BYRON DUERKSEN, CERTIFIED MASTER INSPECTOR
707.245.7545 (cell) or 707.355.9067 (office) or Toll Free 877.679.7545
Email Us
You need to know what you are about to spend thousands of dollars on, with a reasonable assumption that you won't have to spend thousands more once you move in. I am a professional with the same high standards of education as your real estate agent. Don't settle for less. A Housecheck Home Inspection Report includes not only the issues and features noted by the Inspector, it often has many money-saving, safety, and remedial suggestions as well. Our goal is to maximize your satisfaction in your home selection. My typical inspection report averages 40 or more pages and has as many as 100 pictures for your reference. It not only refreshes your memory, it makes a beautiful book to show friends and family.
I feel it is extremely important to meet with you near the end of my inspection if not before. Although the pictures and the report are very extensive and in depth, there is no substitute for being there and physically seeing and discussing issues and unique findings.
The most prevalent issues occur in the following:
DECKS, RAILINGS AND STAIRS
It is estimated that of the 40 million existing decks in America only about half of them are code compliant, thus many of these decks are potentially unsafe. More than a million decks are built each year, a large percentage are built by home owners and individuals who are neither trained nor qualified to build them. "DECKS CAUSE MORE INJURIES AND LOSS OF LIFE THAN ANY OTHER PART OF THE HOME STRUCTURE" reports Don Bender, Director, Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University. Because a reported 44,700 deck injuries occur each year, it is imperative that a deck be properly inspected for safe Deck materials, method of construction, flashing, support posts and beams, size of materials in relation to span of beam or joint and proper care and maintenance. When any of these is incorrect, it can be life threatening. For more information on deck construction, click on Links or visit Simpson Strong Ties at www.SafeStrongHome.com /deck. Click here for recent Clearlake deck collapse article.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Wiring, switches, receptacles, fixtures, panels, grounding, service conductors, over-current protection, service equipment and capacity. I frequently find arcing wires, charring of breakers and faulty grounds. These are serious safety hazards.
ROOFING
Roofing material, flashings, vents, skylights, penetrations and drainage.
FOUNDATIONS & CRAWL SPACES
Support systems, ventilation, access openings, insulation, drainage and sump systems, seismic bracing and anchors.
HELLO EARTHLINGS!
HVAC
Heating systems, venting, distribution systems, cooling systems, energy sources and connections. The availability of outside combustion air and venting systems is extremely important. Although HVAC units and water heaters are vital to your comfort, they are also potentially lethal. CARBON MONOXIDE IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL POISONING IN THE U.S.
ATTIC AND ROOF FRAMING
Framing, insulation, ventilation, sheathing and access openings.
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Supply, fixtures, vent pipes, faucets & drains, water heater, flow, drainage, gas supply and fixtures.
PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS
Water quality, bacteria testing, pressure tank and controls, pump and controls, filtration, and purification systems.
POOLS AND SPAS
Heaters, drains, skimmers, basket strainers, lighting, pump and motor, water leakage, pressure and pool filter. Also, covers, fencing and additional safety features.
BUILDING EXTERIOR
Driveways, sidewalks, retaining walls, decks, porches, patio, balconies, stairs, railings, fences, doors, windows, exterior walls, hardscape, surface grade and drainage. Garage doors are checked for springs, properly working sensors and safety devices.
INTERIORS
Floor coverings, walls, ceilings, security, ventilation, doors, windows, stairs, railings, cabinets, countertops, smoke detectors, laundry room, appliances, chimneys, flues, fireboxes, gas and solid fuel appliances.
BYRON DUERKSEN, CERTIFIED MASTER INSPECTOR
707.245.7545 (cell) or 707.355.9067 (office) or Toll Free 877.679.7545
Housecheck@mchsi.com
