Specializing in Inspection of Older Homes

INSPECTION REPORT FROM AN ACTUAL INSPECTION                                           

Our inspection is to find deficiencies from poor original construction, lack of maintenance, age, cosmetic items above normal wear, wood destroying insect damage and items that affect daily living in the building. We determine the possible presence of asbestos, lead and excessive mold conditions. Testing and inspection of heating and cooling systems, heat pumps, hot water supply, all plumbing fixtures, all appliances included in the sale and proper operation of doors and windows is included. We inspect the electrical and plumbing systems. If possible, we climb on the roof to inspect chimney mortar and flues, roof flashing and gutters.

Our report is easy to read. Each report is formatted for the building inspected eliminating blank pages. It addresses all items of concern found during the inspection. We include photos of problem areas to allow discussion after the inspection. Our report is detailed and cannot be completed at inspection time. The entire report is e-mailed that evening or the next day. A hard copy is also mailed. An inspection takes from 2 to 3 hrs. The home purchaser should be present to learn as much as possible about their new home.We are available for follow-up inspection if necessary.     

INSPECTION REPORT FROM A HOME IN POOR CONDITION

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Multi-Family & Multi-Unit Property

The quality of tenants you can attract to rental property is dependent upon the cleanliness and appearance of the apartment, building and property.  Keep in mind the cost of upgrading a building to make it attractive to renters when you purchase it. Good tenants reduce the inconvenience of collecting delinquent rent, minimize building maintenance, reduce repairs from intentional damage and reduce possible evictions.

                                                             SAMPLE RENTAL APPLICATION                           SAMPLE MULTI-FAMILY LEASE AGREEMENT 

Our inspection report separates the building into individual units to make any problems found easily identifiable. The exterior of the building, basement, common entries, lighting, the Landlord meter and any unique features of the property are reported separately. We provide guidance to tenant safety and possible liability concerns. Guidance is also provided for possible Fire and Building Code deficiencies, however, we do certify the building's conformance to any Codes. 

INSPECTION REPORT FOR A MULTI FAMILY BUILDING  

Landlord/Tenant information is available at: CONNECTICUT LANDLORD'S GUIDE TO EVICTIONS,  CONNECTICUT LANDLORD/TENANT STATE STATUTES,

                                                                                                          CONNECTICUT TENANT/LANDLORD RIGHTS

Information on recovery of damages caused by tenants to rental property is available at: CONNECTICUT STATE STATUTES, Search for Chapter 952, refer to Section 53a-117e-g.

Some towns have adapted requirements for issuance of Certificates of Occupancy after a building is purchased. These apply to 3-family units and larger. Apartments must pass an inspection by the Local Building Department before tenants occupy the building. Consult with the Local Building Department to determine if these are required.

CONNECTICUT HUD WEBSITE

DO YOU HAVE TENANTS ON FUEL ASSISTANCE? - INSULATE YOUR MULTI-FAMILY AT NO COST

CONNECTICUT HOME FINANCE AUTHORITY (CHFA)

ASSISTANCE IN INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS FROM CONNECTICUT LIGHT & POWER

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Section 8 Housing

Requirements for buildings for Section 8 tenants are contained in  HUD - HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS. Some Housing Authorities also use local codes as part of their housing requirements. You should check with the Local Housing Authority for specific requirements in the town where the building is located. Section 8 units require an initial inspection and  annual inspections thereafter. You should screen Section 8 tenants as you would any other tenant with a credit report and references.

Municipal Multi-Family Building Inspections

Some towns and cities have adapted a requirement for inspection of multi-family buildings when they are purchased before new tenants can occupy them. Inspections must also be done when a new tenant occupies the apartment. These apply to 3-family and larger buildings. Typically, these inspections use the ICC (International Code Council) Building Maintenance Code as a guideline. Chapter 833a, Section 47a-57 of Connecticut State Statutes is the basis for this requirement.

STRICTER  EPA GUIDELINES FOR LEAD ABATEMENT IN PRE-1978 BUILDINGS 

                                                                                         EPA GUIDE FOR LEAD ABATEMENT

Lowest Possible Cost

Inspection costs start at $170.00 for simple condominiums. Homes under 2000 sq. ft. start at $250.00. Prices are quoted for very small homes in our locale. For a complete list of home inspection prices see:  HOME INSPECTION PRICES.

Our Pledge to Our Customers

Our inspections are thorough. Our income is not based on previous or future referrals from the sale of this or other properties in the past or future. Our goal is to inform you of the condition of the building at the lowest possible cost. Our customer is the person ordering the inspection. We do not make building repairs or provide pest control or mold/lead/asbestos abatement services.

Inspection Process

Property is inspected for proper grading and drainage away from the building. Many buildings we inspect have problems with poor grading and gutter discharge. We look for signs of septic failure, buried pipes and tanks and possible surface water sources. Condition of patios, decks, trees, shrubbery, driveways, sidewalks, retaining walls and stonework are reported. We look for indications of past property use, other than its present use, and possible pollution.

All areas of the building are inspected. We look in hard-to-reach areas such as crawlspaces, attics and behind kneewalls. If possible, we climb on the roof to inspect gutters, flashing and chimney flues. Indications of leakage and water damage, delayed maintenance, wood decay and excessive settling are reported. Correct and safe installations and adequate original design and construction are determined. We look for the presence of wood destroying insects and damage, other insects and rodents, as well as mold, asbestos and lead. We are familiar with the operation and maintenance of all types of heating systems including steam heat. We test heating systems to determine heat distribution to all rooms and determine the appropriate supply and return temperatures for air conditioners and heat pumps.

Why Have Your New Home Inspected?

1. Avoid costly repairs during the first year of home ownership when budgets are  S-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d.
2. Determine correct installation, operation and possible safety problems with your electrical, plumbing and heating systems.
3. Determine the adequacy and safety of your well water supply.
4. Uncover possible problems hidden from normal view.
5. Determine proper operation of all appliances and plumbing fixtures.
6. Avoid costly remediation of toxic substances after you own or resell the property.

                                                                                                                                                            CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF HOME INSPECTORS         

                                                                                        HOME INSPECTION PRICES                         AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS

Contact Us:

Richard Westervelt - Owner
25 Adams Street
Winsted, CT 06098