Find a home inspector you can trust with GCJ Home Inspection
Get peace of mind, save money, and know exactly what you're buying with a pre-purchase home inspection.
When you purchase a new home, you're also buying any problems that come with it. These problems can add up to a large expense. You can think of a home inspection as a safety net which protects you from falling into a poor investment. Problems found during the inspection which were not disclosed by the seller can put you in a stronger position for negotiation.
Buying a home is a stressful process, full of ups and downs. It's easy to become attached to a home before you've bought it, making it difficult to see problems clearly. That is why it's wise to bring in an unbiased inspector with specific training to assess the condition of the home.
By knowing the issues and shortcomings of the house you can avoid surprises later and rest easy in your decision.
A home inspection doesn't just save you money. It also helps to protect your family. Safety issues can arise from dangerous handyman work, outdated electrical systems, lead pipes, and more. We'll check the home for potential safety issues such as fire hazards, electrical hazards, structural problems, and hazardous materials.
We highly encourage you to come along for the inspection, especially if you're a first-time home buyer. We'll show you around and help you get familiar with the mechanics of the home, as well as the location of any water or gas shut off valves. Feel free to ask questions along the way. We'll even give you home maintenance tips — especially useful if you've never owned a house before.
Check faucets and showers, looking for visible leaks as well as testing water pressure. Identify the types of pipes used, if visible. Identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.
Identify the type of wiring, test all outlets and make sure there are GFCIs installed where needed to protect from electrical shock. Inspect the electrical panel for safety issues and fire hazards.
Determine the age of the furnace and air conditioner, whether or not they function properly, and possibly recommend repairs or maintenance.
Determine the age of the water heater and check for proper installation. We can also determine the condition and possibly give an estimated remaining life span of the unit.
Check for proper ventilation. A poorly ventilated dryer exhaust can be a serious fire hazard.
Test smoke detectors and ensure that the garage wall, if present, has the proper fire rating and is undamaged. Also check the fireplace for proper installation and maintenance.
Check for visible leaks, properly secured toilets, proper ventilation to prevent moisture related issues, and more.
If possible, check for structural damage and proper ventilation. Also check insulation and ensure that nothing is ventilated directly into the attic, such as the bathroom.
Check for damaged or missing siding, cracks, and excessive soil contact which can be an invitation for pests.
Check for possible foundation failure, indicated by cracks or settling.
Check to ensure that the ground slopes away from the house, which prevents water from entering the house or causing damage to the foundation.
If accessible and visible, check for roof damage or poor installation that may allow for water penetration as well as checking the condition of the gutters.
Test the garage door for proper functionality, check for proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and check for risks of explosion from ignition sources too close to the floor.
GCJ Home Inspection provides pre-purchase home inspections in New York City including The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and Nassua County. Give us a call at (917) 626-2554 or send us an email.