Find a home inspector you can trust with Alwin Home Inspection
Are you looking for a full home inspection or something more specific? I have you covered with inspection services ranging from standard home inspections to annual home maintenance inspections, termite (WDO) inspections, and testing for radon gas. I also include thermal imaging photography with your home inspection at no extra charge.
Gain greater peace of mind and clarity when buying a home, or ensure a smooth transaction with maximum return when selling your home.
Purchasing a new home also means buying that home's problems. With a pre-purchase home inspection you can see exactly what you're buying. Problems discovered during the inspection could allow you to renegotiate to offset the costs of repairs — potentially saving you thousands of dollars. I'll even help you become familiar with the property.
Sometimes selling your home can be just as much of a roller coaster as buying one. Getting a pre-listing home inspection can help ensure a quick and smooth transaction. You can enter the selling process with confidence that there won't be any nasty surprises. You'll also avoid delays, which could last for weeks or even months.
Radon is a naturally produced, radioactive gas — and the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind cigarettes. Radon gas can enter your home through the foundation and collect in the basement. A radon test will help to protect your family by checking for hazardous concentrations. If levels are too high, then a radon mitigation system should be installed.
An annual home maintenance inspection will help to identify potential problems before they can become major financial or safety issues. With a trained eye, I know where and how to look for problems that might go unnoticed for years. A home maintenance inspection covers common problem areas including the roof and attic, basement and foundation, grading and drainage, electrical systems, water heating systems, and much more.
I'm licensed (FAA 107 UAS) to operate remote-controlled drones, allowing me to get a better look at certain hard-to-reach areas of your home, particularly the roof. Using an aerial vehicle with a camera gives me a much better view than with a ladder, and from multiple angles. All while keeping your roof safe from any accidental damage. I use a drone to assist with inspecting the roof, when weather permits.
A home inspection is limited to what the inspector can see. Thermal imaging (infrared) gives me a whole new way of seeing, and can detect problems that are invisible using more conventional methods. Thermal imaging is great for detecting moisture issues, electrical problems, and even areas where energy loss is occurring.
Commonly referred to as a termite inspection, Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspections look for more than just termites, including wood boring beetles and wood destroying fungus. Termites alone cause billions of dollars in property damage every year in the United States. Because they can be difficult to detect, a properly trained inspector is necessary to check for the presence of any WDOs in your home.
Just like any big investment, the prospect of buying a home can be scary. My goal is to provide you with the best information possible so you can relax knowing you made the right decision. But no matter who you hire, your home inspector is only human. That's why I proudly participate in the Home Buyback Guarantee, backed by InterNACHI. If I miss anything, InterNACHI will buy your home for whatever price you paid for it. Find more information on the buyback program, including terms and conditions.
Check faucets and showers, looking for visible leaks as well as testing water pressure. Identify the types of pipes used, if visible. Identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.
Identify the type of wiring, test all outlets and make sure there are GFCIs installed where needed to protect from electrical shock. Inspect the electrical panel for safety issues and fire hazards.
Determine the age of the furnace and air conditioner, whether or not they function properly, and possibly recommend repairs or maintenance.
Determine the age of the water heater and check for proper installation. I can also determine the condition and possibly give an estimated remaining life span of the unit.
Check for proper ventilation. A poorly ventilated dryer exhaust can be a serious fire hazard.
Test smoke detectors and ensure that the garage wall, if present, has the proper fire rating and is undamaged. Also check the fireplace for proper installation and maintenance.
Check for visible leaks, properly secured toilets, proper ventilation to prevent moisture related issues, and more.
If possible, check for structural damage and proper ventilation. Also check insulation and ensure that nothing is ventilated directly into the attic, such as the bathroom.
Check for damaged or missing siding, cracks, and excessive soil contact which can be an invitation for pests.
Check for possible foundation failure, indicated by cracks or settling.
Check to ensure that the ground slopes away from the house, which prevents water from entering the house or causing damage to the foundation.
If accessible and visible, check for roof damage or poor installation that may allow for water penetration as well as checking the condition of the gutters. When weather permits, I use a drone to assist with the roof inspection.
Test the garage door for proper functionality, check for proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and check for risks of explosion from ignition sources too close to the floor.
Alwin Home Inspection provides professional home inspection services in Berkeley County, Jefferson County, Morgan County, and Washington County including the communities of Martinsburg, Hedgesville, Inwood, Berkeley Springs, Spring Mills, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Harper's Ferry, Ranson, Kearneysville, Falling Waters, Marlowe, Hagerstown, Clear Spring, Williamsport, and surrounding areas. Not sure if that's you? Give me a call at (304) 616-6055 or send me an email.
