Cedar Hill Inspector

What is a Home Inspection?

This first edition of Cedar Hill Inspector newsletter introduces our company. We also want to talk to the importance of a Home Inspection.

Who is Cedar Hill Home Inspection Services, LLC?

Cedar Hill Home Inspection Services, LLC began business since 2004. We provide home inspections for real estate transactions, buyers and sellers and home owner “Home Check-ups”. We are currently well into the 100 inspections required for state licensing in the state of Connecticut. Our inspections are supervised by a licensed inspector with over 300 inspections. We are insured for “Errors & Omissions” and general liability. Our training and certification is from the Home Inspector Institute of America. We are a member of SPREI and CAHI.

What is a good Home Inspection?

A good home inspection is one that reviews ALL systems and components of a house. Electrical, plumbing, structure, heating and cooling for example. 35 key areas in all.
For a complete list of inspected systems and components visit my website at cedarhillinspect.com.

Now is a good time to say what a home inspection is not. A home inspection is not a “code check”. Inspectors using the term “not to code” are doing a disservice to the client. A home inspection does not comprise of “invasive investigation”. We do not open walls, lift installed carpet, open switch plates, etc. Any area that is considered “homeowner maintenance” should be viewed by the inspector. The only item that the inspector opens that is NOT recommended to be opened by a non-professional is the electrical service panel.

My job as a home inspector is not to “pass or fail” a house. It is not my job to do so. I will point out deficiencies and safety hazards to my client. I will make recommendations as to the resolutions of that deficiency. All recommendations will be made specifying the professional trade that should rectify the deficiency. I do not make specific by name contractor recommendations. I will also point out the positive aspects of the house. Again, not a pass-fail.

Think of the professional home inspector as a “generalist”. Much in the same way you treat medical profession. If you have a sore throat you wouldn’t go to a surgeon. You would go to your family doctor, the generalist. If he found an issue that requires a specialist he would refer you to that specialist. It is the same way with a home inspector. If I observe a deficiency I note it and recommend the appropriate “specialist” to repair it safely.

How long is a home inspection?

Generally a home inspection can last 2 – 4 hours depending on the size and condition of the house. Considering the detail that I provide to the client, a small amount of time. Beware of the inspector who does an inspection on a house in an hour or less. I encourage the client to accompany me on the inspection. I can answer any questions they may have right there on the spot.

Why do you use an “Agreement”?

For my protection and that of the client. It explains what is included in our inspection. In today’s litigious environment it is just good business practice.

After completing my report I will meet with the client to review the report and explain any deficiencies and attributes of the home inspected. I also provide consumer and safety information to the client with the report. I use digital pictures in varying amounts as needed.

For a detailed look at Cedar Hill Home Inspection Services, LLC, visit our website at cedarhillinspect.com .

Safety Tip

This issue’s safety tip is “CO Detectors”.

Of the 30 inspections completed from September until mid-December, only 3 homes had a CO detector. Sadly 2 of these had dead batteries. Only 1 was in working order. CO is a silent killer. There is no odor or color. CO detectors should be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and batteries should be replaced twice times per year. A good time to change batteries on your smoke and CO detectors is when the clocks change in the spring and fall.
For more on CO, go to my links page and click on Underwriter Laboratories. Click for some CO facts.

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