About EHIExplore EHI's History as a Business
In addition to over 8 years in business full time, the owner has been performing home inspections for over 18 years. He has been in the construction industry over 25 years. Expert Home Inspections was formed to conduct home inspections and testing services on a full time basis.
EHI is certified, understand why
Michigan does not offer a license for home inspectors. As such, 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.
Find out when you can get your inspection
We have appointments 7 days a week based on availability. The only limitation on the time of day is the inspection must be booked at least 1 hour prior to sunset. Exceptions to this can be made in emergency circumstances.
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.
I am concerned about asbestos, do you inspect for that?
During a standard home inspection we will identify areas or items that we suspect may contain asbestos. We do offer testing of products for Asbestos, please see our pricing page for more details, Expert Home Inspections Services.
Concerned about your sump pump?
Yes, During a normal home inspection, we do check the sump pump for normal operation. We can also offer this as an independent inspection if you are experiencing issues.
Do you inspect fireplaces?
Yes, we do offer an enhanced level of inspection for chimney and fireplace.
Answer your questions about Sidewalks and drive
Yes During a normal home inspection, we visually inspect all hard surfaces for major defects including; cracks, grading, heaving, sinking.
General Home Inspection
How long does it take to complete a home inspection?
On average, a home inspection will be completed in approximately 1.5-3 hours. This however is only a rough estimate, be assured your inspection will not be rushed. We take as long as is necessary to provide you with a complete inspection report.
Let us answer who should be at an 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. That being said, we do highly recommend that as the buyer, you are present during the inspection. All EHI requires is that we have access to the home.
I am ready to schedule an Inspection, What is the process?
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.
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.
My New home seems fine, Why do I need an "11th Month Warranty" inspection?
Yes. Finding warranty repairs after a house has been built is more the rule than the exception. Rarely do these repairs have very little if anything to do with the quality of work from your builder. 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. This is why it is ALWAYS best to inspect your home to make sure any covered repairs are addressed.
Our "Buy Back Guarantee Explained
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! 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
Learn what "Move in Certified" and how help you
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.
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?
This water, heat and oil resistant product has been used in everything from fabric water-proofing and food packaging to fire fighting foam. The EPA has identified this product as an “emerging contaminate on the national landscape”. They have issued an advisory level for the amount they consider safe in humans. Follow this link to the State of Michigan website which has further detailed information on PFAS
Do you inspect wells?
No. well inspections are limited to mechanical function, pluming and electrical.
Lead testing can help everyone
To 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 for testing.
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. With many of our local water supplies being contaminated, EHI highly recommends having your water tested.
Is there a good quality portable water filter?
Yes, there are several quality portable water filters available. The key to selecting the proper one, 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 designed to achieve specific functions.
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.
Information on how Testing is conducted
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.
The right time to have air quality tested
Air quality is important, and it would be great to advise everyone to have this test completed, we realize it is not within every budget. 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.
Ways to improve the Air quality in my home
There are several things you can do to improve the air quality in your home.
Replace your furnace filter.
Vacuum dust and debris from your heat registers regularly
Make sure bathrooms and kitchens are properly vented
Have duct work inspected and cleaned
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 visual inspection. A 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?
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.
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 enter through small cracks and gaps around foundation walls or 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!
