Prepping Your Home For a Spring Sale with our Reliable Home Inspections

Spring is surely in the air and homeowners who are thinking about selling their homes, need to begin prepping their homes for the upcoming Spring Market.  There are a variety of important steps you need to take when prepping your home for a sale and surely our qualified home inspectors here at From the Ground Up can help.

Ensuring the structural and mechanical condition of your home, as well as the exterior and landscaping of your home are critical to a successful sale of your home.  In addition, performing cosmetic fixes as well as giving attention to your kitchen, bathrooms and flooring will greatly enhance your chances of selling your home. 

Structural and Mechanical Condition

The experts here at From the Ground Up Inspection are here to perform a pre-home inspection for potential home sellers so that you can be apprised of necessary repairs that should be made.  A pre-home inspection also sends an important message to potential buyers that you want the best experience for everyone involved and want to be certain that everything is on the up and up for those people who show an interest in purchasing your home.

Exterior of Your Home and your Property Landscaping

A truly important step to take when prepping your home for a sale is enhancing the overall curb appeal your property presents with.  Extensive cleanup on the outside of the home and all along the property line will contribute greatly to the overall appearance of your property.  Making whatever upgrades necessary to the outside of the home will increase your odds of finding a happy buyer.  Perhaps fine tuning your landscaping and polishing any trees, shrubs or plants that you have in the yard is a good idea as well and maybe even installing a beautiful, eye catching retaining wall.

Cosmetic Repairs to your Home

It goes without saying that cosmetic repairs are necessary when you are prepping your home for a sale.  Painting is one of the primary cosmetic fixes you should perform and leaning more toward earth tone colors is always a conservative yet practical approach to take.  After all, if a new homeowner likes more vibrant colors it will be much easier to apply those colors over neutral colors that are already there. 

In addition, there are several ‘must do’ tasks that should be included when prepping your home for a sale.  From patching cracks and holes that may be present in your ceilings and walls, repairing your roof, servicing your HVAC system, repairing broken appliances and upgrading light fixtures to repairing any plumbing issues, repairing old window coverings, replacing worn out carpeting, replacing any broken or cracked windows and fixing any code violations, performing cosmetic repairs to your home will enhance the value of the home and make for a much more impressive presentation.  

Upgrading Kitchens, Bathrooms and Flooring

It even makes sense in some cases to perform some renovations or upgrades before putting your home on the market.  Though a kitchen renovation can hurt your pocketbook, it will many times make the difference between a yes and no sale.  The kitchen is one of the more trafficked areas of a home and many people are looking to have a more modern designed kitchen that presents with all the extras. 

Improving the appearance of your bathrooms is another upgrade that will ultimately serve you well.  Potential buyers always give attention to the bathrooms so a clean, modern looking, upgraded bathroom will help win over potential buyers.

Also, though it can be quite costly to do, upgrading your carpeting if it is obviously old and weathered is truly an important step in prepping your home.  Potential buyers are definitely going to take note of the floors in your home so be certain carpets are professionally cleaned or replaced and hardwood floors are nicely stained and polished. 

Prepping your home for a sale certainly entails a good deal of work and surely having a pre-inspection performed by our highly trained inspectors here at From the Ground Up Inspections will give you all the insight and direction you need on exactly what types of repairs, fixes, upgrades or renovations should be made.  Our qualified inspectors are here to assist and look forward to contributing to a stress free, successful selling experience for all of our valued clients. 

Contact From the Ground Up Inspections

From the Ground Up Home Inspections always performs a thorough Home inspection, will clearly communicate their findings to you, along with providing you with a detailed report. For all your Middle Tennessee home inspection needs, From the Ground Up Inspections offers professional experience you can count on. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, contact From the Ground Up Inspections at (615) 351-1922. We look forward to helping you!

For info on special offers & updates, click here:  http://www.homeinspectionsmurfreesborotn.com/

Why a Professional Home Inspection is So Important When Purchasing a House

Purchasing a home is the largest investment that most people are apt to make in a lifetime.  When buying a new home the overall purchase process can be quite exciting and even rewarding, but incredibly frustrating and stressful at the same time.  With that said, having to be faced with unsuspecting problems in your new home once your purchase is finalized, is the last thing any homeowner wants to encounter.  For this very reason, finding and investing in a professional home inspector for the primary purpose of performing a thorough home inspection of your soon to be new home is a critical step in the overall purchasing process.

Here at From the Ground Up Inspections our dedicated inspectors are ready, willing and more than qualified and able to perform thorough inspections and reveal all those not so pleasant problems that may be lurking somewhere beneath the surface.  In addition, our expert teams provide our valued clients with the security and confidence they need when purchasing their new home.  Our home inspection results will also serve to justify the actual selling price of a home and, in some cases, may even be a primary factor when it comes time to negotiate the selling/purchase price.

A home inspection is ever so important because it alerts potential buyers to any safety issues or potential threats that may be present, such as potential problems with lead-based paint, mold or even asbestos.  Ensuring that these types of environmental issues are nonexistent is an important detail of our home inspection process and reporting and should they be present, then we are able to alert potential buyers of these very issues.  In addition, we give a great deal of focus to any code violations that may be present, especially in older homes that have been grandfathered in following changes that have been implemented in building codes.  If any such issues are present, we want to be certain that up coming homeowners are aware of these potential hazards and deficiencies well in advance of making any final purchase.

If the home you are wanting to buy is, in fact, an older home in need of upgrades and renovations, then surely you want a detailed home inspection performed so as to provide you with applicable life expectancies of such items as furnaces, central air conditioning systems, roofs, gutters, and major appliances as well.  Further, our professional inspectors are able to advise potential buyers of an older home on any local codes they need to be aware of that pertain specifically to deck or patio additions, finishing off a basement, fencing laws, pool restrictions, etc. in order to allow home buyers to plan future home improvements without running into any surprises or unsuspecting restrictions. 

Home inspections are truly very common in the real estate industry today, which is why the majority, if not all, home purchase contracts call for a home inspection to be performed.  If you are looking to purchase a new home, regardless of the age of the property, the professionals here at From the Ground Up Inspections highly recommend that you spend the money to invest in our professional home inspection services.  The small investment you will make will most assuredly provide you with the peace of mind needed when you set out to invest a good deal of your savings in your new home. 

Take a few moments now to contact our friendly, qualified professionals to schedule your home inspection today.  We are confident you will find the utmost satisfaction in our services, our professionals and our very affordable prices.  Give us a shout today.  We look forward to helping make your home purchase a rewarding and thoroughly exciting experience not soon to be forgotten. 

For All Your Middle Tennessee Home Inspection Needs

From the Ground Up Inspections is Here for You! Having an expert you can count on makes all the difference. Contact From the Ground Up Inspections. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, call (615) 351-1922. We look forward to serving you!

For info on special offers & updates, click here:  http://www.homeinspectionsmurfreesborotn.com/

Choosing the Right Home Inspector

When buying or selling a home, one of the most important services you want to contract is that of a professional home inspector. Finding and choosing a reputable home inspector can be a bit of a challenge, but is certainly not impossible. Before choosing an inspector, it is critical that potential buyers or sellers perform their own due diligence in order to find an inspector that knows exactly what they are doing and one who has built a highly reputable company within the community.

It is important also, not to go with the very first home inspector you stumble on or someone recommends to you, but rather your own research will help you to determine how long they have actually been in business and perhaps even how experienced they are. Further your research should focus on their qualifications, their certifications, and any special training they have. In addition, your research should help you to feel comfortable that the home inspector you do ultimately hire is capable of answering all your questions satisfactorily and is able to offer you answers and explanations that are not complex and confusing but rather are very simple for you to understand.

Once you have found a home inspector you are interested in, it makes good sense to contact them and determine whether or not you think you will be comfortable working with them and whether or not you are confident that you can trust them. If you go through all these simple steps and find that they are experienced enough, are certified and licensed, have a good track record and are comfortable to communicate with, then surely you have found your home inspector.

Here at From the Ground Up Inspections our inspectors are all licensed and certified, specialize in all types of home inspections, are highly educated and experienced and are every bit friendly and comfortable to deal with as they are professional. When hiring one of our inspectors, you are not only hiring one of the best in the industry that will surely provide you with a list of any problems that exist in the house, but will also provide you with a full assessment of the house and how good or how bad the overall appearance and structure of the house is. This assessment will include any repairs that are needed and those that should be performed immediately as well as any other problems or issues that need to be addressed somewhere down the road.

Preparing for your Home Inspection

Once you hire your home inspector make certain that when you schedule your inspection to take place, that you are present. The home inspector will walk through with you and point out items of interest rather than having to prepare a written list to present to you after the inspection is over. Seeing the items firsthand is helpful to you and having the inspector right there to explain his or her concerns makes things a whole lot easier for you. Of course, once the inspection is completed, whether you are present or not, the home inspector will provide you with a complete inspection report.

Prior to your home inspection, it is always helpful to take a close look at the house and remove as much clutter as possible so that the inspector can get around the home easily. In addition, be certain to unlock all the doors in the house, including attics, closets, garages, sheds and cellar doors or make certain that the keys are available for the inspector. Finally, make certain that you are there to greet the inspector and provide them access to the house if you choose not to do the walk through with them. But remember, the professionals here at From the Ground Up Inspections highly recommend that you set aside time to participate in your home inspection right along with your inspector.

From the Ground Up Inspections is well known for our top of the line inspection services, our highly experienced and friendly inspectors, our convenient timelines and our very affordable prices. If you are in need of a home inspector, then surely you have come to the right place. Contact us today and schedule your home inspection and let our teams make certain that you are getting just what you want out of your new home without any unsuspecting surprises or problems.

For All Your Middle Tennessee Home Inspection Needs

From the Ground Up Inspections is Here for You! Having an expert you can count on makes all the difference. Contact From the Ground Up Inspections. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, call (615) 351-1922. We look forward to serving you!

For info on special offers & updates, click here:  http://www.homeinspectionsmurfreesborotn.com/

Can I Perform my Own Radon Test?

When buying a home, every potential buyer knows the importance of having a Home Inspection performed.  There are several components that make up a home inspection report and, yes, a radon test is part of that curriculum.  However, here at From the Ground Up Inspections we have been questioned by many a potential homeowner about whether or not they can perform their own radon test as opposed to having our highly skilled professionals perform the task.

The answer to that question is quite simply, yes, you can do the testing yourself.  In order to accomplish this delicate task you will need to utilize two small canisters that you can open and leave set up inside the house for at minimum four days.  Your results will indeed be accurate, but will surely take a great deal longer to finalize.

There are several self-test kits that can be purchased, many of which are available at your local Home Depot, Lowes, or local hardware store.  When performing the test, let the canisters sit for at least four days, then close the canisters and send them off to an appropriate lab for testing along with the required lab fee.  Your test results will be available approximately one week following receipt of your test kit in the specific test lab.  In most cases, if you want or need your results sooner you can pay an additional fee to have the results expedited.

Here at From the Ground Up Inspections we want to provide our valued clients with important insight on how to properly and effectively perform a radon self-test.  Though we do perform the testing ourselves, we are here to answer any questions or address any concerns our valued clients may have with regard to performing their own home radon testing.

To begin with we recommend that you close all windows and doors 12 hours prior to starting your test.  Keep the doors and windows closed throughout the duration of the testing.  It is also important not to conduct your radon test if high winds or storm conditions are present since these weather conditions can affect your test results. 

Next, be certain to follow the self-test instructions provided and make note of the date and start time of the testing.   Place your test kit in a position above the floor where it will not be interrupted by humidity, extreme heat, cold drafts, or any other weather conditions.  Do not move or remove the test kit until the time provided in your instructions has lapsed.  Finally, upon completion of the test and test time make a record of the date and time of completion, reseal the testing device and immediately send it along to the appropriate lab for their analysis. 

Professional Services Deliver Maximum Results in Minimum Time

Since there are self-testing radon kits, people tend to ask why they should even consider using professionals to perform the testing.  The answer to this question is every bit as simple.  When performing your radon self-test, from start to finish, the entire process takes near to 14 days and can cost near to $150.00.  When contracting a professional to perform the radon testing for you, they use an electronic monitor that takes only 2 days to get results for a cost of about $100.00.  In addition, no testing devices are totally free of tampering.  

With a self-test kit, windows or doors can be opened during testing, which will affect accurate results and other not so ethical transactions on both the part of buyers and sellers can take place as well.  However, with an electronic monitor your results will be accurate since the monitor tracks all weather conditions, can sense when windows or doors are open, performs hourly radon readings, and can also detect if the machine has been moved for any reason.  

There are many accidental circumstances that can occur during a self-test which is why the professionals here at From the Ground Up Inspections highly recommend that buyers or sellers use the services of our licensed and certified home inspectors for their home radon testing.  Professional testing of any type when buying or selling a home is, by far, always the best road to take, and that surely includes your home radon testing as well.

Contact From the Ground Up Inspections
From the Ground Up Home Inspections always performs a thorough Home inspection, will clearly communicate their findings to you, along with providing you with a detailed report. For all your Middle Tennessee home inspection needs, From the Ground Up Inspections offers professional experience you can count on. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, contact From the Ground Up Inspections at (615) 351-1922. We look forward to helping you!


For info on special offers & updates, click here: http://www.homeinspectionsmurfreesborotn.com/ 

What Is and Is Not Included in a Home Inspection Report

When purchasing a home, surely a home inspection can be a magnificent part of the overall purchasing process.  A home inspection provides potential buyers with informative data, insight and a heads up on any costly problems that may be present in a home prior to signing any type of a purchase agreement.  From electrical systems, HVAC systems, water heaters and plumbing to smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, mold, asbestos, and lead paint issues, home inspectors put together a thorough home inspection report outlining any potential problems.

Potential homeowners find they have a good deal more confidence in their buy when a house appears to be in good shape and surely many a potential home buyer tends to feel more confident when they are attempting to purchase a newer home.  However, it is important to understand that even a newer home can, and many times does, present with problems that only the home inspection can find. 

If you are purchasing an older home that has been around for quite some time, then surely there are apt to be a variety of problems that come along with the home.  At From the Ground Up Inspections we pride ourselves on our top of the line home inspections and on our highly visible presence in the marketplace.  Having been billed as the number one home inspection company in all of Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas, we take tremendous pride in our reputation and our quality home inspection services.  We go over all major systems in the home and give primary focus to all those items on our home inspection checklist.  We welcome potential buyers to walk right along with us as we perform our inspection and to witness each stage of our inspection process.

Though home inspections provide insight into a number of major components of a house, there are a variety of things that we, as inspectors, do not specifically check for.  For instance, inspectors do not check to make certain that all the floors in every room of the house are level and square.  In addition, though we check all the pipes throughout the house, unless the backyard of your ‘dream’ home is filled with sewage, we do not inspect septic tank systems.  Our inspectors will recommend that if you are buying a home with a septic system you have it evaluated and inspected by a septic system contractor who specializes in the maintenance and repair of home septic systems.

Further, we will view a home’s roof from the ground, but we do not climb up onto a rooftop to perform a complete, up close inspection of the roof shingles and the rest of its components.  We highly suggest that potential buyers have a roofing contractor come in and provide them with a thorough inspection report of the roof before buying.  Some homes, even the newer built homes, can very well present with issues such as missing shingles or a poor gutter system that can prove to be costly down the road, which is why we always recommend bringing in a roofing contractor prior to your buy.    

Finally, typical home inspections do not include reporting on various landscaping elements such as trees, the health of the lawn, the land soils, or any other landscaping that typically requires a good deal of work and equipment to maintain.

Here at From the Ground Up Inspections we want all our clients, old and new, to understand the home inspection checklist we adhere to and to be aware of those items that are not included in a professional home inspection report.  We do, however, make recommendations to potential buyers when possible and can even suggest appropriate contractors or specialists that can assist with their further inspection needs.

If you are in the market for a new home and are looking for a professional, highly trained and highly skilled home inspection company then look no further than the friendly and experienced inspectors here at From the Ground Up Inspections.  Contact us today.  We look forward to serving you with your home purchase. 

Contact From the Ground Up Inspections
From the Ground Up Home Inspections always performs a thorough Home inspection, will clearly communicate their findings to you, along with providing you with a detailed report. For all your Middle Tennessee home inspection needs, From the Ground Up Inspections offers professional experience you can count on. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, contact From the Ground Up Inspections at (615) 351-1922. We look forward to helping you!

For info on special offers & updates, click here: http://www.homeinspectionsmurfreesborotn.com/