About EHIHow long have you been in business?
Although the company is new, the owner has been performing home inspections for over 10 years, and has been in the construction industry over 20 years. Over a year ago, Expert Home Inspections was formed to conduct home inspections and testing services on a full time basis.
Is EHI licensed to do home inspections?
Currently Michigan does not offer a license for home inspectors. For this reason, we highly recommend that when choosing a home inspector, even if your choice is not EHI, that you make sure they are certified and insured. The two most respected organizations that certify and train inspectors are Inter-NACHI and ASHI.
Can you provide proof of insurance?
Absolutely! The inspector will have a copy of our insurance with him during the inspection, available for your review. If you would like a copy prior to booking an appointment, simply email or call us and we will be glad to provide you with a copy of our insurance. We also have a copy of our most current insurance at this link 2021 EHI Insurance
When/How do I pay for my inspection?
Your inspection can be paid for with cash, check, money order, or credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express). This can be done online, (you will be sent a link following confirmation of your appointment), or you can pay at the time of the inspection, in person.
Will you perform the repairs that are recommended or needed?
No. While our parent company does offer “handyman” services, and while there is no regulation preventing us from doing repairs, we have made this policy on our own ethical beliefs, and to comply with Inter NACHI’s Code of Ethics. When you get a home inspection from us, we want you to be 100% confident that we are working in your best interest, not trying to generate a construction or repair contract.
What days and hours are available to have inspections completed?
We have appointments 7 days a week based on availability. For complete home inspections, the only limitation on the time of day is the inspection must be booked at least 1 hour prior to sunset. In order to provide a quality report of the highest standards, the exterior portion of the inspection must be done during daylight hours. The exception to this would be condominiums and commercial properties where the structure itself is the responsibility of the building owner and not included in the inspection.
How soon can an appointment be arranged?
In most cases, same day appointments are available depending on time weather and availability. Click Here to go to our scheduler and book your appointment. If the time you desire is not available, please call us to check for additional availability at (586)-239-0321
Do you inspect wells?
If the home is on well service, your inspection will include a check of the proper wiring and operation of the well pump and testing of the water pressure. We also offer separate testing of the water quality.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If your home is in Macomb County, the Health Department requires a separate well and sewer inspection prior to transfer of the property, following is a link to approved evaluators in Macomb Macomb County Well/Septic Evaluators
Do you inspect septic systems?
If the home is currently on a septic, and the tank cover is accessible, the cover will be removed and a visual inspection of the tank condition and fill level will be reported. We also check the drain flow inside the home to ensure the drains to the tank are functioning properly. IMPORTANT NOTE: If your home is in Macomb County, the Health Department requires a separate well and sewer inspection prior to transfer of the property, following is a link to approved evaluators in Macomb Macomb County Well/Septic Evaluators
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service areas are Macomb County, Oakland County and St. Clair County. Additionally, we will serve the counties within an approximate 50-mile radius of the Metro Detroit area.
Does EHI do air quality testing?
Yes, our air quality testing checks for mold, bacteria and yeast. Please visit our services page or click here for more information.
Do you inspect for asbestos?
Asbestos was used in home construction for many years in a variety of manners. During a standard home inspection we will identify areas or items that we suspect may contain asbestos. Based on your intentions, if you plan to disturb the suspected area, we can recommend appropriate testing. We do offer testing of products for Asbestos, please see our pricing page for more details, Expert Home Inspections Services.
Do you inspect sump pumps?
During a normal home inspection, we do check the sump pump for normal operation
Do you inspect fireplaces?
During a normal home inspection, we do check several points on the fireplace. we look at the firebox, damper, lintel, the brickwork outside, and the cap. While we inspect for critical issues mostly related to structure and basic safety, we are not certified to complete a full chimney inspection to verify the condition and suitability for a fire.
Do you inspect Walks and driveways?
Yes During a normal home inspection, we visually inspect all hard surfaces for major defects including; cracks, grading, heaving, sinking.
General Home Inspection
How is EHI handling inspections during the COVID-19?
With COVID-19 causing countless issues in our society, we have had to update our policies and procedures to make sure we protect everyone involved during any of our inspection services. Below find a list of some of the new procedures we follow when conducting a home inspection services.
- Our inspector has been through extended training through InterNACHI to learn how to conduct a home inspection during this COVID pandemic.
- Our inspector will wear proper PPE at all times. This includes a mask, gloves, and shoe covers. If there is reason to believe there was someone in the home who is positive with COVID-19, our inspector will also wear a respirator and full Tyvek suit.
- In general, we ask that nobody is present in the home when conducting the inspection. Once the property has been inspected, the client will then have the option of walking through the home with the inspector to point out deficiencies, or to go through the report with the inspector on a tablet or computer via Teleconference or Zoom meeting. If someone would like to follow the inspector we understand, and long as they are healthy, wear a mask, and maintain distance as feasible, we will accommodate this.
- Our staff will do its best to always maintain at least 6′ from any other persons.
- All equipment used during an inspection will be thoroughly disinfected between each inspection.
- EHI will continue to stay updated with any developments regarding COVID, and proper safety procedures.
We hope you understand just as our attention to detail in your inspection is to protect your family, our abundance of caution with COVID is an effort to protect you, your family, the families of our other customers, and our own family at home. We understand rules and information are changing by the minute, and our goal is to ALWAYS error on the side of caution.
If you have any other concerns or questions please do not hesitate to ask. If you are concerned about something not listed please let us know and we will work to accommodate your needs.
How long does it take to complete a home inspection?
On average, a home inspection will be completed in approximately 2-3 hours.
Who must be present for the home inspection?
That is entirely up to you. As we are fully bonded and insured there does not need to be anyone present at the home. With that being said, we do highly recommend that as the buyer, you are present during the inspection. This will allow the inspector to answer any questions you may have about the home or the inspection process as it happens. All EHI requires is that we have access to the home.
The seller already had a home inspection completed, do I really need to get one of my own?
This can be a very difficult decision as a home buyer. While there are many well-qualified, professional and certified home inspectors available, there are those who do not meet these qualifications. If you are not familiar with inspection reports, follow this link for an article put out by Inter NACHI, one of the nation’s leading home inspector training and certification companies, about what to expect in a quality home inspection. Further, we would also recommend making sure the inspector who completed the report is certified as a home inspector. The following are links to the two largest home inspector certification companies in the country. Simply follow the link and enter the inspector’s name or member number to verify their certification. InterNACHI and ASHI.
I am ready to schedule an Inspection, What is the process?
There are two easy ways for you to book your inspection.You may call during normal business hours and we will be happy to assist you in setting up an appointment. Additionally, you may scroll to the bottom of any page and complete the form. This form will have you provide contact information and will allow you to pick a time on our calendar that works for you. Once you have completed this form, we will confirm your appointment, and send you a confirmation email with instructions for you to view and accept our contract.You may then pay online with a credit card, or you can make the payment at the time of your inspection via cash, credit card or check.
Do you inspect sewers?
If you are referring to an inspection of the entire main drain line, where a camera is run down the length of the drain from the house to the road, that is not a service we offer.
Our home inspection service does verify the basic function of the sewer system. This is typically done by heavily loading the drain system with a large flow of water for a sustained period of time to verify there are no significant issues with the drain system. If our inspection does indicate there may be an issue with the sewer line, we can supply you with contacts of local companies who specialize in sewer inspections.
Why do I need a radon test? Wouldn’t I smell the radon, if it was in the house?
Because Radon is Odorless, Colorless, and Tasteless, proper testing is the only way to know if this noble gas is present in your home. Following is a great video with more details on radon.
What is an infrared/thermography inspection?
There are multiple uses for thermography / infrared in the inspection of a home. One of the most common uses is to inspect all, or portions of your home for heat loss due to gaps and air leaks around doors and windows, or missing insulation in walls or ceilings.
Because the Infrared (IR) camera detects heat instead of visible light, it has the unique ability to see “through” or into a wall to see how well it is insulating, or to detect any heat variations behind the surface.
Thermography inspections can also be used to inspect electrical panels to identify potentially overloaded circuits. Further, this type of camera and inspection can be useful in identifying moisture in certain walls and flooring materials, allowing for the identification of potential mold or mildew.
For more information on thermography, please visit our resources page.
This video below shows in stark clarity how beneficial this type of inspection can be!
What does infrared/Thermography uncover?
To be clear, this type of inspection is only a tool in the arsenal of a well-equipped inspector. Just as important, if not more important is training and knowledge the Inspector has in reading the infrared/thermography scans. Similar to looking at an ultrasound, MRI, or even x-ray, while some issues such as a broken bone may be obvious, there are many details only a trained eye can identify.
So, to properly answer this question, this type of inspection can help lead the inspector to identify a multitude of different issues that are typically more hidden. Some of these things include: Overloaded electrical circuits/panels, missing insulation, water intrusion, mold and mildew, foundation cracks/leaks, broken radiant floor heat, venting issues with appliances, and a multitude of other issues that can cause potential problems and cost money in the operation of your home.
My New home seems fine, Why do I need an "11th Month Warranty" inspection?
Finding warranty repairs after a house has been built is far more the rule than the exception. Most of the time, many of these repairs have very little if anything to do with the quality of work from your builder. As homeowners we must understand we are building a structure in an environment that is subject to a multitude of forces far beyond the control of any builder or engineer. Even with the best site preparation and planning things such as ground settling, extreme temperatures, groundwater flooding, etc can cause building materials to fail and not perform as designed. What’s more, a home is the combination of parts and labor from dozens of suppliers and laborers, and even under the best of conditions, mistakes do happen. This is why it is ALWAYS best to have a professional inspect your home to make sure any covered repairs are addressed before the responsibility falls completely on you!
The time to find these issues is now, while they can be fixed under warranty, and BEFORE they cause more expensive damage to your home.
My new home doesn't have a warranty, do I have any recourse?
The good news is there are laws at both the federal and state level to help consumers who are having problems with their newly constructed homes. There are laws covering the workmanship and the quality, even if they are not expressly put in writing. While there is less protection in this situation, there is still some protection. below are links with more information on the laws, and where to go if you do have a complaint with a builder or contractor.
Information about Express Warranty
State of Michigan Complaint Process
In addition, if you are having difficulties, an 11th Month Inspection can help you identify all of the problems, and provides you with an unbiased documentation of the difficulties you are experiencing.
What is your "Buy Back Guarantee?
Homes are complex systems, as an inspector I work hard to make sure I find any issues that exist in your home that could cause you a problem. With the Buy Back Guarantee, you now have even more confidence in your purchase. If for any reason you find an issue with you new home within 90 days of closing, and I missed it on my report, InterNACHI will BUY YOUR HOME BACK for the full purchase price! There are some simple requirements, but this extra insurance is provided to you at NO COST. If you follow the link below, you can review the program details directly from InterNACHI. InterNACHI Buy-Back Guarentee
What is "Move in Certified" and how does it help me?
This is a service designed primarily for the seller. When you are selling your home, you want to make sure you are able to command top dollar for it on the market. With a move in certified inspection you and your Realtor will be able to provide prospective buyers with a full home inspection report showing them there are no issues before they even make an offer.
Additionally, the best time to find out there is an issue, is before an offer comes in, not when a prospective buyer is making an offer. Knowing a home is up to par when it goes on the market is a great way to save money that could be lost after a buyers inspection.
To book your inspection and get your home certified click here. For more information on this program, check out InterNACHI’s information on this program Click here.
Water Quality/Testing
What is PFAS and should I get my home tested?
PFAS is a chemical produced and used in a multitude of industrial and commercial manufacturing processes.This water, heat and oil resistant product has been used in everything from fabric water-proofing and food packaging to fire fighting foam. Recently, the EPA has identified this product as an “emerging contaminate on the national landscape” and have issued an advisory level for the amount they consider safe in humans. Recent animal studies have found high concentrations of this contaminate have effects of: Low birth weight, delayed puberty onset, elevated cholesterol, and reduced immunologic responses to vaccination. Follow this link to the State of Michigan website which has further detailed information on PFAS, its dangers and what is currently being done in Michigan. At this time, EHI is undergoing training to be able to provide testing for this contaminate, and is a service we will offer shortly.
Do you inspect wells?
If the home is on well service, your inspection will include a check of the proper wiring and operation of the well pump and testing of the water pressure. We also offer separate testing of the water quality.
How do I find out if there is lead in my water?
To accurately determine if you have lead in your tap water, you must perform a chemical test on your water. There are several ways this can be done. Testing for lead, and many other heavy metals is something that can be done quickly and relatively inexpensively. Results are typically immediate, and in most cases do not require samples to be sent to a lab for testing. If you choose to test your water on your own, remember to utilize a reputable manufacturer for your supplies, and if you hire a company (like EHI) be sure to hire a company that is certified, trained, and uses quality testing equipment.
How do I know if my water is safe to drink?
The only way to be confident in your water source is to have the water tested on site. Simply because you are on a certain municipal water supply, a brand new well, or live in a newly constructed home, there is no way of knowing if the water supply has accumulated any contaminates along the way without testing. With many of our local water supplies being contaminated, EHI highly recommends having your water tested, especially if you have children in the home.
Is there a good quality portable water filter?
Yes, In fact there are several quality portable water filters available. The key to selecting the proper one for your needs, it to first identify what substances you are trying to filter out of your water. Water filters use a variety of technologies to clean and purify water. From activated carbon, to reverse osmosis, they are all designed to acieve specific functions and remove certain types of contaminates. be sure to match your needs with your filter, by having a water analysis completed first.
Air Quality/Testing
Does EHI do air quality testing?
Yes, our air quality testing checks for mold, bacteria and yeast. Please visit our services page or click here for more information.
How does EHI do air quality testing?
Our test is conducted using a petri dish which is exposed to the room for a set period of time and then incubated for 5 days to culture the test. Once that is complete, the sample is analyzed and the results sent to the homeowner.
When do you recommend having the air quality tested in a residential home?
Air quality is extremely important, and while it would be great to advise everyone to have this test completed, we realize it is not within every budget. There are several key factors in a home that may prompt a recommendation for an air quality test: Damp conditions in the home, high levels of dust, forced air heating that has not been properly maintained and cleaned, presence of odors from unknown sources.
Additionally, If you, or a member of your family suffers from severe allergies or breathing sensitivities such as asthma, or COPD, having your air quality checked could be an important benefit to your quality of life.
What can I do to improve the Air quality in my home?
There are several things you can do to help improve the air quality in your home.
Replace your furnace filter – Your furnace filter should be changed on a regular basis (every 90-days) with QUALITY air filter. The cheap $2/$4 filters do little more than keep large chucks of dust and debris out of your blower fan.
Vacuum dust and debris from your heat registers regularly to prevent your HVAC system from spreading more dust and particulates.
Make sure bathrooms and kitchens are properly vented to get moisture and odors moved outside.
Have duct work inspected and cleaned as needed to prevent the spread of dust and bacteria.
Ensure proper ventilation and air movement in any damp areas such as basements or laundry areas.
Below is an interesting video on how simple house plants can improve your air quality…
Mold
Can the type of mold present be determined visually?
Unfortunately, the answer is NO. Even when mold is visible, it is impossible to determine if it is dangerous or not through a simple visual inspection. A complete mold inspection where the sample is sent into the lab is the only way to determine the exact strain.
Do you check the house for mold?
During a home inspection we do look for mold in multiple common problem areas in and around a home. However, not all mold is highly visible, and often can occur in hidden areas. While inspecting we also look for tell-tale odors and conditions that could indicate the presence of mold. In these situations we would recommend additional testing based on the situation.
What problems can mold cause?
For a homeowner there are two types of damage mold can cause.
First, and most importantly is complications with health. Mold can lead to a wide range of illnesses, primarily associated with respiratory complications. From triggering asthma flare ups to causing respiratory infections, mold can be very damaging to our lungs.
Second, the mold itself can often be destructive to the building material to which it adheres. Mold will help to destroy paint finishes, ruin carpet and fabric, and cause wood and drywall to rot.
Other Topics
How do termites get in the home?
Termites often enter through small cracks and gaps around foundation walls or through small cracks and openings around pipe and electrical penetrations. Another point of intrusion is where the house meets the foundation wall.
I’ve never had a pest issue, is my home really at risk for termites?
Only if your home has wood in it!
