Other Services

11 month inspection

If you are thinking about purchasing a new construction home, it is important to do your research into new construction inspections! Just because it is a new build, does not mean it is exempt from potential issues. New does not necessarily mean perfect. We encourage all of our clients to trust but verify. The 11 month home inspection is done 11 months after the build is complete and generally before the builder’s warranty expires.

The checklist will go over every point that is covered and inspected and there are options for home warranty policies that can be purchased.

MAJOR AREAS INSPECTED

  • Exterior
  • Examine around all windows, doors, and other penetrations for proper paint/caulk. Ensure weep holes are open and not covered.
  • Ensure proper paint application and that a level of paint is adhered in all areas.
  • Check for window damage and proper installation.
  • Check for damaged soffits and make sure there are no gaps/cracks as this allows for pest intrusion.
  • Check plumbing fixtures and electrical equipment/outlets.
  • Inspect all stucco for cracking/damage.
  • Garage
  • Check the functionality of the garage and that it reverses when hit with resistance and if something is in front of the sensor.
  • Check for water staining, damaged walls/ceilings.
  • Check the water heater for proper installation and for leaks.
  • Check the Air Handler (if located here) for proper installation and leaks. A filter should be installed, the condensation line should be insulated, and there should be a float switch.
  • Interior
  • Inspect walls, windows, outlets, floors, and ceilings for damage and functionality. I work rooms left to right and hug the walls.
  • Inspect cabinets for damage and functionality.
  • Inspect appliances for damage and functionality.
  • Check light switches as you enter rooms.
  • Check fans.
  • Bathrooms & Kitchen
  • Check tub drainage.
  • Check hot water functionality at all fixtures.
  • Check underneath sinks for leaks.
  • Ensure toilets do not continuously run and are not loose to the ground. (The bolts at the bottom should be secure).
  • Check bathroom fans/vents.
  • Check tiles/grout for cracks/damage. Small cracks can let a lot of moisture in overtime.
  • HVAC
  • Ensure all registers are blowing cold air when the A/C is on.
  • Ensure all registers are blowing hot air when the heat is turned on.
  • Check for damage at the A/C unit(s).
  • Electrical
  • I would generally advise homeowners not pull panel covers off. Leave it to a professional.
  • Exercise all breakers.
  • Exercise all GFCI’s.
  • Exercise all AFCI’s.
  • Plumbing
  • Check for proper water pressure at all sinks/faucets.
  • Check for hot/cold water. Hot is left turn. Cold is right turn. Sometimes, these can be backwards.
  • Check for leaks at any visible plumbing areas.
  • Attic
  • Inspect the roof only if you are willing, able, and know how to safely walk in an attic.
  • Check for damaged trusses and any onsite alterations, such as, nailing/scissoring boards together.
  • Check for insulation in all areas.
  • Check for roof leaks.
  • Roof
  • Inspect the roof only if you are willing, able, and know how to safely walk a roofing system.
  • Check for loose/missing/damaged shingles.
  • Inspect vents/penetrations for proper installation and flashings.
  • Inspect visible flashing.
  • Inspect drip edge for damage.
  • Foundation & Drainage
  • In most cases, the foundation is not really visible and not a huge concern on new construction homes. However, we should remain vigilant in case we do see a crack of concern.
  • Ensure grading is sloped away from home.
  • Check for signs of flooding/ponding.
  • Ensure vegetation is 6 inches away from the home.
  • Mulch should not be in contact with the home. Leave a 4-6 inch gap with rocks or grass.
  • Check the driveway and walkways.

Water Quality Testing

Clear water does not necessarily mean clean water. Having our inspectors perform a water quality test can give you an in-depth look at what we may not be able to visibly see is going into our bodies. Dangerous levels of bacteria, including E. coli; elevated levels of nitrates and nitrites from fertilizers that leach into the groundwater; heavy metal contamination such as lead; can all be present in our home’s water system whether public or private. Testing ensures that the home’s water is safe for everyday use.

what testing can reveal

Public and private water supplies should be tested because they may be affected by the following:

  • Dangerous levels of bacteria, including E. coli and coliform
  • Fluoride levels
  • Elevated levels of nitrates and nitrites from fertilizers that leach into the groundwater
  • Water hardness
  • Heavy metal contamination/lead
View Sample Report

Lead Paint Testing

The U.S. government banned lead-based paints for use in housing in 1978. But if your home was built before that, it may contain some lead-based paint. In fact, an estimated 24 million houses have peeling, leaded paint, and higher than normal levels of lead-filled house dust.

Performing a lead test lets you know if lead is present within the walls of your home. Once you become aware, you can take precautions to protect yourself and your family from potential lead poisoning that can come from the dust of cracked or otherwise disturbed paint.

Asbestos testing

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of soft and flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion. Because of its resilience and strength, asbestos was commonly used in many commercial and residential properties despite the harmful effects to human health.

where it's found

Asbestos can be found in a multitude of building materials such as:
  • "Popcorn" Ceiling
  • Floor Tile
  • Drywall/Plaster
  • Pipe Insulation
  • Construction Adhesives
  • Ceiling Tiles
  • Cigarette Filters
  • Wallpaper
  • Sheet Flooring
  • Roofing Materials
  • Exterior Siding

If a building or home was constructed before 1980 there is a good chance that it was built with some asbestos containing materials. The only way to know for sure if a material contains asbestos or not is to have it tested. In the event that asbestos is found in your home there is no need to panic. If it is in good condition, meaning it’s not cracked or flaking, then it is essentially harmless. When a material with asbestos in it begins to crack or crumble, that’s when it becomes a problem. As the material degrades, the asbestos fibers contained within will become airborne and can then be inhaled. Since they are so small, a single asbestos fiber can remain airborne for up to 30 days. This is when that cracked tile in the bathroom can become an issue. Let us give you peace of mind when it comes to what could be hiding within the walls, floors, and ceilings of your new home.

Pool & Spa Testing

You’ve finally found the house of your dreams, which includes your own backyard oasis.  Pools and spas can be expensive to maintain and repair, as well as introduce various safety concerns. When buying or selling a home, a residential pool or spa inspection is vital to ensure the safety and longevity of the pool and its equipment. AA Marshall will inspect all equipment and surroundings to ensure proper function and safety requirements are being met. This includes a visual inspection and testing of the equipment used to operate the pool or spa, including motors, pumps, valves, filters, and heating systems. The equipment will be inspected for defects such as leaks in exposed plumbing, deficient heating and electrical, and other malfunctioning components.

Well Inspection

We understand the challenges of owning a home and the extra challenges that come with having a well. Well water systems are complex natural and mechanical systems with many components subject to failure or malfunction. Well inspections provide a thorough evaluation of the entire well system.

This begins with checking the operation of the submersible pump and the water recharging into the well. The inspector examines all parts of the pressure tank, which is usually located in the basement, as well as the flow rate. Each well inspection conducted by AA Marshall is backed by a 6 month warranty from the date of inspection.

Chimney inspection

Our AA Marshall inspectors conduct a Level 2 chimney inspection. This is a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish is required. We will simply send a camera scope up the chimney and report on things such as creosote build up, cracked or damaged brick, or a damaged damper.

AA Marshall will send you the video of your chimney inspection with the report so you can have a visual of the potential issues found.