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Wind mitigation testing is often required by insurance companies in areas where wind damage is a prevalent concern. This area is not subject to the type of storms that are associated with the Gulf Coast, and Northern Virginia area insurance companies offer no discount for the inspection or for wind mitigation construction. As such, we do not inspect specifically for wind mitigation construction that is above and beyond the construction techniques common in this area.
Absolutely. ASHI requires all of its members to complete yearly continuing education in order to stay members. Additionally, other certifications, such as the inspector's radon certification, requires additional CE programs for certification renewal. Aside from the requirements, all of our inspectors understand that continuing education is the only way to keep abreast of the ever-changing codes and standards of the industry.
No. To avoid potential conflicts of interest, we are strictly forbidden from providing follow-up services of any kind based on our reports.
Absolutely. All of our inspectors are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), in addition to various other professional organizations.
Yes. Hurlbert Home Inspection does residential inspections exclusively.
The time that an inspection takes will vary from house to house, depending on the condition of the house, what the inspector discovers, and how long it takes to answer any questions you, as the client, might have. We standardly schedule three hours for each inspection. Most houses take around two and a half hours. Smaller houses and condos generally take around an hour and a half to two hours. Large houses, over about 4000 sq ft, may take longer than three hours.
If you have any questions about the timing for your particular house, contact the office and ask.
The final report is typically emailed out the evening of the inspection. For larger reports, it may take up to 24 hours to complete.
In short, the inspection covers all of the major home systems (HVAC, hot water, plumbing, and electrical), as well as the function of standardly installed appliances (dishwasher, oven, washing machine, dryer, etc), plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers, faucets), and things such as doors, windows, and locks. If access is available and safe, the inspection also covers attic framing and insulation, and the roof. A sample report is available here.
When safely possible, the inspector will directly get onto and walk the roof. If that is not possible, such as if the roof pitch is too steep or the roof is wet or icy, a visual inspection from the ground is performed. Especially when the roof is wet, any leaks will also be visible from the underside of the roof when the inspector is checking over the attic. The roof decking is always checked like this from within the attic, regardless of weather.
When using Hurlbert Home Inspection for your inspection, your inspector works for YOU. We may know your realtor, or the other party's agent, or your construction foreman, as our client, our responsibility is to you, and you alone. We do not receive any sort of compensation from any realtors or builders or any other businesses. We work exclusively for our clients, directly.
While it is not strictly necessary that you attend, we highly recommend that you attend the inspection. That way, the inspector can address any questions you might have directly, illustrate the function of your home's systems, and visually explain any issues that the inspection uncovers. The inspection is as much about educating you, the client, about the home as it is about the inspection itself.
Call up and ask about their credentials and experience. If for some reason you don’t feel comfortable asking this of the inspector when speaking with them on the phone, then how will you feel asking questions at the inspection? You must feel that the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive to your needs.