Specializing in Inspection of Older Homes

 What We Do

• We shut off the main electrical system circuit breaker & connect a portable generator to the electrical system. We are able to test all electrical outlets, lights, GFI receptacles, all electric appliances (excluding electric water heaters), the heating & air conditioning systems & ground water wells.
• We pressurize water & heating system piping with air & check for leaks.
• We can provide a small quantity of heating oil if the oil tank is empty, purge the oil burner & test the oil burner. Oil burners on boilers without water in them can only be tested for a very short period of time. Our test determines the serviceability of the boiler & heating system.

What We Cannot Do

• We cannot test boiler heating systems & appliances that use natural gas if the gas utility is “Off”.
• We cannot test the full functionality of boiler heating systems.  We test the boiler for a short period of time to see if it starts properly.
• We cannot test tank type water heaters, whirlpool tubs, dish & clothes washers, toilet flush mechanisms & sink/bathtub valves.

          See HOME INSPECTION FEES for pricing information.

Multi-Family & Multi-Unit Property

The quality of tenants you can attract to rental property is dependent upon the cleanliness and appearance of the apartment, building and property.  Keep in mind the cost of upgrading a building to make it attractive to renters when you purchase it. Good tenants reduce the inconvenience of collecting delinquent rent, minimize building maintenance, reduce repairs from intentional damage and reduce possible evictions.

                                                             SAMPLE RENTAL APPLICATION                           SAMPLE MULTI-FAMILY LEASE AGREEMENT 

Our inspection report separates the building into individual units to make any problems found easily identifiable. The exterior of the building, basement, common entries, lighting, the Landlord meter & any unique features of the property are reported separately. We provide guidance to tenant safety and possible liability concerns. Guidance is also provided for possible Fire & Building Code deficiencies, however;we do certify the building's conformance to any Codes. 

INSPECTION REPORT FOR A MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING  

Landlord/Tenant information is available at: CONNECTICUT LANDLORD'S GUIDE TO EVICTIONS,  CONNECTICUT LANDLORD/TENANT STATE STATUTES,

                                                              CONNECTICUT TENANT/LANDLORD RIGHTS

Information on recovery of damages caused by tenants to rental property is available at: CONNECTICUT STATE STATUTES, Search for Chapter 952, refer to Section 53a-117e-g.

Some towns have adapted requirements for issuance of Certificates of Occupancy after a building is purchased. These apply to 3-family units & larger. Apartments must pass an inspection by the Local Building Department before tenants occupy the building. Consult with the Local Building Department to determine if these are required.

CONNECTICUT HUD WEBSITE

HOUSING REQUIREMENTS - FOR FHA MORTGAGES

DO YOU HAVE TENANTS ON FUEL ASSISTANCE? - INSULATE YOUR MULTI-FAMILY AT NO COST

CONNECTICUT HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY (CHFA)

ASSISTANCE IN INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS FROM CONNECTICUT LIGHT & POWER

LOW INTEREST LOANS FOR 1-4 FAMILY BUILDINGS FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION

CONNECTICUT GRANTS FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENT

TAX ADVISE FOR RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS                                                                                               HARTFORD BUILDING INSPECTOR

Section 8 Housing        CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES - SECTION 8 HOUSING            WINCHESTER HOUSING AUTHORITY

Requirements for buildings for Section 8 tenants are contained in  HUD - HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS. Some Housing Authorities also use local codes as part of their housing requirements. You should check with the Local Housing Authority for specific requirements in the town where the building is located. Section 8 units require an initial inspection and  annual inspections thereafter. You should screen Section 8 tenants as you would any other tenant with a credit report and references.

Municipal Multi-Family Building Inspections

Some towns and cities have adapted a requirement for inspection of multi-family buildings when they are purchased before new tenants can occupy them. Inspections must also be done when a new tenant occupies the apartment. These apply to 3-family and larger buildings. Typically, these inspections use the ICC (International Code Council) Building Maintenance Code as a guideline. Chapter 833a, Section 47a-57 of Connecticut State Statutes is the basis for this requirement.

Lowest Possible Cost

Inspection costs start at $170.00 for simple condominiums. Homes under 2000 sq. ft. start at $250.00. Prices are quoted for very small homes. For a complete list of home inspection prices see:  HOME INSPECTION PRICES.

Our Pledge to Our Customers

Our inspections are thorough. Our income is not based on previous or future referrals from the sale of this or other properties in the past or  future. Our goal is to inform you of the condition of the building at the lowest possible cost. Our customer is the person ordering the inspection. We do not make building repairs or provide pest control or mold/lead/asbestos abatement services.

Inspection Process

Property is inspected for proper grading and drainage away from the building. Many buildings we inspect have problems with poor grading & gutter discharge. We look for signs of septic failure, buried pipes and tanks and possible surface water sources. Condition of patios, decks, trees, shrubbery, driveways, sidewalks, retaining walls and stonework are reported. We look for indications of past property use, other than its present use, and possible pollution.

All areas of the building are inspected. We look in hard-to-reach areas such as crawlspaces, attics and behind kneewalls. If possible, we climb on the roof to inspect gutters, flashing & chimney flues. Indications of leakage and water damage, delayed maintenance, wood decay and excessive settling are reported. Correct and safe installations & adequate original design and construction are determined. We look for the presence of wood destroying insects & damage, other insects and rodents, as well as mold, asbestos and lead. We are familiar with the operation & maintenance of all types of heating systems including steam heat. We test heating systems to determine heat distribution to all rooms & determine the appropriate supply & return temperatures for air conditioners & heat pumps.