Get matched with top chimney inspectors in Searsport, ME

You can call a professional septic company to inspect your tank and leach field if you suspect too much weight has been on it. An inspection is a good idea if you recently purchased the home and the septic system isn’t working like you expected. The professionals can determine whether a previous owner damaged it by placing too much weight on it.

Chimney leaks may be covered by homeowners insurance, but it depends on the cause and the type of homeowners insurance you have. For example, if your chimney starts leaking after sudden extreme weather (like a lightning strike or wind storm), your insurance is more likely to cover it. But if your chimney problems are due to normal wear and tear or a known issue that you didn’t fix, your insurer might not pay for it.

Depending on your state, a home inspector may need a license. All states and the District of Columbia require home inspectors to undergo training. However, some states (such as New York, Texas, Washington, and Illinois) require state-issued licenses while others (including California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) do not.

Other professional certifications include the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) certification, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) certification, and the National Home Inspector Examination. Inspectors can also receive certifications in specialized areas. These can include structural specialties, like chimneys, swimming pools, or septic systems, as well as specific issues like mold, pests, or radon gas. Whatever your situation, make sure your home inspector is certified to handle it.

As long as the home inspection reveals no problems with the property’s structure, it shouldn’t be an issue buying an underpinned home. In fact, a properly underpinned property can be more stable than houses that have never had structural issues. However, you could face a higher insurance premium if the property has a history of structural problems. You should always request a structural engineer’s report before making a final decision.