Items Inspected
We visually inspect the function, condition and safety of the home’s major systems and components. The inspection is intended to reveal:

Visible structural problems or damage;
Major deficiencies in the property;
Visible concerns with water seepage or damage;
Condition of major systems such as electric, roof, plumbing, etc.; and,
Gauge future needs for maintaining the property at its optimal condition.

Inspections generally take about two to three hours. Your presence at the inspection is strongly encouraged. You will be able to ask questions and obtain information firsthand about the condition of the property in order to make a final decision about the home. The inspector will use everyday language to explain findings and also discusses anticipated maintenance and repairs. Areas inspected may include:

VISIBLE STRUCTURE

Site Landscaping, Exterior Grading and Drainage
Exterior Siding and Components
Doors and Windows
Roof, Flashing and Gutters
Attic Structure and Roof Framing Components (if accessible)
Foundation and Basement
Decks, Porches and Patios
Chimneys
Garage and Garage Door Openers

MECHANICAL

Heating and Air Conditioning System and Components
Plumbing System and Components
Electrical System and Components
Water Heater
Major Kitchen Appliances
Washer and Dryer Hookups

INTERIOR

Kitchen
Bathrooms and Bedrooms
Living and Dining Rooms
Laundry
Attic and Insulation (if accessible)
Walls, Floors, Doors and Ceilings
Railings and Stairways
Fireplaces
Safety Hazards

The Final Report: Plain English and Immediate Results

Your custom Heartland report is produced and printed on-site and delivered at the end of your appointment. NO WAITING! It contains an overview of the inspector’s observations, specific information on the home’s major systems; and projected maintenance and repairs. In addition to the report itself, a Resource Section includes a wealth of information such as FAQs from past clients; diagrams and illustrations; a glossary of housing terms; useful web sites and local contacts; a Pre-Closing Walk-Through guide; and home maintenance guidelines.

Buyer Inspections

Because all homes have their advantages and their flaws, every buyer benefits by learning about the home’s condition at the time of purchase. The inspection helps put the home in perspective with other homes of comparable age and condition. You as a buyer can then determine how the home fits into your housing plans depending on budget, how long you plan to own the home, or how much home maintenance you’re willing to do.

Listing Inspections

If you are selling your home, you may be at a competitive advantage to have it inspected by a reputable independent service before you put it on the market. You stand to benefit by being up front about the home’s condition and if you wish, respond in advance to specific areas of concern and make the house more marketable. This usually results in a quicker more profitable sale with less potential delays.

A Note to Agents and Lenders

Independent home inspections are useful to real estate agents because the assessment helps represent a property in an informed manner, and it protects the interests of everyone involved in the transaction. Agents often help clients evaluate the findings and determine how the property fits into their plans for home ownership.

Certainly, agents know a lot about homes but they’re not technical specialists. An inspection should be performed by an objective professional
1) who can provide meaningful information
2) who's sensitive to the special needs of buyers and sellers and
3) has no financial interest in the sale of the home.

An increasing number of lenders and insurers are using inspections to determine the actual physical condition of a property before a loan or policy is written.

Our Guarantee

Heartland strives to inform you of any major defects present and observable during the two to three hour inspection. We don’t warranty a home (that’s what a home warranty plan is for). But we always guarantee the inspector’s work. Every inspection is performed in accordance with national Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics established by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

As an independent third party with no financial investment in the results of the inspection (or home sale), we work solely for our client, not the real estate company, lender or insurer. That way, everyone involved in the transaction is assured an objective, professional opinion about the home’s condition. Which is what everybody wants in the first place.

Radon Screening

Radon gas is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible radioactive gas released into the ground as a result of uranium decay. It's the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes within the foundation. Your home can trap radon inside. Any home can have elevated levels of radon. This means new or old, well-sealed and drafty homes and homes with or without basements.

Heartland’s radon screening procedures conform to standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minnesota Department of Health. We use electronic testing devices known for their reliability and accuracy instead of charcoal canisters. The screening generally takes 48 hours or two full days. Results are analyzed and reported immediately at the end of the screening period.

Carbon Monoxide Screening

Carbon monoxide comes from the burning of fossil fuels in a home and is the second leading cause of indoor environmental health problems, after radon gas. It is an odorless and colorless gas, which may result in a variety of health problems including flu like symptoms and in the worst case death.

Heartland’s carbon monoxide screening procedures use a Bacharach Fyrite Pro Continuous Carbon Monoxide valyzer and are able to provide the results of the screening immediately.

The EPA and the Surgeon General strongly recommend taking further action when the home's carbon monoxide test results are 9 parts per million averaged over 8 hours and 35 parts per million averaged over 1 hour or greater. The EPA recommends that you consult a qualified heating contractor and /or chimney contractor to repair the source of the carbon monoxide.

Other Environmental Screenings

Heartland doesn’t provide other environmental testing services because it’s not our specialty. However there are many excellent services in the Twin Cities who do. Start by checking the Yellow Pages under "Environmental Testing". For:

Septic Systems and Wells – Check with your real estate agent or local municipal building department for referral to a reputable evaluator in the area.

Water Quality Analysis – Check with local county health department.

Lead Paint – Testing kits are readily available at major home improvement stores, paint stores or local county health departments.

Termites and Insect Infestation – See Yellow Pages under "insects".

Home Warranties

A home warranty plan may be provided by the seller or purchased by the buyer of a property. Whether you are buying or selling a home, you can't predict when problems will arise. A warranty plan may give you protection for unexpected repairs or breakdowns in major systems but as with any insurance policy, be sure to read the fine print and find out exactly what’s covered and for how long.

Warranty plans are available for purchase through real estate companies and directly from suppliers such as HMS National http://www.hmsnet.com/ and AXIS Home Warranty.