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Pocono Home Inspections

3.50(
2
)

Pocono Home Inspections

3.50(
2
)
Customers say: Quick response
21 years of experience

Property Inspections for Home and or Buildings, Private Commercial or otherwise

"We asked our realtor for a “pit bull” inspector and she recommended this company. We were present with the inspector and asked a lot of questions and listened intently to his concerns and observations. We left feeling like we had some issues but nothing major. Well, after settlement it became clear that the inspector missed a huge carpenter ant infestation that damaged the entire back of the house including walls and beams. He missed leaking windows and pipes that had cause mold and mildew damage in two separate areas of the house. He missed several areas of roof damage and a decaying rotting exterior chime to structure. When I pointed to the ceiling and said is that brown spot a leak he said no, that’s just a missed paint spot! We made settlement after what we thought was a good inspection report. It turns out that we had to spend tens of thousands of dollars on critical repairs that the inspector missed or assured us were minor. The roof and window leaks were severe. The carpenter ant infestation was critical. Needless to say we were very angry and extremely disappointed that these things got missed and we got misled. We would not recommend this inspector to others."

Trish S on October 2020

Property Inspections for Home and or Buildings, Private Commercial or otherwise

"We asked our realtor for a “pit bull” inspector and she recommended this company. We were present with the inspector and asked a lot of questions and listened intently to his concerns and observations. We left feeling like we had some issues but nothing major. Well, after settlement it became clear that the inspector missed a huge carpenter ant infestation that damaged the entire back of the house including walls and beams. He missed leaking windows and pipes that had cause mold and mildew damage in two separate areas of the house. He missed several areas of roof damage and a decaying rotting exterior chime to structure. When I pointed to the ceiling and said is that brown spot a leak he said no, that’s just a missed paint spot! We made settlement after what we thought was a good inspection report. It turns out that we had to spend tens of thousands of dollars on critical repairs that the inspector missed or assured us were minor. The roof and window leaks were severe. The carpenter ant infestation was critical. Needless to say we were very angry and extremely disappointed that these things got missed and we got misled. We would not recommend this inspector to others."

Trish S on October 2020

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Depending on where you live, your insurance company may require you to have a seismic shut-off valve. It depends on local regulations along with the specific provider. If it’s not a requirement, many providers will offer a discount if you install an earthquake valve, which can save you 5% or more. Contact your provider to learn about potential savings for your plan.

Projects will vary based on size and scope, but an average earthquake retrofit takes between two weeks and two months. This includes the initial evaluation and plan, bidding and contract paperwork, permitting and approval process, actual work, and final inspection. Your contractor should give you a more accurate time estimate for your specific project, and they may be able to estimate how long the permitting process will take for your area.

Many homeowners want to know whether earthquake retrofitting is tax deductible. Because it’s often considered a capital improvement, you usually can’t deduct it. In some cases and locations, you may qualify for tax incentives, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your specific circumstances. You may also be able to find grant money for seismic upgrades, which can lower the cost of your insurance premiums and save money over time.

Costs vary as much as timelines. The average earthquake retrofit costs between $3,500 and $8,700. However, homes on hillsides, large homes, and those with rooms over garages can cost up to $12,000 or more. Make sure to get a few estimates to compare the cost and services.

Even if you invested in the cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven and other appliances, it’s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure. 

Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.

The Plains, PA homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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