VA Residents Call 757-594-1449

Services

Inspections we offer

  • Buyer Inspections
  • Pre-Listing Inspections
  • Cabin Inspections
  • Historical Home Inspections
  • Manufactured Home Inspections
  • Pre-Drywall Inspections
  • New Construction Inspections
  • Commercial Inspections
  • Multi-Unit Inspections
  • Townhouses/Condominiums
  • Annual Maintenance Checkup
  • 11th Month Warranty Inspections
  • Vacation Home Inspections
  • Rental Property Inspections
  • Yearly Maintenance Inspections
  • Indoor Air Quality Inspection

Expert Testimony

The owner, Floyd Gibbs, can help clients and attorneys win cases as an expert witness in court cases involving builder mistakes, contractor malpractice, and other home building issues.

What is expert testimony? Expert testimony is when our company or a representative from our company is hired to provide an expert opinion in court or for a court case. The inspectors in our company are so well versed in the inspection field we may often be called upon to assist in a case that may go to court to resolve a dispute. Our inspectors are trained to give factual information based on what was accessible at the time of our inspection.

We may be used for a case that needs assistance in any of the following:

Installation Disputes – When a party believes that the installation of building products were done against the manufacturers specifications, were improperly used for it’s intended purpose, is against code or safety standards.

Failing Building Material – This is when someone has some building material that has obviously failed prior to its manufactured intended life. We investigate to determine if the product was installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and if it has prematurely aged or “Failed” to meet what the manufacturer represented its life line to be.

Rental Disputes – When a renter is having issues with mold or other deficiencies that are not being addressed by the landlord, documentation from a certified inspector can help the renter have a voice. We provide indoor air quality inspections, structural inspections, and moisture intrusion inspections to ensure they are living in a safe and healthy home.

Included in an inspection

Grounds & Drainage – We inspect the grounds for proper grading away from the house, soil in contact with anything other than the foundation, vegetation in contact with or close to the structure that could damage it such as vines crawling up the siding or tree branches in contact with the house or roof.

Foundation & Structure – We inspect the foundation walls, including the view from interior unfinished basements and crawlspaces. We report observed indications of cracking, settling, and active water infiltration. We look for shrinkage cracks, settling cracks, cracks caused by root or back-fill damage, step cracks and how they affect floor level and interior door and window framing. We inspect structural components such as rafters, trusses, joists, sub-flooring, and framing. We inspect and report on any observed cutting and notching of framing members that may, in the inspector’s opinion, present a structural compromise or safety concern.

Exterior – We inspect all utility meters and shutoffs for easy access. We inspect the siding, flashing, soffit, fascia, window frames, exterior doors, stairs/steps, and decks/balconies.

Roofing & Chimney – We inspect the condition of the roof coverings, the gutters, the downspouts, the vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations. We inspect fireplaces and chimney conditions. We inspect the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors, or stairs.

Attic & Ventilation – We inspect the attic for access, insulation, roof sheathing condition, electrical, roof penetrations, and structural members. We check for proper and adequate ventilation through soffit, gable, roof, and ridge vents. We report on the general absence or lack of insulation and ventilation in the attic.

Crawlspace – We inspect the crawlspace for access, insulation, vapor barrier, plumbing, duct work, ventilation, and electrical components. We comment on water infiltration, inadequate structural supports, and overall condition of the space.

Interior – We inspect the walls, ceiling, floors, windows, and doors. We inspect for handrails at steps, cabinets, counter tops, and other storage areas. We report on signs of water leaking into the house. We inspect the garage including firewalls, mechanical door openers, and safety devices.

Appliances – We operate and inspect appliances that are present and deemed permanently installed by the inspector. This includes stove, oven, built in microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, garbage disposal, and trash compactor. We report on overall condition and any defects, such as leaks, that are present.

Plumbing – We locate the main water shutoff. We inspect and run all accessible plumbing components such as water supply piping, manifolds, drain piping, sinks, drains, bath tubs, showers, and toilets; noting any leaks, low pressure, clogged drains, loose toilets, and supply piping that has a record of poor performance such as galvanized steel and polybutylene. We point out any visible fuel storage systems and sump pumps. We also inspect plumbing that is gas related including piping, shutoffs, and gas valves.

Water Heater – We inspect the water heater enclosure, heating system, exhaust piping, strapping, and relief valve piping. We report on the age of the appliance and overall condition, making note of excessive wear and leaking.

Electrical – We inspect the electrical line coming into the house, the main disconnect, and determine the rating of the service amperage. We inspect panels, breakers and fuses, the service grounding and bonding, all switches, receptacles, light fixtures, and GFCI receptacles. We report on any receptacles in which power is not present, polarity is incorrect, or if the receptacle is not grounded, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, the ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed or do not operate properly, or evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present. We inspect the service entrance conductors and the condition of their sheathing. We report the absence of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily visible.

Heating & Cooling – We inspect the heating system and describe the energy source and heating method using normal operating controls and report as in need of repair furnaces which do not operate. We inspect the central cooling equipment using normal operating controls and report on cooling systems that do not function as intended. We inspect the visible distribution methods for deficiencies and visible venting methods for improper or deficient installations. We report on the age of the appliances and overall condition.

Add-On Services

Thermal Imaging – We provide a specialized inspection where thermal images of the home are taken inside and out. This allows us to see if there are any gaps in insulation causing energy loss, if there are any active leaks in the home, and also see if there are any electrical hot-spots that could pose a fire hazard.

Pool/ Hot Tub Inspection – All our inspectors are certified to perform a pool or hot tub inspection. This includes evaluating the pool liner and coping, looking at the condition of the pump motor and filtration system, and ensuring the electrical run to the pool components are safe and functional.

Sprinkler System Inspection – While it is recommended to have a sprinkler system expert evaluate each sprinkler head, we do offer the service of testing the system while onsite.

Dock/ Boat Lift Inspection – We provide a basic inspection of private boat docks and lifts. We also evaluate bulkheads.

Radon Inspection – We provide Radon inspections