why read this booklet? · radon gas – a radioactive gas that has been linked to lung cancer....

Why Read this Booklet?

To Discover some vital information to improve your home buying

experience.

To Reduce the potential risks in not knowing the true condition of

your prospective home.

Inspection Advantages:

Maximize Your Investment Minimize Your Risk Know Your Prospective Home’s True Condition Improve Your Home Buying Experience

Copyright © 4U Home, Inc 2019 3 www.4UHome.com

Table of Contents

Why Read this Booklet? 3 Table of Contents 4 Three Common Pitfalls to Avoid 5 Types of Inspections 6 Top 10 Most Common Home Defects

7

12 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Inspection 8

What you need to know about a Home Inspection

9

What’s Covered in a 4U Home Certified Inspection? 10 Home Inspection FAQ’s 11-12 Good News! 13 How to Protect Your Home from Hazards 14 Carbon Monoxide 15 Radon 16 Termites 17 Mold 18 EIFS & Your New Home 19 Lead-based Paint 20 Asbestos 21 New Construction Defects 22 If You Have a Septic Tank 23 Sewer Scoping 24

If You Have a Pool 25

If You Have a Fireplace 26

Choose your inspection wisely 27 Homes Toured (Note Pages) 28 What to Expect 29 Why Choose 30 What Others Are Saying 31 Cost Versus Price 32


Three Common Pitfalls to Avoid

In Your Real Estate Transaction

Myth #1: I don’t need to use a Real Estate Agent. Knowledge and Experience are your greatest assets. We can learn from our own mistakes, but it’s much less painful to learn from someone else’s. Experienced Professionals know the mistakes others have made and can help you avoid them. Solution: Work with a Real Estate Agent who knows the Laws that protect you and has the knowledge and experience it takes to guide you through the transaction and negotiation process.

Real Estate Agent can save you thousands.

Myth #2: I’ll worry about financing later. Many home buyers miss their dream home (at their dream price) out of the chute, because they were not pre-approved. Someone who had pre-approval got in ahead of them, and they missed the deal of the century. The reality is

Good Deals are snatched up quickly. Solution: Select a lender and get your financing pre-approved.

Myth #3: I don’t need to inspect my home. Many have purchased homes with hidden defects which cost $1,000’s to repair. Every home defect will become yours once the sale is final, but by then it is too late to negotiate.

Solution: Know what you’re buying before you buy.


Types of Inspections

A Home inspection - a visual inspection of the homes Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Exteriors, Roofing and electrical systems.

Wood Destroying Organisms (W.D.O.) – Many times referred to as a “Termite Inspection” but a true W.D.O. Inspection checks for all types of wood destroying insects and bees.

Radon Gas – A radioactive gas that has been linked to lung cancer. Radon, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, is the leading cause of Lung Cancer second to Cigarettes and is attributed to more deaths than Drinking and Driving. The EPA Recommends that ALL homes be tested for Radon.

Environmental Testing (Mold)– As we have made our homes more energy efficient we have also decreased the air exchange into the homes. That combined with plumbing leaks and outside moisture infiltration has created for many environmental issues such as mold in homes. Although the health risk of mold is associated with the individual not the mold itself. For some individuals the presence of mold in the home may cause health issues for families.

Lead and Asbestos – Although no longer used in modern construction older homes built prior to the mid 1980’s may have one or both of these. Although the danger of both are controllable based on knowing the existence or non-existence in the home and taking the necessary precautions. www.epa.gov/lead

Infrared – No one can see behind walls, but in the hands of a trained professional this technology can be a valuable tool in assessing your home and detecting moisture intrusion, the number one enemy of your home structure.

Sewer Scoping – All homes especially those built prior to 1950 had non PVC Polyvinyl Chloride waste lines installed. These materials consisted mostly of clay, cast iron and copper. Like PVC, even when installed properly, the roots of trees and other vegetation infiltrate the connection seams causing clogs. Normally these lines will be the homeowner’s responsibility to repair. Repairing these lines may be a major expensive. Copyright © 4U Home, Inc 2019 6 www.4UHome.com

Top 10 Most Common Home Defects

Home buying is meant to be a wonderful experience. Our inspectors add valuable knowledge and expertise to your experience. All homes have strengths and weaknesses. Before you sign on the dotted line, you want to know the true condition of the property. Inspections help you avoid unwelcome surprises down the road. The Inspection also provides a legal document useful in negotiating a fair price. Let us help you identify necessary expensive home repairs before you buy. 1. Structural & Foundation Defects (Average Repairs $2,500 to $25,000)*

2. Damaged Asphalt Shingle Roof (Replace $3,500 to $15,200)*

3. Defective Furnace —A Possible Life Threatening Condition! (Repair/replace $1,500 to $12,500)*

4. Inadequate Electrical Service (Service upgrade $1,000 to $2,000) **

5. Inadequate Attic Insulation (Re-insulate $600 to $2,000)**

6. Defective Air conditioner (Replace condenser $1,600)*

7. High Radon—Above 4 picocuries (Radon mitigation $850 to $2,500) **

8. Termite damage (Repair damaged areas $250 to $5,000)*

9. Wood rot around windows and doors (Repair damaged $250 to $4,000)*

10. Fireplace defects (Repair damaged areas $500 to $10,000)* *Estimates may vary according to location. Most loans require this repair **For most loans, these are not required repairs

Using Top Quality Home Inspectors just makes

sense, especially considering the alternative …

Paying for Unexpected Repairs


12 Ways to Prepare for a Home Inspection

4U Inspection Services and ASHI recommend that the Real Estate Agent and the Home Buyer and/or Seller follow the checklist below to get the most out of the home inspection. Sellers should prepare by using this list and buyers should request Sellers to prepare using this list. For buyers (A) For sellers (S):

1. (A) Allow three to three and a half hours for a thorough home inspection.

2. (A) We encourage you to attend your inspection to gain the greatest value in return for your inspection investment.

3. (A) 4U Inspection Services will schedule an inspection appointment with the Real Estate Agent, buyer and property owner. All parties should mutually confirm this date and time. 4U Inspection Services will do their best to accommodate all schedules for the inspection.

4. (A) Customer information needs to be accurate, including name, so that there are no miscommunications at the time of the inspection. (The name on home inspection contract should match the sales contract)

5. (A) The Home Buyer must sign an Inspection Agreement PRIOR to the commencement of the inspection.

6. (S) All utilities (gas, electric, water, etc.) should be turned on and pilot lights lit, 48 hours prior to inspection.

7. (S) All appliances, equipment and systems will be inspected and returned to the operating condition in which they were found.

8. (S) Access and keys for all parts of the property must be available including, garage, exterior and interior doors, attics, etc.

9. (S) The home owner should remove all items which block access to the furnace, boiler, hot-water heater, attic, crawl space, access panels, electric service panels, water meter, etc.

10. (S) All tubs, sinks, and basins should be emptied.

11. (S) Ensure that all light fixtures are operational (replace burned out bulbs). Ensure that all windows close and lock.

12. (S) Ensure that all light receptacles and switch plate are installed. If not present, they will be reported as a fire hazard.

Get Ready for a Phenomenal Home Inspection!


What you need to know about a Home Inspection

A home inspection: An inspection is a non-evasive, non-technical, visual inspection of your future home. Simply put, the inspector must determine the homes condition by visual inspection and the use of simple detection equipment such as an outlet tester. He cannot do anything that would damage the home. The inspector is looking for major items such as structural defects, heating or air-conditioning defects and safety issues. These issues would need to be repaired prior to you moving into the home. He does not look for cosmetic damage which you can see on your own. If you would like, he can write a note of those concerns in the report. But, based on your real estate contract these may or may not be available for request of repair. What the report is not: Keep in mind even the best inspectors cannot see concealed and latent defects. That is why you want to hire an inspector who is trained and experienced. You need an inspector who can determine defects by the indications that these concerns or defect are present. The inspection is also not a warrantee. Your inspector is responsible for the items that could be observed during the time he was inspecting the building. He cannot predict future conditions for certainty. He may recommend that if you have an older furnace, it should be budgeted for replacement, but cannot predict when it may fail. Even though this is not a defect that you can ask the seller about, it is something that you need to keep in mind. Budget for that cost, is the home that you are falling in love with worth the investment if the furnace goes out between now and five years from now. Only you can decide that. Report: It is important to keep in mind that the report that you will receive from your inspector is an outline of concerns and defects in your home. Therefore, it usually appears negative. The Inspector does not report on all the great things that attracted you to the house in the first place. The inspector must maintain an objective view of the home and he is only reporting on defects and concerns of the home. Don’t panic! Unfortunately, because the report is only outlining concerns and defects some homeowners panic because of the issues that arise in the inspection. In our years of inspecting we have seen way too many homes, great homes, that the client has walked away from because of fear. Mostly, because of things that they did not understand or thought a repair that the inspector mentioned was way too complicated or too expensive. We have found that most homes, even new construction, have concerns and defects. That is why it’s important to obtain an inspector who can walk you through the inspection and describe the type of repair that you have and the severity of the repair. Keep in mind 95% of all issues that come up on a report can be repaired and usually could be repaired without a major investment by the seller or yourself.


What’s Covered in a 4U Home Certified

Professional Inspection? Our Inspectors cover more than 470 different points. Some of a home’s Major Component Categories are listed below. Items that may need repair, replacement, or further testing will be noted with recommendations in the summary page of the report Exterior & Roofing Appliances Kitchen/Bath Grounds Windows/Doors Pipes Grading Skylight Flashing Waste Discharge Walkways Siding Trim Water Heater Driveway Chimney Tubs Window wells Garage/Carport Showers Retaining walls Porch Tile Trees & Roof covering shrubbery Gutters/Downspouts Deck/Patio Drainage

Interior & Attic Wiring Outlets Fixtures/Switches Cabinets/Countertops Insulation Walls/Floors/Ceilings

4U Inspection Services has a reputation for delivering industry leading professional inspections. We provide a level of personal service and professional expertise second to none.

All Our Inspections exceed Maryland Standards of Practice

Making sure your most precious treasure is covered… That’s Our Mission! Copyright © 4U Home, Inc 2019 10 www.4UHome.com

Home Inspection FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION? The purchase of a home is often the largest single investment families ever make. Learning as much as you can about the condition of the property before you buy just makes sense. The time to discover the need for any major repairs is before you sign on the dotted line.

Q. WHAT IS A "HOME INSPECTION"? A home inspection is an objective (professionally unbiased) visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the foundation to the roof. Having a home inspected is like getting a physical check -up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.

Q. WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE? (See Page 10)

Q. CAN'T I Inspect My Own Home? Yes, but even very knowledgeable homeowners lack the professional experience of inspecting thousands of homes. Our Certified Professional Inspectors are professionally trained to see and report specific concerns that could easily be missed or misunderstood by less experienced inspectors or home buyers. In most states, a home inspection contingency is part of the purchase contract. This means a homebuyer can cancel the sale or try to negotiate repairs based on the results of a home inspection. In the state of Maryland a home inspection contract is not recognized unless performed by a licensed home inspector*. In some cases a buyer could lose earnest money if cancelling contract without a completed home inspection report or one that was performed by an unlicensed inspector. Note: Most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want. This often affects their judgment and objectivity. To protect your family and your investment, it is a wise step to obtain an impartial third-party professional opinion to help you make your final buying decision. *For exceptions ask your agent. Copyright © 4U Home, Inc 2019 11 www.4UHome.com

Q. CAN A HOUSE FAIL THE INSPECTION? No. Home Inspectors do not perform appraisals (which determine market value), or municipal inspections (which verify local code compliance). A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather they describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

Q. WHEN DO YOU CALL FOR THE HOME INSPECTOR? A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. However, before you sign, be sure that there is

an Inspection Clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

Q. DO I HAVE TO ATTEND THE INSPECTION? It is strongly recommended you attend the inspection. You can ask questions directly as you learn about the condition of the home. You can learn how its systems work, and how to maintain them. It will be the best three hours you could spend learning about your new home. You will also find the written report much easier to understand if you've walked through the home with your inspector.

Q. WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS? All homes have strengths and weaknesses. If your inspector identifies a condition that needs attention, this becomes a point for negotiation.

Your Real Estate Agent will be your greatest asset in this process.

Q. IF THE HOUSE IS IN GOOD CONDITION … DO I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION? Definitely. Your inspector is trained to identify issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye and to inform you of safety updates in your home that will protect your family and you. Now you know the true condition of your home. After the inspection, you will probably know more about the property than the previous owner.

When all your questions have been addressed …

Proceed with Confidence with the Purchase of Your

Home.


Good News!

The Following Information

Will Help Protect You.

It cannot be overemphasized:

ALL property conditions are fixable. That’s Good News! What happens when you fall in love with a home and the inspection report uncovers a condition that you want fixed? That’s Good News! When an undisclosed condition has become understood, it can be addressed before the sale of the home.

Here’s Some More Good News The following eight (8) topics should not alarm you. They are common issues in many properties. Handling these conditions responsibly can create safety and security for you, your family and friends. We believe that everyone involved in your sale should know about these conditions upfront and be willing to address them responsibly. Professional agents and inspectors will do their best to protect you and the homeowner from any harmful environmental factors. That’s why you called us. It’s our job to inform you and protect you.

We Are Here to Serve YOU!


How to Protect Your Home from Hazards

Carbon Monoxide EIFS Radon

Lead-based Paint Termites Asbestos

New Home Construction Defects Mold Education is your #1 protection. Reading this booklet is an important step. The following pages will help you become aware of these specific hazards to help you deal with them properly.

Environmental Hazards only pose problems when left undisclosed and/or handled irresponsibly.

We believe you are wise to hire Real Estate Service Professionals who can help protect you and your family from these environmental hazards.

If You Have Any Questions Feel Free to Call Us.


Carbon Monoxide (Common Sources)

Running Autos Indoor Grills Cracked Dryers Cracked Heat Exchangers Portable Heaters Back Drafting Ranges Blocked Chimneys Leaky Flues Carbon Monoxide (CO) is called The Silent Killer for good reason. It claims more than 1,500 lives a year. Many more people suffer from CO side effects (headaches, irritability, nausea, etc.) without even knowing it. Why? Because …

CO Poison Symptoms Often Mimic Common Flu Symtoms

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas. It is caused by incomplete combustion of solid, liquid or gaseous fuels. Common causes are shown in picture above.

Who is Most Vulnerable? Three Lines of Defense:

infants, young children, and pets Install & Maintain UL1 & AGA2 Certified Appliances

unborn babies, the elderly Inspect Them Regularly

people with heart problems Install CO Detectors in or near your bedroom

tobacco users

1 Underwriter’s Laboratory Certified Appliances 2 American Gas Association Certified Appliances Note: Placement of CO detectors is based on local codes.

Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms


Radon Gas Radon is a naturally occurring, inert gas which is odorless, colorless, and invisible cancer-causing radioactive gas. It comes from uranium deposits in the soil which break down over time.

• Radon is Class A Carcinogen—the 2nd Leading Cause of Lung Cancer

• Approximately 20,000 people die each year from radon lung cancer, more deaths than drinking and driving.

• About 5 non-smokers a day die (according to EPA estimates)

It’s estimated that over 6 million U.S. homes have high Radon. Central Maryland has many in Zone 1 areas (nation’s highest rating). In some counties, close to 50% of the homes tested have high levels of radon.

Radon Testing Makes Sense

It makes sense financially: When you test before you purchase, and results are high, you can then negotiate the cost of mitigation into the final purchase price of the house.

It makes sense medically: When Radon is high, you can mitigate and quickly reduce your exposure and lower your risk to Radon Related Lung Cancer for you and your family.

It makes sense emotionally: If the test comes back low, it’s still money well spent. You can then rest assured that you have protected your family.

• Radon testing is easy, accurate and inexpensive

• Homes testing at 4.0 Picocuries and above should be mitigated

• Radon mitigation is easy and quick

• In most cases mitigation can be done in one day

• For More Info: www.epa.gov/radon


http://www.epa.gov/radon

Termites Termites are considered the number one threat to homes in the U.S. – a greater risk than fire, flood, and wind. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cost America more than 5 billion in damages annually. Homeowners insurance will help recover losses from fires, storms and earthquakes, but it is almost impossible to carry insurance against termite infestation.* *(National Pest Management Association) Both new and old homes can be infested with termites. That’s why most Relocation Companies and lenders require a whole house inspection which includes a termite inspection and a radon test. From past experience, they know all three of these conditions need to be addressed in the sale of real property for the financial security of the home as well the health and safety of the occupants. Often, termite damage is not readily recognizable. Therefore, it is very important to have a professional inspect for termites.

Pictured above is the same 2x4 section to the left (only this view is showing the back side of the board). How would it feel to have this board holding up your ceiling?

Termite Inspections

are Inexpensive and

Pay for Themselves

Many Times Over!

Always Inspect Your Home for Termites Copyright © 4U Home, Inc 2019 17 www.4UHome.com

Mold

A normal dry home averages one (1) mold spore per cubic yard. In a damp

house mold spores reach up to 7000 spores per cubic yard.

• New construction homes typically have 5 tons of water inherent in building materials.

• 5 tons of water may take 6 months to dry properly.

• Mold and Mildew are NOT the same thing Most insurers no longer include mold under new home warranties.

Mold Needs 3 Things to

Grow: Moisture, Air, and a Food Source (your house). Eliminate the source of moisture and you can stop mold before it takes over your home.

Mold and Your Health

Previous occupants may not have been affected by Mold in the Home “Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both.” (Source EPA)

It’s important to know if Mold is present in your home before you buy.

One more Reason to Inspect Your New Home


EIFS & Your New Home

EIFS: Exterior Insulating and Finishing System (Aka Synthetic Stucco, Dryvit, Synergy...)

An incredible product when properly installed

A costly product when improperly installed

Product Benefits Product Drawbacks

Very High Energy Efficient (Cuts Heating/Cooling Costs Dramatically) Water gets behind the EIFS SYSTEM

Low Cost installation Mold is introduced

Reduces air infiltration Damage is being done invisibly

Provides extensive design Flexibility Damage continues until visible signs appear, costing $1,000’s to repair

2 Main Causes for EIFS Failure 1. Improper Installation (Due to Missing Flashing, Kick-outs, Backer Rods, and Improperly Wrapped terminations) 2. Improper Maintenance (When original installation follows EIMA standards, homeowner maintenance is minimal.) Typical Results of Improper EIFS Installation EIFS has been in use since the 1960s in North America, first on masonry buildings but since the 1990s the majority on wood framed buildings. There is a history of water infiltration problems causing damage to buildings resulting in costly legal cases When installed properly EIFS is highly economical, energy efficient, long lasting, low maintenance and beautiful. When improperly installed it can be a disaster, causing wood to rot invisibly costing thousands in repair.

If it looks like Stucco … Get it Inspected Before You Buy


Lead-based Paint In the United States, 1 out of 11 children under age 6 have lead poisoning. (HUD). "Childhood lead poisoning is one of the most common pediatric health problems in the United States today." (Center for Disease Control)

4 Sources of Poison

1. Lead paint chips 2. Lead dust

3. Lead fumes 4. Lead contaminated soil Though some know the dangers of eating lead paint chips…Many are not aware that breathing fumes, and paint dust, and playing in lead-contaminated soil are also common ways that people become poisoned breathing or swallowing lead by Lead-based paint.

When Are Occupants Threatened by Lead-based Paint

Poisoning? Any Lead-based Paint (LBP) in poor condition (flaking, peeling, or chalky) is a threat. Renovation activities (like sanding, heating paint & scraping) also can create dangerous dust and fumes which enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Lead-based paint is not just an inner-city issue.

When should you be concerned about Lead-based Paint in

your home ? In 1978 the United States officially banned lead from being a paint additive in residential structures. If buying a home built before this time it would be wise to treat it with due diligence. Lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage and other severe side affects. Do not sand, scrape or drill into Lead-based paint without using proper precautions. It’s best to hire a lead abatement professional. For more information please visit: www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/leadpdfe.pdf.

Consider Testing for Lead Before Renovating


http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/leadpdfe.pdf

Asbestos

Four Lines of Defense against Asbestos Liabilities

1. Educate yourself on Asbestos Liabilities 2. Recognize and Identify Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s) 3. Disclose ACM’s 4. Professionally Abate (remediate or remove) ACM’s

In 1980, manufacturers stopped using asbestos in general. Homes built before 1980 are likely to have Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). They should be treated with due diligence. Avoid scraping Popcorn Ceilings or sanding drywall compounds or mastic glues installed before 1980—without following EPA guidelines. Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer. A small amount of exposure can cause health problems especially for smokers. Anytime Asbestos becomes airborne it can become a health hazard. For more info visit: www.epa.gov/asbestos/ashome.html

Consider Calling an Asbestos Professional


http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/ashome.html

New Home Construction Defects

Even new homes have Construction Defects that need to be addressed. Therefore, it’s in the buyer’s best interest to obtain an unbiased, independent third party professional report. This will identify specific conditions that require attention. It also serves as an official document in which to address the repair of specific construction defects. Our Inspectors regularly observe improperly installed:

• Flashing on windows, doors, roofs, decks and siding

• Framing, Roofing, Electrical, Plumbing, and Landscaping (drainage) Systems

• Vapor/water barriers, insulation, foundations, driveways, retaining walls, and guttering

• Substandard building materials—costing from hundreds to thousands of dollars to repair.

The time to inspect your new home is before you make your decision to buy. Builders are much more motivated to repair things before the home is sold than after.

Where’s the Water Going to Go? It’s

only a matter of time…

Improper Grading: Proper Grading and drainage requires 1” per foot slope away from the house, for at least 6 feet. This helps prevent wet basements and future mold.

Inspect Your New Home Before You Buy


Facts You Should Know

If You Have a Septic Tank

A septic system evaluation prior to the sale of property is highly recommended. This helps ensure that the system is functioning properly.

This protects the buyer from the potentially high cost of system repair or replacement soon after the sale. Protecting the buyer also protects the seller and other parties involved in the sale.

A septic inspection will minimize the possibility of unknowingly selling a house with a defective or failing system. A documented properly functioning system can also be a good selling point and enhance the value of the property.

When to schedule an evaluation? A septic system evaluation should be conducted as soon as the property is placed on the market so that if needed the necessary repairs can be made. This is best done before the sale is completed.

What is Covered? (A minimum evaluation should examine 7 things) 1. The location, age, size and original design of the septic system. 2. The soil conditions, drainage, seasonal water table and flooding possibilities on the site where the septic system is located. 3. The history of the system, if records are available. 4. The condition of the plumbing fixtures. 5. The date the septic tank was last pumped. 6. The sludge level in the septic tank if it has not been recently pumped. 7. The condition of the absorption field. (This usually requires digging up a small portion of the field.).

Why do septic systems fail? The most common reason for early failure is Improper Maintenance. When a septic system is poorly maintained (not pumped out on a regular basis), solid waste material builds up inside the septic tank, then flows into the absorption field, clogging it beyond repair.

Inspect Your Septic System Before You Buy


http://www.4uhome.com/

Sewer Scoping

Sewer inspections are not something most buyers think about. They know to get a home inspection, but sewer lines are an after-thought. Yet it’s one of the most important inspections a buyer should conduct. Pipe inspections involves inserting a small camera into the sewer system. As the camera moves through the pipes, it send images back to the operator. This pinpoints issues accurately without having to actually dig up the pipes. Main sewer lines can cost upwards of $10,000, so it is important to know before you by a home if the main sewer line is damaged or needs to be replaced.

A

camera inspection of the sewer line can identify problems such as:

• A root intrusion or obstruction

• Cracks/breaks

• Crushed lines

• Misaligned joints in the pipe Telltale signs of a broken sewer line:

• An odor of sewer gas from your drains

• More than one drain is slow or clogged

• A spot in your yard that is greener, soggy or sinking

• Rodent and insect infestation

• Foundation and wall cracks


If You Have a Pool

Adding a pool inspection to the home inspection service is a great value. Pools can have significant repair issues that can be expensive to fix. Our Inspections include:

• Decks, steps and coping

• Pump, motors, blowers’, skimmers, filters, drains, heaters, automatic safety controls, gauges, visible piping and valves

• The presence or absence of child safe barriers

• Cleaning system

• External bonding of pump, motors, blowers’ heaters and other equipment

• Operation of underwater lighting, ground fault circuit interrupters, conduit, visible electrical components and timer assemblies

• Handrails and ladders Pools and spas should be a source of comfort and enjoyment, so make sure you inspect before buying Copyright © 4U Home, Inc 2019 25 www.4UHome.com

If You Have a Fireplace

If the home has a fireplace, a chimney inspection is important in protecting your family’s safety. A chimney fire can spread to the roof structure causing major damage. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA): In a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits. The inspector will inspect the interior of the fireplace and if accessible the top of the chimney. A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. A level 2 inspection will include a camera scoping of the inside of the chimney.


Choose Your Inspector Wisely

4U Inspection Services offers a 200% Satisfaction

Guarantee. You want and deserve the best inspectors in the industry. Your investment is at stake!

Take the Comparison TEST: How do others Perform?

*See website for details

Do They ??? Others We Do!!

Offer a 200% satisfaction guarantee? No Yes Requires that our new inspectors go through 250 hour training after Licensing and before performing any inspections? No Yes All Inspectors are Licensed and Certified Professional Inspectors No Yes Provide Education & Training to Inspectors, Real Estate Agent No Yes Carry Professional Errors & Omissions Insurance? No Yes Provide support for technical questions and follow-up after the inspection? No Yes Offer Buyers Protection Plan * No Yes Inspectors who take the time to discuss finds in plain language No Yes


Future Homes Toured (Notes Page)

Address:

Things I Liked …

Things I’d like to see

changed …


What to Expect from 4U Inspection Services

All 4U Inspection Services associates abide by an internal Code of Ethics which parallel and /or exceed the Maryland Code of Ethics. Our adherence to this code signifies that 4U Inspection Services associates will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the following provisions:

Client Focused 1. We conduct business with honesty and integrity and always treat our

customers fairly.

2. We always perform inspection services professionally and with care.

3. We avoid bias decisions that may conflict with the needs of the customer.

4. We always make an appointment with you and will strive to be on

time.

5. We always follow up with our customers before and after an inspection to ensure their satisfaction.

Inspection Services 1. 4U Inspection Services will accept only the inspections which we

possess the expertise to perform and will only assign staff with that requisite expertise.

2. 4U Inspection Services will ensure that before accepting any inspection, a mutual understanding of the inspection and fee arrangements have been established.

3. 4U Inspection Services will offer to withdraw from any inspection when their objectivity or integrity may be impaired.

4. 4U Inspection Services will agree in advance with a client on the basis for fees, and will charge fees that are reasonable, legitimate and commensurate with the services to be delivered.

We are the Inspectors You can Trust


Why choose 4U Inspection Services for your

next inspection?

1. We’re Here For The Long Term. We’re not going anywhere. We don’t just want the inspection on your current house. We want your next home, and your neighbors, friends and family. We want to earn the right to receive your future business. Therefore, we do our best to insure everything possible to provide customer satisfaction and the best inspection available.

2. We Take Pride in Providing the Best Service Available. We know we have the finest team of inspectors in the business. They are CPI Certified Professional Inspectors, are trained under a ASHI Certified Inspector and an InterNACHI Master Inspector, making them leaders in their field. We have one of the best Training & Apprentice Programs anywhere.

a. Our Inspectors have educational meetings to improve their technical and professional skills

b. Our Inspectors undergo ongoing certification training c. Our Inspectors are highly respected in the industry by other inspection

companies

3. We’re Here to Serve YOU. (We want your business. We know you have a demanding schedule. We are here to meet that schedule.) We have provided thousands of home inspections, and we are continually seeking new and innovative ways to better serve you. We will bend over backwards to provide the best service available to improve your home buying experience, so you’ll choose 4U Inspection Services again and again.

Thousands of Homeowners and agents in the Maryland area, know the quality 4U Inspection Services work, and that we are ….

The Inspectors to Trust!


What Others Are Saying

About 4U Inspection Services

“If you need a home inspection go to these people. Time and money well spent for the best and can't get any better than 4U Inspection Services. We had a wonderful experience and they truly care about the home purchaser. A special thanks to Alan”.

Pat S – Client, Hyattsville

“I'm glad I chose to do business with 4U Inspection Services in the process of buying my home. I recently bought a new home and received the peace of mind I was seeking, in the form of the thorough inspection report and helpful homeowner tips I received from my inspector, Rob. Rob was amazing. He was VERY knowledgeable, professional, and personal. I would gladly refer any friend or family member to him!

T L. – Client, Baltimore

“James did a good job and was very thorough. The snacks were quite a treat and it gave me the idea of doing something similar when showing homes with folks. I put an ice pack in mine yesterday and when I came out of my appointment, my water was nice and cold. I do like the format of the report as it makes it very easy for me to pull out the issues that need to be addressed.”

K.J. – REALTOR®, Ellicott City

“My clients LOVED Dave! My young first-time homebuyer loved that he so patiently answered her questions and explained everything to her. The parents said he was the best inspector they have ever worked with and they have purchased 8 homes!!!!!”

D.G. – REALTOR®, Columbia Copyright © 4U Home, Inc 2019 31 www.4UHome.com

http://www.4uhome.com/

Cost Versus Price

When shopping for a product or service, it’s in your best interest to be more concerned about Cost than Price.

Your Cost Versus Our Price:

You’re the Winner Every Time

Our customers regularly call us back and thank us for the excellent service they received. They regularly give us new referrals which allow us to help our business grow. Our Inspections save our clients thousands in unexpected and unwanted repair bills. We want to provide you with the exact same kind of service.

Our Inspectors are very thorough,

personable, and professional. They inspect the attic, crawl spaces, roof and every accessible area in your home.

With 4U Inspection Services, you receive the best expertise and service available. We are proud to say that we pay our inspectors well. They earn the top income in our industry … but then they are worth every penny.

You may find a cheaper inspection, but you may end up paying it over and over in the years to come. When you factor in your cost versus our price, you cannot lose with 4U Inspection Services.

When it comes to Your Largest Investment

Why Not Inspect with the Best?

It only makes sense.


why read this booklet? · radon gas – a radioactive gas that has been linked to lung cancer....

Documents