H.R. Wellington Construction Inc.

“Protecting home buyers and sellers for over a decade”

HOME INSPECTIONS

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation.  Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. The home inspector will review the condition of the home’s exterior, interior walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, heating system interior plumbing and the electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

During the course of the inspection, we will address any concerns you may have and answer any questions you have about the home. We will point out issues as they are discovered and explain them to you in an easy to understand language. We will explain how the systems work and what maintenance is required.

Our reports are delivered by the end of the next business day. You will receive a narrative, clearly written report containing photographs taken during the inspection to highlight issues noted during the inspection. Upon receiving the inspection report, you are invited to call with any questions regarding the either the home or the report.

 

Items included in the home inspection are as follows:

Termites, wood boring beetles and other wood pests such as carpenter ants can do massive damage to a home and greatly impact its value. Moisture penetration and plumbing leaks in a building can lead to damage in a structure requiring extensive repairs.

A termite inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home for evidence of Wood-destroying insects (termites and wood boring beetles) and wood-destroying organisms (fungus and dry rot).  The inspector will visually inspect the entire interior, exterior, basement or Crawlspace of a home.  After the inspection has been performed, the findings are reported on a State mandated form, along with a cost estimate for the needed repairs.  A termite report is separated into two areas of concern referred to as “sections”.

SECTION 1 is concerned with actual termite or beetle infestation or dry rot damage, cause by moisture.

SECTION 2 concerns itself with conditions which are conductive to, and can lead to future infestation

or infection.

Most Realtors recommend termite inspections as a routine part of the transactions process even when a buyer is purchasing a home in its current state or “as is”.  When you look at the amount of money invested in a home, the termite inspection fee is well worth it..  When we inspect for wood destroying pests, or organisms that cause dry rot, we can point out leaks or find termites before the problem becomes serious. It is highly recommended that you get a termite inspection in addition to your general home inspection.

PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTIONS

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make.  You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards. The thought of termites chomping away undetected in a home that will become one of the largest Investments a person makes is reason enough to make sure a termite inspection is conducted prior to purchase.  In addition, a home inspection is essential even when a house is sold “as is.”  Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape.  After the inspections, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

PRE-SALE INSPECTIONS

Before you put your house on the market, you may want to seriously consider the benefits of a termite and home inspection.  Without a doubt, this is the best time for inspections for all involved.

Knowing what kind of work needs to be completed and the cost associated with the termite treatment or repair is critical.  It’s a good idea for the seller to know what work needs to be done and what it’s going to cost so you aren’t negotiating a fictitious price.

All too often inspections are performed as a final contingency of a sale with little time to absorb reported deficiencies.  During this time of high emotional stress, issues can be easily blown out of proportion.  People are far more receptive to such deficiencies when they are disclosed to them up front, perhaps while they are viewing the home for the first time.  A pre-sale inspection may result in fewer negotiations, less surprises, better disclosure and an increased likelihood of closing the transactions.

MOISTURE PENETRATION INSPECTIONS

All homes have moisture. Moisture can originate from any number of sources… cooking, showering, heating / cooling and even breathing. Even though you need some moisture in your home to breathe, too much moisture in your home can cause significant problems. Excessive moisture in a home can lead to fungus / mold and/or pest problems.

Of all the damage we find in San Francisco homes, fungus damage (Dryrot) is by far the most common. Dryrot is a form of fungus. The term “Dryrot” is something of a misnomer as the fungus requires elevated moisture (28-30%) in order to infect wood and to grow. Once established, the fungi can remain active in timber with moisture content over 30%. The fungus sends out rhizomorphs that conduct water to the body of the organism. Diseased wood must be removed beyond the visible evidence, and the area treated with a suitable fungicide. But first, the origin of the moisture must be determined and remediated.

Unwanted moisture can be from a variety of sources. Roof leaks, gutters, exterior flashing, doors, windows, leaking pipes, plumbing fixtures, toilets and showers to name but a few.

A moisture penetration inspection involves inspecting your home for excessive moisture conditions from both the interior and exterior of the structure. We perform a visual inspection using our years of experience, as well as utilizing the latest in thermal imaging technology. A non invasive, radio frequency moisture meter is used to check moisture content and to further evaluate areas of interest.

Wellington can perform a Moisture Penetration Inspection of your entire home or of one specific area of concern to determine the origin of a leak. Using a thermal imager, the removal of wall and ceiling covers is usually not required. Prior to taking corrective action, thermal imaging can confirm the presence of moisture and/or damage without destructive testing.

THERMAL IMAGING

Infrared scanning of a home is one of the fastest growing infrared technology applications. Infrared Thermography is a powerful, non invasive means of observing a building. Wellington Inspection employs the latest in infrared technology to provide you with important information relating to otherwise inaccessible areas in the home. The infrared camera can detect minute variations in temperature within your home which can reveal hidden problems not detectible with the naked eye. A professional home inspector, equipped with a thermal imaging camera and properly trained and certified in it’s use, can find problems with a house that otherwise would not be discovered. For instance, a wet wall or ceiling, subject to the process of evaporation (even if recently painted) may be displayed as a “cooler” image than the surrounding areas.  Heat ducting leaking within a closed wall will heat up the surrounding areas becoming visible to the thermographer. Some of the other benefits of thermal imaging are as follows…

• Locating water intrusion from the exterior.
• Plumbing leaks.
• Locating air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows.
• Evaluation of electrical systems; hot spots, loose wires, overheating circuit breakers.
• Roof leakage.
• Missing insulation.
• HVAC duct leakage.

Wellington Inspection can perform a  “stand alone” Thermal Scan of your home or it can be included as an “Add on” to your home or pest inspection.