Welcome to Home Inspections In The Pocono's: The Series Part 1 - What Is A home inspection.
This is the first part in an on going series explaining what a home inspection is and is not, how they are performed and what it means to the buyer, the seller and the Realtor. In part 1 I am going to discuss what a home inspection is and what it is not.
Simply put, a home inspection is a visual evaluation of the structure of the home and it's components. The purpose of the inspection is to determine if the home is structurally safe and if all the components are operating properly.
A home inspection is going to reveal those things that can be visually determined by a trained, qualified inspector at the time the inspection is performed. We cannot however see inside walls or through concrete, nor are we allowed to break or remove things for further evaluation. If during the course of the inspection the inspector finds that certain issues exist he or she will report it, in writing as part of the inspection report. At that time the inspector may also recommend that the item or issue be further evaluated by a trained and qualified individual specializing in that field. This is not because we are trying to protect ourselves from a lawsuit; it is because we are trying to give you the best possible advice with regards to your investment. No one inspector, or contractor or engineer can know everything there is to know about everything, so we will refer you in the direction of the persons best qualified.
Now let's face it, no home is perfect. I've seen problems in homes that have been newly constructed. Before you commit to the purchase of a new home you need to educate yourself on the condition of the home.
Remember, just because the inspector finds a problem, it doesn't mean that the seller has to fix it. Just as the fact that finding a problem doesn't mean you shouldn't buy the home. It's always important to remember that every problem has a solution, but you also need to be aware of the fact that some of these solutions are easier than others.
As home inspectors our job is to make you aware of these problems prior to the purchase so that you can make the best-informed decisions.
JTHIS- Professional Home Inspection Team
serving all of the Pocono's and the surrounding area
(570) 262-7551
Once is a while my job comes along with a perk or two and today was one of those days. The weather up here in the Pocono's has been very unstable over the past couple of weeks. Torrential rains at night and early morning, followed by sunshine, only to turn back into rain again. Today we had to inspect an REO out in Towamensing Trails. It was a 2700 square-foot house 3 stories high and cosmetically rough both inside and out. All three of us went out on this one. Imagine the shock we got when we climbed up the ladders, stepped onto the rooftop and looked around for the first time. Let me share our view with you:
Sometimes my job really does take my breath away.
Yesterday I wrote about a fallen tree blocking our path to the outside world. Here's the link in case you missed it I've Fallen For You. This morning my husband and I went out to assess the situation. Things always look so different in the light of day and after the storm. Turns out our tree wasn't really a tree, it was a branch off the tree. The tree is still standing and in some serious need of TLC, which will have to wait till tomorrow.
Here's a view of what we were looking at this morning:
Here this monstrous branch still lay in the middle of the lane cutting off access to the outside world. Last night the power company said they'd be out later in the evening to cut it way and clear the lane. Seems that when they arrived they realized it wasn't a power cable after all and therefore not their problem. Call the cable company.
This morning my neighbor calls the cable company and is told they don't clear trees off lines or out of roads, call the phone company. So here we were at 12:00 noon, tree branch still hanging of the lines, lines getting closer to the ground and tempers getting to a boil. Finally my husband I decide that we'll just clear the darn thing away (something we wanted to do from the start).
Here comes the phone company to our rescue. First truck says he's going to need more help and a bigger truck. Second truck arrives; it's only a van, not what the driver of the first truck had in mind. Finally the third truck arrives. Then there's the standard analyzing of the situation, followed by a few attempts to cut up the branch and by 3:00 we are finally cleared of the tree branch. Moral of this story, have a second road out of your house and keep your trees properly trimmed.
This is the view outside my house right now. About an hour ago there was a pretty nasty passing storm. The skies got really dark and it seemed as though the heavens had opened up. It was a torrential down pour the likes of which were unreal.
There were many loud thumps; I figured it was thunder in the distance. Then almost as quickly as it started it was all over. When I went outside to see what there was to see, I was greeted with this awesome view. This is the only way in or out of here.
That tree branch is sitting on live power wires, so we can't cut the branch away ourselves.
It's been dark cloudy and outright raining cats and dogs for most of the day. The Sun came out if only for 45 minutes and out I went for my walk along the river and my visit to the Falls. I don't think I will ever grow tired of this beautiful view. I took a few pictures to share with you, hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
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JTHIS-Professional Home Inspection Team is a family owned and operated business committed to providing quality service in the general Northeastern and Central Pa area. For reliable service call us at
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