THE HOME INSPECTION

We perform a thorough visual inspection of the home to determine if there are any deficiencies. Because of our experience in inspecting more than 14,000 homes in New Mexico, we are able to identify symptoms that a person of lesser experience might miss.
Our inspection is complete, we don’t limit it to a random sampling of components; we will inspect every visible and accessible component of the home.

In order to perform a most thorough inspection, all utilities must be turned on. Pilot lights need to be lit and the evaporative cooler and furnace need to be ready to be briefly turned on for inspection. Please note: a home inspector, unless he/she is a licensed plumber, cannot by law light these pilot lights.

ITEMS THAT ARE INSPECTED

There are 2 basic parts to our Complete Inspection:

STRUCTURAL INSPECTION

MECHANICAL INSPECTION

Included with our complete home inspection, as listed above, is a home warranty administered by American Home Warranty. This warranty covers non pre-existing* conditions of the mechanical and structural systems that fail with 90 days of the inspection for the buyers or, if the inspection is ordered by the seller, within 120 days of the inspection or until the sale of the home.

* Pre-existing conditions would be items found during the inspection and listed on the report as failed or in need or repair.

We also offer several other inspections:

Termite: Yes, we do have a termite problem here. We are licensed to perform a termite inspection, but we do not treat for termites, so there is no conflict of interest. (Licensing by the NM Dept. of Agriculture is required to perform termite inspections in New Mexico.)

Pool: We can inspect pools if they are uncovered, clean and in service.

Radon: Air samples are collected in accordance with EPA protocol and overnighted to a laboratory for professional and accurate results.

Mold Testing: We are Mold and Healthy Home certified to inspect for hazardous mold. We will collect air and/or swab samples and overnight them to a professional laboratory.

Please Note: We do not provide Lead Base paint inspections. As of 3/01/00, lead based paint inspections, risk assessments and abatement procedures MUST be performed ONLY by a person who is certified by the EPA. Please refer to the EPA website for further information and for a list of certified Lead-Based Paint Firms. To reiterate: The home inspector must be EPA certified to perform a lead-base inspection. Anyone doing so without this certification is in violation of this ruling.

We will never offer to repair, perform mitigation or perform clean-up services of any of the conditions found. To do so would be an unethical conflict of interest and is expressly prohibited in the ASHI Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

TIPS FOR THE SELLER: PREPARING FOR THE HOME INSPECTION

Tips to prepare the house:

• All utilities must be on and all pilot lights lit.
• If there is an evaporative cooler, it must be “serviced”: uncovered with water and electric to it, ready for the inspector to operate.
• Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Reseal all roof penetrations such as skylights, duct work, plumbing vents, roof turbines, etc.
• Reseal all gas line penetrations and exterior spigots.
• Perform any standard maintenance such as tightening any loose doorknobs, etc.
• Try to have walls, outlets, windows as accessible as possible. We understand this may be difficult if the house is still occupied or if you are packing to move; but please keep in mind that the inspector needs to do his/her job.
• Make arrangements for your pets. Even the gentlest of dogs can become threatened by a stranger poking around their home. Please protect both your pet and the home inspector by containing your pet or temporarily removing them from the area.

• For Radon or Mold testing closed house conditions need to be maintained for 24-48 hours prior to testing. Closed house conditions also need to be maintained for a minimum of 48 hours during the Radon test. Closed house conditions mean all doors and windows remain closed except for normal entry and exit from the house. Furnaces and refrigerated air conditioning systems may be operated, but NOT evaporative (swamp) coolers. The reason for this is that it is important to keep the outside air out of the house as much as possible in order to have an accurate reading comparison.