Real Estate is usually the largest investment you will ever make, yet many people buy and sell homes and buildings without knowing the real condition of the property.

Having the home or building inspected by an Arizona Certified Professional Home Inspector before you purchase will let you make informed decisions.

Most homes and buildings we inspect have do it yourself or amateur installation and repairs of wiring, plumbing, fixture installation, roof repairs and many more handyman type repairs which have been made. Repairs and unprofessional installations that could jeopardize the safety of the occupants or cause the failure of a system or component.

We observe amateur wiring installed in fashions which you would have to ask yourself; why hasn't this building caught fire!? We inspect plumbing that was repaired or installed in fashions that defy the laws of physics. Heat pumps which are producing 75 degree air and running almost continually because they are not operating correctly. Gas furnaces and hot water heaters are back drafting flames from the units, due to improper installation, improper venting, or the need for proper maintenance. Attics with pails on top of the insulation collecting rain water!

We believe the reason you need a home inspection is the fact if you know what a Certified Professional Home Inspector or General Contractor knows you wouldn't need a home inspection in the first place.

With our experience and knowledge of all the systems, components, equipment, fixtures and safety concerns of a home, you will have a very clear understanding about the building before your purchase.

Hands-On Home Inspectors are …

Reliable:

When you need a property inspected we'll be there, on time and with the proper equipment.

Fast:

Reports are delivered within 24 hours of your inspection (next business day), and many of our inspectors are able to print reports on-site, further expediting the transaction process. Web access reports are also available for added convenience.

High-Tech:

With InspectVueTM, our high-performance hand held computer systems, equipped with our advanced home inspection reporting technology, provide accurate, professional, and timely reports.

Insured:

Every inspector has Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance to ensure the accuracy of our inspections.

Gain peace of mind in the condition of your home

We’ll identify any minor issues before they become major repairs, ultimately saving you time and money down the road.

Keep your home safe and secure

The inspectors conduct a thorough review of the home’s major systems and components (including the plumbing, electrical and heating/air conditioning systems), and check typical safety issues, like gas leaks, smoke detectors, electrical hazards, and areas of moisture intrusion so you’ll know your home is safe.

Get the information you need to make informed decisions

We work for you and only you to provide objective evaluations and unbiased recommendations for correcting any issues within your home. Our goal is to provide you with the information and guidance you need to make sure your home is safe, sound and in top condition.

Come away with a home maintenance schedule and help prioritizing repairs

Your inspector will consult with you to help prioritize repairs and improvements based on the results of the home maintenance evaluation. You’ll know which issues need to be repaired now, and which can wait until later.

The Cost of Ownership: Home Repair and Replacement Costs

The costs to maintain, repair, and replace home systems is one of the hardest budget calculations a homeowner must predict. The size, age, and condition of your home at the time of purchase will all impact how much money you need to spend to keep your place in shape. Generally, though, home experts suggest that you set aside between one and three percent of the home's cost each year for home repair and maintenance costs. (If your home cost $250,000, you'd need to allocate anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500 each year for home repair and replacement costs).

The chart below shows estimates to repair or remodel different portions of your house and is based on data* from Freddie Mac, the lending organization. Bear in mind that these costs are estimates and prices can vary widely from region to region and based on the quality or finishes of materials you choose for repair and replacement projects.

Outdoor Projects: Regrade Lawn $500 to $1,500 New gutters/downspouts $2.50-$3.50 per linear foot Install French drain/sump pump $2,000-$3,500 Replace asphalt/fiber shingles atop existing shingles $1.00-$1.20 per square foot Remove and replace shingles $1.30-$1.75 per square foot Install storm windows $60-$100/a piece Replace existing windows $250-$500/a piece Additions: Single-car garage addition $6,000 to $9,000 Double-car garage addition $8,000 to $12,000 Building an addition $70-$120 per square foot Half bath addition $3,500 to $5,000 Full bath addition $7,000 to $12,000 Indoor Projects: Porch enclosure $5,500 to $15,000 Drywall ceiling over plaster $1.50-$2.00 per square foot Convert basement to rental unit $30,000 to $50,000 Bathroom remodel $7,000 to $12,000 Increasing electrical capacity to 200 amps $700 to $1,200 Running separate electrical lines $150 to $300 Install connectors on outlets $15 to $20/per connection $2,000 to $3,000 (entire house) Build masonry fireplace $3,300 to $$4,800 Install prefab fireplace $1,800 to $2,300 Reline chimney (terra cotta) $2,000 Sand/finish wood floors $1.50-$3.30 per square foot Install ceramic tile $11-$22 per square foot Install vinyl tile floor $2.64-$5.34 per square foot Install wall to wall carpet $3.38-$6.61 per square foot Replace hot water boiler $2,500 to $3,500 Install attic ventilation $250 to $450 Insulate attic/basement $0.75-$1.20 per square foot Kitchen remodel $8,000 and up Appliance replacements and additions: Replace warm air furnace $1,500 to $3,800 Replace electric heat pump $2,200 to $3,600 Replace central A/C $2,600 to $3,500 Install humidifier $300 to $550 New water heater $300 to $650 New well or septic system $3,000 to $5,000 Install sump pump $400 to $500

Curious about home repair and maintenance?

• Freddie Mac offers an outline of projects costs
• Instructions for using it

*Data provided here is intended as estimates only. If you are considering remodeling or replacing home systems, be sure to solicit bids from qualified contractors or source prices in your own market.

When Do You Replace the Roof And Other Home Systems?

Many homes for sale boast claims that the appliances are new, the roof redone, and kitchens and baths recently updated. But just how soon can you expect to start repairing and replacing major home components and appliances? A lot depends on how well the sellers (and prior owners) maintained the property, as well as how you've been using the space. Other factors that influence the life span of major home systems include the materials used to build them and your climate.

The typical roof, for instance, is designed to last about 20 years, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. However, a roof's life span is affected by the slope of the roof, the material used to build the roof, and the weather conditions in your area. Maintenance can extend a roof's life five to 10 years. Similarly, a slate roof will last up to 75 years, whereas a roof made of selvage- or asphalt-based materials could show significant signs of wear within 12 years.

Below is a look at how long most major home systems last, based on data from Freddie Mac*, the lender, and data published in Realty Times. These time frames can help you plan when to address different home systems either as part of a home maintenance regime or a planned remodeling project. If you're in the market to buy a home and you have the opportunity to ask a seller or the seller's agent how old the home's different systems are, or if that information is contained in the home's listing information, then you can plan when you'll need to replace these home components - or negotiate on them with the seller.

If you're planning to sell a home soon, consider whether you're willing to fund repairs and replacements beforehand - or if your pre-listing inspector will give an estimate of how long various systems seem like they'll last. Home repairs and replacements can be expensive, so the more information you have as a buyer or seller, the better equipped you'll be to handle the inevitable expenses they create.

Appliances or system Life span (in years) Kitchen appliances: Dishwasher 5-12 Disposals 5-12 Microwave 10 Refrigerator 15-20 Stove 15-20 Trash compactor 10 Washer/dryer 8-12 Roofs and gutters: Asbestos shingle roof 30-50 Asphalt roof 15-20 Copper gutter/downspout down Life of home if well maintained Fiberglass roof 15-20 Galvanized gutter/downspout 15-20 Slate roof 40-75 Rolled/asphalt roof 12-20 Wood shake/shingle roof 15-20 Heating and cooling systems: Warm air furnace 8-12 Heat pumps 8-12 Air conditioning compressor 8-15 Hot water boiler 30-50 Gas hot water heater 8-12 Electric hot water heater 10-15 Bathroom and plumbing: Septic disposal system 15-25 Galvanized water pipes 30-50 Toilet 5-6 Sink 45-50 Tub 50 Other systems: Doors to outside 12-15 Garage door opener 10 Driveway 5-8 Deck 10-12