"The team at Ground Zero Home Inspections was professional and knowledgeable, providing me with valuable insights and recommendations. The client login portal made accessing my inspection report a breeze."
"Ward did a great job on the inspection, we greatly appreciated that he wanted us to be present as he inspected the property. Not only so that we could voice any concerns we had, but also to explain to us exactly what he was looking for and what we wanted to look for as new homeowners."
"Want to go on record to say that service was excellent from initial contact and a thorough timely evaluation and appraisal with supporting documentation. I found the work to be very professional and was done in an expedient fashion. Company was very transparent in pricing and I found their actual pricepoint to be more than fair for the final rendered report. That said, I would gladly use this company again if I had the need."
"We got our windows done by Dabella this winter. We went with the triple pane windows and couldn't be happier with our decision. There were many color/design options and we got exactly what I was looking for. I appreciated the Dabella salesman's design/professional recommendations and walking us through each step of the process. For example, he recommended the kitchen window open up and down instead of left and right which it was before. I can see our backyard instead of a wooden bar while doing dishes now. I noticed a huge difference in the quality and look compared to our old windows. When I first came home after the install, I literally said “I can see out of our windows so well!” I didn't even realize how bad our old windows were until that moment. Our energy bill has gone down over $100 a month since the install. Besides the savings, our house feels so much better. It feels cool on hot days and warm & cozy on cold days. This is even with our curtains wide open to get natural light"
"As a property manager I have hired these guys for several of their services they provide and they have been nothing but easy to work with and very professional."
"Andy is very knowledgeable, and gave great recommendations on what projects to tackle first on our new home built in 1900. He was able to get the inspection done within 2 days, when the seller was requiring it within a week."
A mobile home inspection thoroughly assesses a manufactured or mobile home's structural and functional aspects. A certified inspector examines the home's condition, including its foundation, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, insulation, flooring, and overall structural integrity. The goal is to identify any potential issues, safety hazards, or necessary repairs. The inspector provides a detailed report summarizing the findings, highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the home, and often includes an estimate for the remaining life span of appliances, systems, and components.
It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.
Key considerations include:
Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.
System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.
Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.
Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.
Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.
There are no strict rules for who is responsible for covering repair costs after a home inspection, as the issue is highly negotiable, except in cases of mandatory repairs. Major issues discovered during the inspection often lead to a renegotiation. The buyer might ask the seller to make the repairs as a condition of the sale, but it is more common for the buyer to use the estimated repair costs as leverage to lower the asking price. The seller may agree to lower the price to compensate the buyer or agree to fix the issues before the sale is complete. However, in a competitive real estate market, a seller might refuse to cover any repairs, knowing that other buyers may be willing to purchase the property as-is.
Gaps in new construction are common and typically not a cause for concern. New homes experience settling during the first one to two years as the foundation adjusts and building materials acclimate. Monitor gaps during this period and address them once settling stabilizes to avoid repeated repairs.
Yes. If a home inspection reveals that the property has major issues or is unsafe, the buyer can back out of the purchase.
The Wheaton, MN homeowners’ guide to home inspections
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If you’re buying a home, having an inspection offers reassurance that it’s in good condition. How much a home inspection costs varies depending on the home's size, age, condition, and location.
Buying a property? Learn everything you need to know about a home inspection, including what to expect, average costs, and how to hire the right local pro.
Buying a home is expensive, so it can be tempting to cut costs wherever possible. Learn why a home inspection is worth it even though it adds to expenses.
A home inspection is an investment in your property's health and longevity. Discover why a home inspection is important even if you don’t plan to sell.
Armed with this detailed home inspection checklist for sellers, you can list your home with confidence. Tick all the boxes and put potential buyers at ease.