CONTINGENCY CLAUSES:
It is highly recommended that an inspection contingency clause be inserted into your contract. The clause should specify renegotiation or contract rescission upon a home inspection finding any previously undiscovered major problems ($500 or more to correct or which constitutes a significant safety risk). Consult with your attorney or real estate agent for help with this.

COMPARE SERVICES AND CHECK CREDENTIALS:
Article 12-B of the Real Property Law now requires that any one performing home inspections in New York State must be licensed by the New York State Division of Licensing. Check to see if your inspector is licensed. They should be able to provide you with a license ID number.

Make sure you use a company that works with a contract explaining the scope of the inspection and the limitations. Ask about their background, ask for references, ask questions such as:

• Do they belong to a non for profit professional organization which adhere to a standards of practice and code of ethics?


• How many fee paid inspections have they performed?


• Do they work with a contract explaining the scope of the inspection and the limitations?

Check out the company with the Better Business Bureau, your attorney, or a real estate professional.

PLAN TO PARTICIPATE:
Be sure the utilities are on and that you have full access to the home. It is important that you take an active part in the home inspection. Plan to accompany the inspector during the inspection. Our inspectors will explain everything in detail, answer any questions you have, and make sure you understand things, including the visual limitations. An average home inspection will take 2 to 3 hours.

WHAT IS COVERED?
HomePro inspections a Home Inspector in Buffalo, will screen for mote than 600 potential problems. Buffalo Home Inspectors will work through a long checklist of potential concerns to identify the major and minor deficiencies in the home. The inspector will also show you how things work, where your main shut offs for the house are, and what to do to save on utility costs. There are eight major systems of the home which the Buffalo Home Inspector will evaluate.

Structural - Materials and type of construction. Foundation and framing materials are noted. The foundation, floors, walls, and roof are checked for any major or minor problems.

Electrical - Electrical system is checked for capacity and safety. Repairs and upgrades are recommended if needed.

Heating and A.C. - Capacity is assessed and age of the equipment is considered. These two factors are used in approximating the life expectancy of the unit(s). Upgrades and repairs are recommended if needed.

Plumbing - Piping, fixtures, laundry equipment, tile work and domestic water heating equipment are all surveyed. Functional flow of all piping and fixtures is checked and life expectancy noted. Screening is made for unsanitary conditions and potential repairs, freeze vulnerability, and overflow.

Basement, crawlspace or slab - Checks are made for (and the potential for) water seepage and structural problems. Advice is given if repairs are needed. Areas that could cause structural problems are evaluated, such as: poor soil, surface drainage.

Kitchen - All appliances are tested and any problems are noted, as well as the age of the appliance, and the life expectancy. Repairs or upgrades to the kitchen are noted and a budget is suggested if needed.

Interior - Walls, ceilings and floors are checked for possible problems or conditions that might cause problems in the future. Such as, water penetration, potentially dangerous or toxic materials, fire hazards, or security problems. Ventilation and energy conservation are also checked, and any needed upgrades are itemized.

Exterior - Areas examined and evaluated include: roof, runoff controls and landscape drainage. Areas like stoops, steps, walks and drives are checked for damage and surface problems that could be hazardous.

THE REPORT
There is no waiting for our report. The inspector will provide you with an on the spot report called The HOMEBOOK™ - a 300+ page user friendly book that is much more than a report. It becomes a complete homeowner's manual. The report will outline all of the problems looked for in the home and provide "what to" and "how to" solutions.

RADON TESTING
HomePro inspectors offering Buffalo Home Inspection can also provide radon testing as an additional service. We provide a double test using two different techniques. A continuous radon monitor is used and must be in place at least 48 hours. The monitor will take hourly readings and will calculate an overall average and EPA average. The other test is performed by using a charcoal canister. This test device must also be in place at least 48 hours and is then sent out to be evaluated by a NYS ELAP approved lab who will provide you with your official radon test results. For more information radon please see our links to the EPA's Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon & Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction