Ar_home_b_search
Name
Justo Rivera
Company
Shield Home Inspections and Appraisals
E-mail
Contact Justo Rivera (Shield Home Inspections and Appraisals)
Website
http://www.911energyservices.com
Office Phone
(631) 374-3800
Description
Spanish speaking Home Inspector and R.E. Appraiser. Offering bilingual First Time Home Buyer/Seller & Energy Saving seminars, Infrared Thermal Imaging, Termite Reports. Get educated..learn..save money

About Us:

Hello, I am the Spanish speaking owner of Shield Home Inspections and Appraisals and a New York State Licensed Real Estate Agent. Serving Nassau-Suffolk and Queens Counties 7 days a week. We also offer "First Time Home Buyer" seminar and a "Sellers Seminar" in Spanish and English. We work with buyers/sellers, investors, foreclosures, divorces, FSBO's, Real Estate Agents, Attorneys, estates and more. Termite inspections available. Ask us about our "Pre-Listing Inspections" and how it can give you the EDGE. Special attention given to Law Enforcement, F.D. and E.M.S. and the Military. "more than just an inspection.....an education!"

Welcome  y  Bienvenido !

Buying a new home is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make. And it's a decision that will affect you for years to come. The process can be extremely stressful and confusing. And of course, there is always considerable risk involved when making such a large purchase decision. A professional inspection will significantly reduce your risk and help make the entire home buying process easier and less stressful. We really enjoy helping our clients in this process customer service is our highest priority.

We strongly encourage all of our clients to accompany us during the inspection. You should feel free to ask the inspector any questions you may have during the inspection process. The inspector will point out problems and explain them to you. The inspector will also show you the good points of the house as well. Plus, we will explain what routine maintenance is needed to keep the house in top condition. This will help you to get the most benefit from the inspection and gain the most understanding of the systems that make up your home, and how to maintain them.

You'll get a comprehensive report that is easy to understand. Everything identified during the inspection will be included in the report.

Armed with the information our report will provide, you can make your decision with confidence.

We also have FREE "First Time Home Buyer" classes.

                             "Home Sellers" classes.

Call today for more information.

I am a :

New York State Licensed Home Inspector 16-8444

New York State Licensed Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser 45-46446

New York State Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent

New York State DEC Wood Destroying Insect Inspector

New York State Approved Home Inspection Instructor

New York State Notary Public

Certified Residential Energy Efficiency Inspector

 

                     

   Energy Efficiency Inspections

With energy prices skyrocketing, consumers are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills.

As energy prices have risen, homebuyers and homeowners are increasingly feeling the pinch of the second largest expense of a home---energy.

An average of 15-30% could be saved on utility bills and make the home more comfortable and valuable just by upgrading the energy technology of the home.

Owners of homes built more than 15 years ago, a time when houses were consrtucted with less insulation and poorer windows, had less efficient heating and cooling systems and had appliances and water heaters that used more energy than todays models.

It was a time of cheap energy---a time that is now over.

Energy Inspections provide homeowners with a blueprint showing them how to operate their homes at maximum efficiency and minimum cost. The energy inspector makes a thorough examination of the house, checking insulation, windows, doors, heating and cooling systems, the water heater, appliances and checking for cracks and gaps where air maybe entering.

           One cup of name brand coffee = $4.00
           Filling up your gas tank = $52.00
           The ability to live more comfortably in
           your own home and lower your energy bills = $ priceless 

We understand your need to save money in these tough economic times and that's why we offer low cost Energy Efficient Inspections for your home.

 

 

How Home Energy Tune-uP® Can Help Homeowners and Home Buyers

With ever-rising energy prices, homeowners and home buyers are trying to find ways to

make their homes more energy efficient.

 

· Save an average of 25% on your energy bill ($450/year);

· Find out which improvements to make - the Tune-uP report will estimate the savings and costs of each potential upgrade;

· Increase the comfort of your home - no drafts; better temperature control;

· Increase the value of your home - each dollar spent on Tune-uP-recommended improvements will increase the future sales value by more than a dollar.

Call (631) 374-3800 to schedule a Home Energy Tune-uP®

 

The Four Easy Steps Of Home Energy Tune-uP®

Step 1 INSPECTION

A certified energy inspector examines and measures the home and finds all opportunities for energy savings.

Step 2 DETAILED ANALYSIS

Specialized software produces a Report which shows savings and costs for energy efficiency improvements and provides tips on ways to save more energy and reduce your energy bills.

Step 3 IMPLEMENTATION

The Report provides access to a database of contractors, a direct line to an energy expert, and access to other energy products and services.

Step 4 FINANCING

The report lists the improvements that, when financed, will save more than they cost. It includes information on the Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program by which homebuyers and homeowners can finance up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage for energy-efficiency improvements identified by their home inspector.

  

Energy Issues And You

With ever-rising energy prices, home owners are trying to find ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Some options might include:

· having an energy audit or inspection of their home to help pinpoint energy dollars that could be saved

· installing energy efficient appliances - like Energy Star rated appliances

· upgrading to energy efficient windows or installing window treatments (like solar film or shades)

· adding solar energy technology to their homes

· lowering/raising thermostat temperatures to use less energy

· installing more energy efficient heating or cooling systems

· switching to alternative fuel sources or green power sources

· finding help from their utilities to pay their bills

A Home Energy Tune-uP® or a HERS Rating?

Rating the energy efficiency of homes has been used primarily by home builders who want to market their new homes as being energy efficient. This rating system has not been readily adopted by owners of existing homes and their REALTORS® because older homes are less energy efficient than new ones, and therefore get lower grades. The majority of older homes would score somewhere between 40 and 70, depending on their age, whereas a home built today should score at least 80. If the home scores 86 or higher, it is considered an Energy Star rated home.

Tune-uP, developed by CMC Energy Services , was designed specifically for owners of older homes who want to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes, rather than grade them. With a more detailed Report, quick access to low-cost financing, a low price tag, and more inspectors to do the energy audits, Tune-uP is an excellent choice for owners or buyers of older homes, whereas rating remains the choice for builders of new homes.

The Home Energy Tune-uP® Report
Your key to a more comfortable home with lower energy bills

· An Inventory of all energy using systems and appliances, including condition and replacement dates.

· Cost effective recommended upgrades. < each for savings energy>

· Estimated cost of installation for each recommendation.

· Identifying the group of recommendations whose energy savings exceed the cost when financed.

· Financing options.

· An explanation of each recommendation.

· A discussion of low-cost or no cost improvements.

· Resources to help find contractors and suppliers for implementation.


Discover the true condition of the house you are buying. Contact me today!

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Shield Home Inspections, Inc. Phone: (631) 374-3800

<!--<img src="/graphics/shim.gif" mce_src="/graphics/shim.gif" border="0" width="10" height="10">--> Pre-Purchase Inspection

If you are buying a home with a septic tank, you should consider having it inspected by a professional septic contractor. Our standard home inspection does not include this type of specialized, intrusive inspection. To properly inspect the system, the contractor will need to dig holes to access the underground parts of the system. This will include inspecting the tank, as well as the leach field.

It makes good sense to have the tank pumped at the time of this inspection. A professional septic contractor can perform both the inspection and pump the tank, killing two birds with one stone and assuring that you begin with an empty tank and a system that has been inspected. Often, you can negotiate with the seller to have them pay for the pumping.

When buying a home, you should always have a professional home inspection performed. You need to know exactly what you are getting. Making your buying decision much easier and more confident.

When we inspect the home we will look at the systems that make up the building such as:

  1. Structural elements, foundation, framing etc...
  2. Plumbing systems
  3. Roofing
  4. Electrical systems
  5. Cosmetic condition, paint, siding etc...
<!--<img src="/graphics/shim.gif" mce_src="/graphics/shim.gif" border="0" width="10" height="10">--> Home Inspection Services

You need a home inspector. When you hire a home inspector, you are hiring an experienced professional who has training and experience in the building industry. It is the job of the home inspector to not only evaluate the condition of the house's major systems and structural integrity, but also to evaluate how these systems are working together and identify areas that need to be watched, repaired or replaced.

Your home inspector gives you the Big Picture analysis of the house you are purchasing. If the home inspector identifies the need for a costly, detailed analysis of any of the houses' systems or structures, the inspector will recommend the appropriate professional, which may be an experienced engineer with expertise analyzing that particular system or structure. The need for this kind of expensive, detailed analysis is rare.

Hiring a Professional Engineer on your own can be a disappointing experience. The term Professional Engineer does not mean that the individual has training or experience conducting home inspections. Additionally, a home inspection does not involve engineering analysis. Therefore, hiring a Professional Engineer to complete a home inspection undoubtedly costs more, but it may not give you the results you desire and deserve.

Our home inspection service is a visual inspection of the structural elements and systems which are accessible. This typically includes:

  1. Foundation
  2. Roofing
  3. Exterior, walls, siding etc...
  4. Porches and decks
  5. Attic
  6. Electrical systems
  7. Plumbing systems
  8. Interior
  9. Doors and windows
  10. Heating and air conditioning systems
  11. Ventilation
  12. Fireplaces

 

We strongly encourage you to accompany the inspector so that you may ask questions and gain a better understanding of the systems in the home.

If you have any questions, or are interested in any other services, please contact us so we may discuss your needs.

 

 

Do I need an Engineer or a Home Inspector?

You need a home inspector. When you hire a home inspector, you are hiring an experienced professional who has training and experience in the building industry. It is the job of the home inspector to not only evaluate the condition of the house's major systems and structural integrity, but also to evaluate how these systems are working together and identify areas that need to be watched, repaired or replaced.

Your home inspector gives you the Big Picture analysis of the house you are purchasing. If the home inspector identifies the need for a costly, detailed analysis of any of the houses' systems or structures, the inspector will recommend the appropriate professional, which may be an experienced engineer with expertise analyzing that particular system or structure. The need for this kind of expensive, detailed analysis is rare.

Hiring a Professional Engineer on your own can be a disappointing experience. The term Professional Engineer does not mean that the individual has training or experience conducting home inspections. Additionally, a home inspection does not involve engineering analysis. Therefore, hiring a Professional Engineer to complete a home inspection undoubtedly costs more, but it may not give you the results you desire and deserve.

<!--<img src="/graphics/shim.gif" mce_src="/graphics/shim.gif" border="0" width="10" height="10">--> Home Buyer Checklist

The Home Buyer Checklist identifies some of the important factors to consider when choosing a home. In addition to an affordable sales price, you will also want to be sure that the neighborhood and house meet the needs of your family.

Take this checklist along when you go shopping for your house. It will help you evaluate the neighborhoods and assess the availability and condition of various features of up to three homes in a side-by-side comparison. To PRINT this page, hit control-P.

Home Buyer checklist 1 2 3
Property Address       
Asking Price $ $ $
Real Estate Taxes $ $ $
The Neighborhood
Near Work      
Near Schools      
Near Shopping      
Near Expressways      
Near Public Transportation      
Near Doctors / Dentists      
Near Churches      
Garbage Collection      
Street Lights      
Sidewalks      
Streets / Alleys Well Maintained      
Traffic Volume      
Parks      
Neighbor's Property Well Maintained      
All Utilities Installed      
Neighborhood / Restrictions      
Near Trains / Airports      
Area Zoned Residential      
Near Industry      
Proposed Special Assessments      
Environment Concerns / Influences      
The House
Age of House      
No. of Stories      
Wood Frame      
Brick Frame      
Wood & Brick Frame      
Aluminum Siding      
Roof Condition      
Foundation Condition      
Overall Exterior Condition      
Garage Size      
No. of Bathrooms      
No. of Closets      
No. of Bedrooms      
Oil Heat      
Gas Heat      
Electric Heat      
Hot Water Heat      
Insulation      
Central Air Conditioning      
Energy-Conservation Features      
Age of Heating System      
Age of Water Heater      
Capacity of Water Heater      
Age of Electrical Wiring      
Plumbing Condition      
Estimated Water Bill $ $ $
Estimated Heating Bill $ $ $
Estimated Electric Bill $ $ $
Living Room      
Fireplace      
Separate Dining Room      
Family Room      
Drapes - No. of Rooms      
Carpeting - No. of Rooms      
Kitchen Eating Area      
Refrigerator      
Stove / Oven (Gas / Electric)      
Garbage Disposal      
Dishwasher      
Broken Windows      
Storm Windows / Screens      
Washer / Dryer Outlets      
Laundry Space      
Finished Basement      
Attic      
Sump Pump / Drainage      
Connected to Sewer System      
Patio      
Backyard Fence      
Landscaping      
Property Boundaries      
Security (dead bolts, detectors)      
Building Code      
Compliance      
Ability to Expand / Enlarge House

 

Tips on Reading an Inspection Report

When interviewing a home inspector, ask the inspector what type of report format he or she provides. There are many styles of reports used by property inspectors, including the checklist, computer generated using inspection programs, and the narrative style.

Some reports are delivered on site and some may take as long as 4 - 6 days for delivery. All reporting systems have pros and cons.

The most important issue with an inspection report is the descriptions given for each item or component. A report that indicates the condition as "Good", "Fair" or "Poor" without a detailed explanation is vague and can be easily misinterpreted. An example of a vague condition would be:

Kitchen Sink: Condition - Good, Fair, or Poor.

None of these descriptions gives the homeowner an idea what is wrong. Does the sink have a cosmetic problem? Does the home have a plumbing problem? A good report should supply you with descriptive information on the condition of the site and home. An example of a descriptive condition is:

Kitchen sink: Condition - Minor wear, heavy wear, damaged, rust stains, or chips in enamel finish. Recommend sealing sink at counter top.

As you can see, this narrative description includes a recommendation for repair. Narrative reports without recommendations for

 repairing deficient items may be difficult to comprehend, should your knowledge of construction be limited.

Take the time and become familiar with your report. Should the report have a legend, key, symbols or icons, read and understand them thoroughly. The more information provided about the site and home, the easier to understand the overall condition.

At the end of the inspection your inspector may provide a summary with a question and answer period. Use this opportunity to ask questions regarding terms or conditions that you may not be familiar with. A good inspector should be able to explain the answers to your questions. If for some reason a question cannot be answered at the time of the inspection, the inspector should research the question and obtain the answer for you. For instance, if the inspector's report states that the concrete foundation has common cracks, be sure to ask, "Why are they common?" The answer you should receive will be along these lines: common cracks are usually due to normal concrete curing and or shrinkage. The inspector's knowledge and experience is how the size and characteristics of the cracking is determined.

We recommend that you accompany your inspector through the entire inspection if possible. This helps you to understand the condition of the home and the details of the report.

Read the report completely and understand the condition of the home you are about to purchase. After all, it is most likely one of the largest investments you will ever make.

Areas of Expertise

Shield Home Inspections and Appraisals covers Nassau-Suffolk and Queens Counties and we are members in good standing with the following organizations: National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (nachi.org), The Appraisal Institute (appraisalinstitute.com), National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (nahrep.org), The Long Island Hispanic Business Roundtable (lihbr.com), BNI, Certified Mold Inspector with the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (iestandards.org) and The Long Island Board of Realtors (mlsli.com).

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As a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), I adhere to a strict code of ethics as a home inspector. The code of ethics, as of 12/27/2004 appears below. (source: the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors,
http://nachi.org/code_of_ethics.htm

1.11 revised October 31, 2004

The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) promotes a high standard of professionalism, business ethics and inspection procedures. NACHI members subscribe to the following Code of Ethics in the course of their business.

1. Duty to the Public

1.      The NACHI Inspector shall abide by the Code of Ethics and substantially follow the NACHI Standards of Practice.

2.      The NACHI inspector will not engage in any practices that could be damaging to the public or bring discredit to the home inspection industry.

3.      The NACHI Inspector shall be fair, honest, impartial, and act in good faith in dealing with the public.

4.      The NACHI Inspector will not discriminate in any business activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, or handicap and shall comply with all federal, state and local laws concerning discrimination.

5.      The NACHI Inspector shall be truthful regarding his/her services & qualifications.

6.      The NACHI Inspector will have no undisclosed conflict of interest with the client, nor will the NACHI Inspector accept or offer any undisclosed commissions, rebates, profits, or other benefit.

7.      The NACHI Inspector will not communicate any information about an inspection to anyone except the client without the prior written consent of the client, except where it may affect the safety of others or violates a law or statute.

8.      The NACHI Inspector shall always act in the interest of the client, unless doing so violates a law, statute, or this Code of Ethics.

9.      The NACHI Inspector shall use a written contract that specifies the services to be performed, limitations of services, and fees.

10.  The NACHI Inspector shall comply with all government rules and licensing requirements of the jurisdiction where he/she conduct business.

11.  The NACHI inspector shall not perform or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs or associated services to structure on which the inspector or inspector's company has prepared a home inspection report, for a period of 12 months. This provision shall not include services to components and/or systems which are not included in the NACHI standards of practice.

2.    Duty to Continue Education

1.      The NACHI Inspector will comply with NACHI's current Continuing Education Requirements.

2.      The NACHI Inspector shall pass the NACHI's Online Inspector Exam once every calendar year.

3.    Duty to the Profession and NACHI

1.      The NACHI Inspector will strive to improve the Home Inspection Industry by sharing his/her lessons and/or experiences for the benefit of all. This does not preclude the Inspector from copyrighting or marketing his/her expertise to other Inspectors or the public in any manner permitted by law.

2.      The NACHI Inspector shall assist the NACHI leadership in disseminating and publicizing the benefits of NACHI membership.

3.      The NACHI Inspector will not engage in any act or practice that could be deemed damaging, seditious, or destructive to NACHI, fellow NACHI members, NACHI employees, leadership or directors.  Member(s) accused of acting or deemed in violation of such rules shall be reviewed by the Ethics committee for possible sanctions and/or expulsion from NACHI.

Questions and comments should be directed to Joe Farsetta, Ethics and Standard of Practice Committee Chairperson, at jjf10965@yahoo.com.

This document is subject to change without notice. Check http://www.nachi.org/
 frequently for changes.

 

3 Deadly Mistakes Every HomeBuyer should avoid.

Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it.
 
Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before.  Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own new home. 
 
Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make.  In fact, most American and Canadian home owners would be financially broke at retirement if it weren't for one saving grace - the equity in their home.  Furthermore, mortgage rates are more flexible today than ever and tax allowances favor home ownership. 
Real estate values have always risen steadily.  Of course there are peaks and valleys, but the long term the trend is a consistent increase.  This means that every month when you make a mortgage payment the amount that you owe on the home goes down and the value typically increases.  This owe less-worth more situation is called equity build-up and is the reason you can't afford not to buy.
 
Even if you have little money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home.  It just comes down to knowing the right strategies, and working with the right people.  See below.
  
 
Deadly Mistake #2:  Not hiring a buyer's agent to represent you.
 
Buying property is a complex and stressful task.  In fact, it is often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime.  At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.  New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.  For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible, stressful ordeal.  In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars.  It does not have to be this way!
 
Work with a buyer's agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and who is on your side.  Buyer's agents have a fiduciary duty to you.  That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests.  Buyer's agents can help you find the best home, the best lender and the best inspector.  Best of all, in most cases, the buyer's agent is paid out of the seller's commission, even though he/she works for you.   Trying to buy a home without an agent at all is, well... unthinkable.
 
 
Deadly Mistake #3:  Getting a cheap inspection.
 
Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make.  This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection.  The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected.  The additional cost of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant.  As a homebuyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals.  Do not stop now.  Do not let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into skimping here.  
  
NACHI front-ends its membership requirements.  NACHI turns down more than 1/2 the inspectors who want to join because they can't fulfill the membership requirements. 
 
NACHI certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far.  NACHI certified inspectors earn their fees many times over.  They do more, they deserve more, and yes they generally charge a little more.  Do yourself a favor...and pay a little more for the quality inspection you deserve.

rightFor most people, the purchase of a home is the largest investment they'll ever make. Getting an independent, expert opinion on the operability of the structure and its systems is a no-brainer. But not all home inspectors have the same experience, training, or certifications - what's more is there are currently no federal regulations governing home inspectors. Home inspectors are governed only by whatever laws are in place in the state in which the inspection is performed, and these laws vary greatly. So how do you make sure you've hired the right person for the job?

When shopping for a home inspector, it's vital that you do your homework and interview each inspector based on the checklist below.

  1. Do not price shop.  When hiring a home inspector, you're basically hiring an advocate with your interests in mind to give you their expert opinion on the home's condition.  With that in mind, making sure that you're hiring an inspector with plenty of knowledge and training means not shopping for one by price alone.  Training, certifications, and continuing education don't come cheap to the inspectors and therefore, their expertise isn't going to be cheap either.  When it comes to home inspections - as with most things - you get what you pay for.
  2. Research their credentials.  Since there are no national standards for home inspectors, one of the best things you can do to find out about an inspector's qualifications is to ask what associations they belong to.  Some associations require minimum training, experience, continuing education and also require the inspector pass certain exams.  However, not all associations are created equal.  Check out the associations' minimum requirements.  The best associations require that the inspector pass yearly exams and obtain a specific amount of continuing education credits.  Also find out what level of the association the inspector occupies.  Some associations have "candidate" and "associate" or other levels that basically mean that the inspector has not met the requirements to be a full member.  Also ask what certifications the inspector holds and then research them as well.
  3. Ask for references.  An inspector should be happy to provide you with three references from previous clients.  Call those clients and ask them about their experience with their inspections.
  4. Make sure they're insured.  A professional inspector should be insured for "errors and omissions", commonly called E&O insurance.  This means that if the inspector misses something during the inspection, you can file a claim against that insurance for the repairs of the problem.  Also, check the inspector's contract for limited liability clauses that limit their responsibility for damages.
  5. Make your own decision.  Some states allow real estate agents and other professionals to make recommendations on what home inspector to hire.  Besides the obvious conflict of interest issues, a recommendation does not necessarily guarantee that the inspector is the best choice.  Make your own decision based on your research.

Ask to see one of their inspection reports.  At the conclusion of any inspection, you should receive a report on the inspector's findings.  Again, inspectors are going to vary widely - report styles can range from the minimal checklist to the jargon-filled narrative.  Inspection reports can be difficult to understand, so it's important that you check out a sample report.  Items marked as "fair", "poor", or "inadequate" without any further explanation will not help you understand what the problem is or what exactly to repair.  Make sure that the inspector always specifies the exact problem and recommended repairs.  The inspector should also indicate an estimated cost of any repairs he or she recommends.

 

<!--<img src="/graphics/shim.gif" mce_src="/graphics/shim.gif" border="0" width="10" height="10">--> Common Defects

No house is perfect. Even the best built and best maintained homes will always have a few items in less than perfect condition. Below are some of the items we most commonly find when inspecting a home:

Roofing Problems with roofing material are the single most common defect we find. Usually it doesn't mean the roof needs replaced, simply that it is in need of maintenance or repair.

Ceiling stains Caused by past or present leaks, ceiling stains are very common. It can be difficult to tell whether the stains are from leaks still present, or were caused by leaks which have since been repaired.

Electrical hazards Most common in older homes, but often found in newer homes as well. Electrical hazards come in many forms, from ungrounded outlets to wiring done incorrectly by the homeowner.

Rotted wood Caused by being wet for extended periods of time, most commonly found around tubs, showers and toilets inside, or roof eaves and trim outside.

Water heater installations Many water heaters are not installed in full compliance with local plumbing code.

Gas furnace Most gas furnaces seem to be in need of routine maintenance such as new filters or gas company certification at the least. Many have other issues such as faulty operation or inadequate fire clearance as well.

Plumbing defects Plumbing issues commonly found include dripping faucets, leaking fixtures, slow drains etc... Even in brand new homes, it is common to identify minor plumbing defects.

 

Don't become the topic of a horror story

 

Imagine buying a home only to find out several months later that there are problems with the electrical wiring or the wood has begun to rot in several places where your pipes are leaking, costing you thousands of dollars to fix. Having a home inspection performed prior to purchasing your home can eliminate costly repairs and even instances of extreme damage to your home like the examples below:



Mold saturated kitchen ceiling.



Hiding under a rug in the middle of the kitchen floor was an extremely
damaged area of wood rot. The same damage was found in the laundry room.
They buyer was unaware of the damage until an inspector discoverd it.



Creative but dangerous use of extra copper tubing.



Whether the home sells or not, this is dangerous for anyone.



A recent inspection discovered the main structural
support beam in the basement of a "newer" home resting
solidly in the beam pocket of the foundation.



Disease a la carte.

rightTermites and other pests
Termites and other wood destroying insects such as carpenter ants can do massive damage to a home and greatly impact its value. In humid areas where termites are a problem, it's not unusual to find many homes that have been virtually hollowed out, their wood siding turning to dust at a touch.

How do I prevent termite infestation?

There are many steps you can take toward preventing infestation if you know what termites look for and take steps to make your home less attractive to them.

 


Termites are ground insects that look for habitats that provide food, moisture and shelter close to the ground. Any place where wood meets ground qualifies, especially if the soil in that area stays moist. Correcting this situation may require re-grading to separate soil from any wood around your home. Since mulch and many other landscaping materials cause the soil to remain moist, you should make sure to minimize mulching around your foundation. Some experts recommend mulching no closer than a foot from your home's foundation. You should also stack your firewood away from your home, preferably by several feet. Make sure that gutters and downspouts are in good condition and keep moisture from accumulating. You should also make sure to eliminate any moisture problems in and around your home, especially in basements and crawlspaces. 

 

You can also hire professional termite exterminators to apply chemical treatments that protect your home. Be sure to find out how long the treatments last.  The chemicals on the market today generally protect your home for up to 5 years.

 

leftHow do I know if my home has termites?

It takes an expert to detect hidden termite damage. General home inspections do not typically include a termite inspection. It is highly recommended that you get a termite inspection in addition to your general home inspection.

 

If you suspect your home may have termites or if you would just like the peace of mind a professional inspection can offer, please contact us.  Our office performs thorough inspections for termites and other wood destroying organisms.

 

 

 

 

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  1. Atlantic Beach
  2. Bellerose
  3. Cedarhurst
  4. East Rockaway
  5. Floral Park
  6. Freeport
  7. Garden City
  8. Hempstead (village)
  9. Hewlett Bay Park
  10. Hewlett Harbor
  11. Hewlett Neck
  12. Island Park
  13. Lawrence
  14. Lynbrook
  15. Malverne
  16. Mineola (part; with North Hempstead)
  17. New Hyde Park (part; with North Hempstead)
  18. Rockville Centre
  19. South Floral Park
  20. Stewart Manor
  21. Valley Stream
  22. Woodsburgh
  • Hamlets:
      1. Baldwin
      2. Baldwin Harbor
      3. Barnum Island
      4. Bay Park
      5. Bellerose Terrace
      6. Bellmore
      7. East Atlantic Beach
      8. East Garden City
      9. East Meadow
      10. Elmont
      11. Franklin Square
      12. Garden City South
      13. Harbor Isle
      14. Hewlett
      15. Inwood
      16. Lakeview
      17. Levittown
      18. Lido Beach
      19. Malverne Park Oaks
      20. Merrick
      21. North Bellmore
      22. North Merrick
      23. North Valley Stream
      24. Oceanside
      25. Point Lookout
      26. Roosevelt
      27. Salisbury
      28. Seaford
      29. South Hempstead
      30. South Valley Stream
      31. South Westbury
      32. Uniondale
      33. Wantagh
      34. West Hempstead
      35. Woodmere
    1. The Town of North Hempstead, contains 34 villages:
      1. Baxter Estates
      2. East Hills (This village is shared with the Town of Oyster Bay.)
      3. East Williston
      4. Floral Park (This village is shared with the Town of Hempstead.)
      5. Flower Hill
      6. Garden City
      7. Garden City Park
      8. Great Neck
      9. Great Neck Estates
      10. Great Neck Plaza
      11. Kensington
      12. Kings Point
      13. Lake Success
      14. Manorhaven
      15. Manhasset
      16. Mineola
      17. Munsey Park
      18. New Hyde Park (This village is shared with the Town of Hempstead.)
      19. North Hills
      20. Old Westbury (This village is shared with the Town of Oyster Bay.)
      21. Plandome
      22. Plandome Heights
      23. Plandome Manor
      24. Port Washington
      25. Port Washington North
      26. Roslyn
      27. Roslyn Estates
      28. Roslyn Harbor (This village is shared with the Town of Oyster Bay.)
      29. Russell Gardens
      30. Saddle Rock
      31. Sands Point
      32. Thomaston
      33. Westbury
      34. Williston Park
    2. The Town of Oyster Bay contains 18 villages and 18 hamlets:
      • The 18 villages in the Town of Oyster Bay are:
      1. Bayville
      2. Brookville
      3. Centre Island
      4. Cove Neck
      5. East Hills (This village is shared with the Town of North Hempstead.)
      6. Farmingdale
      7. Lattingtown
      8. Laurel Hollow
      9. Massapequa Park
      10. Matinecock
      11. Mill Neck
      12. Muttontown
      13. Old Brookville
      14. Old Westbury (This village is shared with the Town of North Hempstead.)
      15. Oyster Bay Cove
      16. Roslyn Harbor (This village is shared with the Town of North Hempstead.)
      17. Sea Cliff
      18. Upper Brookville
      • The 18 hamlets in the Town of Oyster Bay are:
      1. Bethpage
      2. East Massapequa
      3. East Norwich
      4. Glen Head
      5. Glenwood Landing (part)
      6. Greenvale (part)
      7. Hicksville
      8. Jericho
      9. Locust Valley
      10. Massapequa
      11. North Massapequa
      12. Old Bethpage
      13. Oyster Bay
      14. Plainedge
      15. Plainview
      16. South Farmingdale
      17. Syosset
      18. Woodbury
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