Home Inspection FAQ's

FPI’s standard inspection thoroughly examines the structural and mechanical elements of the home. Each element is check for defects and functionality. This includes evaluating the heating and air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, basement, and other structural components.

It is advantageous for potential homebuyers to find out the total amount of repairs and maintenance to avoid surprises. This information is helpful when preparing a real estate offer. A pre-purchase inspection can uncover existing problems or builder oversights, allowing you to negotiate confidently.

Having an FPI inspector evaluate your house before listing. A home inspection will help identify repairs that would decrease the market value of the house. However, if you’re not looking to sell at this point, you could benefit from an annual home inspection to monitor your home’s condition and ensure it’s safe and sound for your family.

Even if you’re familiar with home construction, we recommend having a knowledgeable home inspector perform your inspection. All of Foundations Property Inspectors are licensed by the State of Pennsylvania and are experts in nearly every aspect of home systems and structural components. Moreover, our inspectors are outstanding standing members of ASHI. We act as an impartial third party, supplying you with an honest and unbiased opinion of their findings. Having completed thousands of inspections in Southwestern Pa, you’ll trust that we know exactly what to look for and where to find it.

Yes. We encourage our customers to participate in the inspection process. it allows you to walk through the house with our inspectors to ask questions and get immediate feedback about any concerns. It also lets the inspectors explain things first hand which may not translate in their report.

If our inspectors uncover any issues in their report, don’t fret. Most problems (even common or complex ones) aren’t complicated to understand. We supply photos, detail descriptions, full disclosure, professional advice. Our report will outline areas of concern and it’s up to you to decide how any issues will affect your home buying decision. You’ll also have a realtor to negotiate repairs with the seller before purchasing.

Foundation Property Inspections offers very competitive rates for our standard home, radon, pest, structural, and well flow inspections. We also offer a First Responders discount. Please contact us for additional services.

Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that’s released within the air after the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s the second leading cause of carcinoma in Southwestern Pa as described by the American Cancer Society. While radon can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted, exposure usually occurs over time. You need to know if your home has high levels of radon. If so, it must be meditated to keep your family safe.

A mold inspection is necessary to assess a home for mold problems. Foundations Property Inspections offers air quality and mold-related services, including sampling and electromagnetic services in the basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Our inspectors will use sophisticated equipment to monitor and analyze the probability of then advise you on ways to regulate and even prevent mold from returning.

There is no reason to re-wire if the aluminum wire was installed properly and is in working order. If problems are found, have them repaired. It’s recommended that a professional electrician periodically inspect a house with this sort of wiring. Some people prefer to redo all connections to eliminate uncertainty.

Most states have minimum standards for installing wood shakes and shingles. Product manufacturers and local zoning offices are good starting resources and may provide guidelines on proper installation and maintenance of cedar shakes and shingles. Also, check with your contractor for any installation requirements on new cedar shake and shingle products.

This type of siding is extremely popular due to its low maintenance. Once installed, periodic caulking and painting should keep it performing well and looking nice.

Granite is a porous material. It’s recommended to apply a sealer to granite countertops which will protect them from absorbing some liquids too quickly. Don’t use abrasives or acids on granite. Solid surface and quartz countertops are non-porous. Quartz is virtually maintenance-free. It doesn’t require sealing, but it’s not as hard as granite, so never use a quartz surface for a chopping board or subject it to heat.

Yes. Foundations Property Inspectors test your appliances for basic operation within the standard home inspection.

Foundation Property Inspections takes pride in earning and keeping the trust of our customers. We make it a priority to supply continuous, professional service during every step of the inspection process and even after for our home buyers and sells clients. If you ever have home-related questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice. We look forward to inspecting your Pennsylvania real estate property.

Test water every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels, especially if you have a new well, or have replaced or repaired pipes, pumps or the well casing.

Test for nitrate in the early months of a pregnancy, before bringing an infant home, and again during the first six months of the baby’s life. It is best to test for nitrate during the spring or summer following a rainy period.