitate to recommend you to friends." Dr. Robert V. Greenwich

"Thorough, useful in contract negotiations." Peter L. Stamford

"It was helpful to go through & remind me what we'd seen. Steve is a walking encyclopedia on home maintenance, on top of that he's good natured. Who could ask for more." Cindy T., New Canaan.

"The report was very professional & easy to follow. Steve is very friendly. As a first time buyer, a friendly face is a good thing!" Charlotte M.

"Initially we were concerned about the cost of the inspection....Truth is Steve knows so much...we were given more time, more attention to important areas around the house and a much more thorough experience than our last inspector. It was certainly a better experience and worth the fee." Tom & Alison P.

"Steve was very thorough. He explained every aspect of the inspection in detail and gave us a brief tutorial of the report, we were very pleased with his inspection. We left the house without any questions, he covered everything...and he was honest." A.A.

"You're the best !"   David P.

"Details will be helpful as I tackle the many repairs that will be necessary on this house. Steve was thorough and extremely helpful." James L. Stamford.

"My realtor gave me a page of names but when pressed told us she would use Steve if her kids were buying a home for themselves."  Millie C. Weston

"It's good to have a reference report, not just a narrative. Steve was very 'reachable' and clear." . Estelle D. Hamden

"I especially appreciated the extra information (brochures and stuff!) Very easy to understand.". Ellen & John W. Weston Ct.

"Very Thorough & detailed commentary during the inspection. Steve made every effort to ensure that we understood all the important issues. Very friendly & professional." J.T. Greenwich

"We were very appreciative that we can call him for free telephone consultation for as long as we own this house." Carl & Nina G. Stamford

"Thank you Steve! We will call you again & recommend you to our friends."   Pat K. Stamford