Luxury Home Builder
Sebring Building Company Home Inspections
Results you can count on, Protection you deserve.
Do you like surprises? For a gift, maybe, but NOT when it comes to purchasing a home. Choose the inspection company that will tell you everything about the home you are buying. That way you can make an informed decision. Call or email us today for a no surprises Home Inspection.
Home Inspection...because surprises are for presents, not properties!
Why Choose Us?
Convenient Scheduling
Fast & Extensive Reports
Convenient Scheduling
Large Service Area
Fast & Extensive Reports
Convenient Scheduling
The Counties we service are: Macomb, Oakland, St Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne and more!
Fast & Extensive Reports
Fast & Extensive Reports
Fast & Extensive Reports
Reports are emailed the same day as the inspection.
Reports contain photos, videos, color illustrations,and links to reference articles.
Licensed & Insured
Fast & Extensive Reports
Fast & Extensive Reports
Full General Liability Insurance,
Professional Errors & Omission Insurance, &
Workmen's Compensation Insurance.
Benefits of Home Inspection to Buyers & Sellers
A home inspection is not a deal-breaker. It just gives you the correct information you need about the property.
When we talk about a real estate transaction, there are many questions that arise from both buyers and sellers. Some do not know what happens after closing while others think a home inspection is the best option. Both are true actually but the latter is one of the wisest decisions any buyer and seller could make. This is also one of the reasons why a Seller’s Inspection (Pre-listing Inspection) is very popular because more than 85 percent of homebuyers also request an inspection, according to the U.S. General Accounting Office.
A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination where the licensed home inspector takes a look at the major components of the home. This includes the foundation, crawlspace, basement, electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC, roofing, attic, walls, interiors and exteriors of the home. A home inspection performed by a licensed home inspector is highly beneficial to both buyers and sellers.
Now, let’s take of the advantages of a home inspection.
To the Buyers:
Although a walkthrough can give buyers a basic idea of what the property they are looking at can offer, it may not give enough information and details. Perhaps, a roof damage or termite infestation present but not immediately visible through the untrained eye. This problem could cost the buyer thousands of dollars for repairs. With a home inspection, the professional home inspector does not just walk around but ensures that the homebuyer is not left with unpleasant surprises so they know what they’re actually getting.
There is more transparency in a home inspection and the home inspector fully understands that home purchase is a huge financial investment. A home inspection also provides the buyer leverage in terms of negotiations. If there are known issues that can cost extra for repair, buyers are out in a better position to obtain the property at a fair price.
To the Sellers:
A home inspection performed ahead of time is extremely helpful for the seller. It not just hastens the sale process but helps get the property sold with minimal setbacks. If the home inspector finds something, the seller still has enough time to fix the issue before listing the property on the market and before anybody comes touring around.
When the seller has full knowledge of the property, he/she can provide tangible proof with the help of an inspection report. This helps increase the seller’s confidence in the property and offer better-negotiating leverage. From a legal standpoint, a home inspection is very important for the seller since a full disclosure will be made. This also protects the seller from the threat of legal action from an unsatisfied buyer since the buyer cannot file a lawsuit because of the full disclosure. There’s a peace of mind for the seller once the transaction is complete.
Looking at the above-mentioned advantages, one could easily see why a home inspection is highly significant. It’s a win-win for both parties and increases the likelihood of both buyer and seller striking a fair deal.
Important Reasons to Have a Home Inspection
When buying a home, you have the right to complete many different types of inspections of the potential home you’re purchasing.
A home inspection is actually one of the most common contract contingencies from home buyer’s. Whether you have purchased five homes or you’re going to buying your first home, a home inspection in almost every case, is highly recommended.
Why is the home inspection contingency one of the most commonly seen and also highly recommended? There are actually many reasons why the home inspection contingency is one of the most commonly seen contingencies in purchase and sale contracts in real estate and also why having a home inspection is highly recommended.
So, what are the reasons why you should have a home inspection when buying a home? Here are many of the top reasons to have a home inspection when buying a home.
Peace of Mind
A home is one of the largest purchases and investments that is purchased in anyone’s lifetime. The costs associated with buying a home are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. One of the most important reasons to have a home inspection when buying a home is the peace of mind that it can provide.
The primary purpose of a home inspection is to make sure the home is for the most part a very solid and safe home. By waiving the opportunity to have a home inspection, you may actually be creating additional and unnecessary anxiety and stress. By performing a home inspection, you will have the added peace of mind that you’re purchasing a very solid and safe home.
Relatively Inexpensive
Another reason to have a home inspection when buying a home is that it doesn’t cost a lot of money. Most home inspections will range between $300-$600 depending on the size of the home. Since buying a home is such a large investment, the small amount of money it costs for a home inspection should help make the decision easy to have an inspection, even if you feel extremely comfortable with the home you’re purchasing.
Buyer’s who decide to waive their right to having a home inspection often regret in the future about not spending the few hundred dollars it costs to hire a home inspector. The most common circumstance when a buyer waives the right to having a home inspection is when there are multiple offers on a home. If there is a multiple offer situation where the two offers are fairly similar and one of the offers is not contingent on having a home inspection, a seller is likely to select the offer with no home inspection contingency.
Uncover Safety Issues
The home inspection is the opportunity to thoroughly investigate the home you’re potentially going to be purchasing. It’s important to understand that a quality home inspector will find some issues with every home, even a newly built home. Some of the issues that are found may not be a big deal while some maybe serious safety issues.
Some issues that are discovered during a home inspection are actually quite common. Issues such as improper electrical wiring, worn roofing, inoperable windows, and plumbing deficiencies are just a few of the most commonly found home inspection issues. The purpose of a home inspection is not to make sure that every last thing in a home is perfect to your liking, however, it’s important that the home inspection determines the home has no glaring safety issues.
Reveal Possible Pest & Insect Problems
Pest and insect infestation can destroy a home. Depending on your location, the likelihood of having a pest or insect problem will vary. There are many different types of pests and insects that can create problems in a home. Wood-boring pests and insects, such as termites, can be a huge problem if not discovered. Termites cause approximately five billion dollars in damage to properties yearly. Other common wood destroying pests include carpenter ants and powder post beetles.
Some home inspections will include a pest and insect inspection and others will not. Be sure to ask your real estate agent whether or not they have any home inspectors or pest inspection companies who can make sure the home you’re purchasing does not have any pest or insect problems.
Reveal Possible Pest & Insect Problems
Pest and insect infestation can destroy a home. Depending on your location, the likelihood of having a pest or insect problem will vary. There are many different types of pests and insects that can create problems in a home. Wood-boring pests and insects, such as termites, can be a huge problem if not discovered. Termites cause approximately five billion dollars in damage to properties yearly. Other common wood destroying pests include carpenter ants and powder post beetles.
Some home inspections will include a pest and insect inspection and others will not. Be sure to ask your real estate agent whether or not they have any home inspectors or pest inspection companies who can make sure the home you’re purchasing does not have any pest or insect problems.
Find Structural Issues
One of the top reasons to have a home inspection when buying a home is to determine if there are any structural issues with the home. The structure of a home is one of the most important components to a home. Structural issues can costs thousands of dollars to correct if discovered and by performing a home inspection, you can avoid having such a large expense in the future.
When choosing a home inspector, know that some home inspectors are professional engineers (PE’s) and some are not. A home inspector who is a professional engineer should be able to determine whether a home has structural issues or not. Other things to be aware of while looking a homes that could be potential structural issues include significant cracks in ceilings and walls, cracking in the foundation walls, and out of level door frames.
Forecast Potential Future Expenses
Since buying a home can be a significant investment and can deplete a buyer’s bank account, it’s important to know what to expect in the future when it comes to expenses. It’s important to understand that there are no guarantees when it comes to the unexpected expenses of owning a home. While unlikely, it’s possible that a new hot water tank can be defective and need replacement shortly after closing.
Another important reason to have a home inspection when buying a home is it can help predict the future expenses. If a home inspector indicates the roof or furnace is nearing the end of it’s life expectancy, it’s important you begin to budget for a new roof or furnace. The home inspection is a great tool to help you create a future plan for expenses.
Home inspections can help determine where expenses for replacement or upgrades may arise in the future for many components, including:
- Appliances
- Windows
- Roofing
- Air Conditioning
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Heating Systems
There are programs available at local, state, and national levels that provide grant money and tax incentives for replacement for many of the above components in a home. Ask your Realtor about potential programs in your local area and state.
Price Negotiations
First and foremost, the purpose of the home inspection contingency is not to get a better price on a home because of minor issues found during the home inspection. Buyer’s who use the home inspection as a time to renegotiate with a seller even though an issue was seen before making an offer is one of the biggest things a buyer can do that real estate agents hate (and sellers).
If there are some major problems that are discovered during the inspection however, it maybe appropriate to renegotiate the terms of the original accepted offer. Depending on the type of financing and terms of the original contract, deficiencies from the home inspection can be used as a reason for a reduction in the price or a concession from the seller towards closing costs.
Negotiate Seller Repairs
The only person who can determine what home inspection findings that need to be corrected before moving forward, is the buyer. Some buyer’s are scared away from a home relatively easily and others are not alarmed by even significant inspection findings.
After the home inspection is completed, you will have the opportunity to request repairs of the home owner. The home owner will have the opportunity to agree to the repairs or disagree to the repairs. Without a home inspection, you will not have the opportunity to request repairs from a seller. This is another very important reason why having a home inspection when buying a home is strongly recommended.
Provides An “Out”
One of the biggest challenges that is faced during a real estate transaction is the home inspection phase. Many transactions will not be able to move forward after a home inspection for various reasons. The biggest reason a transaction doesn’t move forward is because a buyer and seller cannot agree on the repairs requested or the renegotiation’s from the inspection.
There are some circumstances where a buyer does not feel comfortable with the findings from the home inspection and will not proceed with the transaction, no matter what concessions and repairs are offered from a seller. The home inspection, in most cases, provides an “out” for a buyer if they are not comfortable, which is another reason for having a home inspection when buying a home. While it is rare that a buyer gets “cold feet” after an inspection, it does happen.
Our Services Include:
Home/Buyer Inspections
Pre-Listing Inspections
Pre-Listing Inspections
A home inspection / buyer's inspection is a visual examination of the home in order to identify structural, health, safety and mechanical issues. Cosmetic items are not noted unless they possess a safety issue. The home inspector will verify the condition of the home's heating system; air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing system; electrical; roof; attic; crawl space; basement; foundation; insulation; walls; ceilings; floors; windows; doors and appliances.
Pre-Listing Inspections
Pre-Listing Inspections
Pre-Listing Inspections
This is a full inspection for the seller to better understand the condition of their home prior to listing their home for sale.
It is a visual examination of the home in order to identify structural, health, safety and mechanical issues. Cosmetic items are not noted unless they possess a safety issue. The home inspector will verify the condition of the home's heating system; air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing system; electrical; roof; attic; crawl space; basement; foundation; insulation; walls; ceilings; floors; windows; doors and appliances.
Remodeling Inspections
Pre-Listing Inspections
New Construction Inspections
Your home goes through a lot before you start noticing the wear and tear in places. Maybe the floors are cracking, the paint is chipping, or the pipes are leaking. Remodeling is definitely in your future, but don’t rush into it. Hiring a professional to conduct remodeling home inspections before, and after, your project will help protect the investment of your upgrades.
During your remodel, it is also wise to have a home inspector check in on the work, ensuring that everything is properly completed. If at any point the work is not properly completed, then you and the contractor could discuss options for repairs and or corrections. Waiting for a home inspector to check each stage of the process will take time, but you can schedule regular inspections during the work to keep your timetable on track.
New Construction Inspections
New Construction Inspections
New Construction Inspections
According to the National Association of Home Builders, more than 3,000 components are used in constructing a house. Roughly 20 different sub-contractors most likely install these 3,000 components and each sub-contractor may employ as many as 4 to 5 different employees to work on the house. Upon completion, your house could have seen more than 100 different people working with these 3,000 components, including sub-contractors for things such as roofing, framing, painting, drywall, electrical, flooring, appliances, insulation, etc. With so many people working on a home and with so many components to the actual construction, mistakes can be made. No home is perfect but it’s important to know which aspects of a home are worth repairing and which are deal-breakers. Living in a newly built home is exciting and typically, comes with far fewer issues that buying an older home. To ensure your long term happiness, safety and financial stability, hiring a home inspector to check out a new construction home will ensure you’re not investing in an asset that requires major repairs.
Septic Inspections
New Construction Inspections
Sewer Scope Inspections
Households and businesses that are not served by public sewers depend on onsite wastewater treatment systems to treat and dispose of their wastewater. Wastewater treatment systems are most commonly known as septic systems.
Having your septic system inspected and pumped (every 3-5 years) is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Failing septic systems are expensive to repair and replace and poor maintenance is often the culprit.
An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and could pose a legal liability. To sell your home, the disposal system has to be in good working order.
Sewer Scope Inspections
New Construction Inspections
Sewer Scope Inspections
A sewer scope inspection is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line leading from the house at/near the foundation and connecting to the city or HOA tap.
A lateral sewer line is the privately-owned pipeline connecting the property to the publicly-owned main sewer line or HOA tap.
Sewer-scoping the line can reveal blockages, damage to the pipe system, and other problems, which are vital for homeowners and home buyers to be aware of. Common problems include tree roots, holes, pooling, cracks and pipe separation.
A standard sewer scope inspection for a single family residence takes approximately one hour to complete.
Deck Inspections
Investment Inspections
Investment Inspections
Because decks appear to be simple to build, many people do not realize that decks are, in fact, structures that need to be designed to adequately resist certain stresses. Like any other house or building, a deck must be designed to support the weight of people, snow loads, and objects. A deck must be able to resist lateral and uplift loads that can act on the deck as a result of wind or seismic activity. Deck stairs must be safe and handrails graspable. And, finally, deck rails should be safe for children by having proper infill spacing.
Investment Inspections
Investment Inspections
Investment Inspections
An investment inspection is different from a home inspection. For example, you may not be concerned as much about loose faucets, cabinet damage, or stained carpet since those are all items you are going to replace anyway.
On the other hand, you will want to heavily focus on the main components of the home. This includes the exterior; foundation; structure; roof; electrical; plumbing; and HVAC. It is important to obtain a detailed assessment of existing systems because this will inform you of the type and degree of renovation needed.
NO warranties are provided for an Investment Inspection.
Radon Testing
Investment Inspections
Termite Inspections
Radon gas is the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breath. Radon gas has no taste, color or smell. The radon gas in soil leaks into homes through cracks and other openings in the foundation. Radon gas is the 2nd leading cause of LUNG CANCER in the United States – second only to smoking. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any building, home, school, etc. Any home can have Radon gas, including new and old homes, well-sealed and draft homes, and homes with or without basements. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.
We use electronic monitors that measure the air every hour. We follow EPA protocol for a 48 hour test with a 12 hour delay.
Termite Inspections
Termite Inspections
Termite Inspections
A termite inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home for evidence of wood-destroying insects. The inspector will visually inspect the entire interior of the home (including the basement and / or crawlspace) as well as the exterior of the property.
The inspector will provide proper documentation as required.
Mold Testing
Termite Inspections
Water Testing
Mold is a byproduct of the breakdown of organic matter, such as plants, wood, food and certain beverages. The problem posed to humans by mold is their spores, which can be released into the air and land on damp surfaces indoors, where they will continue to grow, if the conditions are right. Mold growth left unaddressed can quickly spread and result in damage to the structure of a home. More importantly, mold can compromise the respiratory health of susceptible individuals.
Mold testing involves two main methods: air sampling and surface sampling. Both types require analysis by a certified laboratory.
Water Testing
Termite Inspections
Water Testing
Water quality testing is a specialized but simple test that checks a home's water supply for contaminants and pollutants, such as chlorine, lead, and coliform bacteria. Testing can also reveal chemical imbalances of the pH, and other attributes, such as hardness. Testing ensures that the home's water is potable and safe for everyday use.
We offer 2 types of water testing:
Basic - checks for Coliform Bacteria, E-Coli Bacteria and Nitrates.
Deluxe - checks for 3 forms Coliform Bacteria, E-Coli Bacteria, Nitrates, Arsenic and Lead