952-212-6266 -------------------

Urban Building Inspectors, Inc.

Serving The Twin Cities Metro Area For Over 20 Years.

Pre-Purchase / Buyer Home Inspections

Radon Testing
Sewer Pipe Scoping



SERVICES.

Buyers Pre-Purchase Home Inspection.

Highly recommended prior to the home purchase.

If for some reason you aren't able to get an inspection prior to the home purchase, then having an inspection after closing is also a wise decision.


Includes:

  • 2 1/2 to 4 hour inspection of your home.
  • On-site walk-through/review of the findings.
  • A very detailed report filled with pictures.
  • Responses to your follow up questions via phone, text, email.
  • Any suspected water stains or suspect areas are scanned with a thermal Image camera

The length of the Inspection and fee are based on the total sq footage and age of the home.

What's Inspected



All Inspections meet or exceed the ASHI Standards of Practice.
Listed below are just some of the many items inspected during the inspection.


Structural

  • Foundation
  • Floor Structure
  • Wall Structure
  • Roof Structure
  • Attic
  • Moisture Intrusion

Roofing

  • Roof Coverings
  • Flashing
  • Venting
  • Chimney's
  • Gutters
  • Roof Leaks

Exterior

  • Windows / Doors
  • Siding
  • Lot Grading
  • Decks
  • Garage
  • Driveway/Walkway
  • Retaining Walls

Electrical

  • Main Panel / Disconnect
  • Service Entrance
  • Outlets / Fixtures
  • Distribution Wiring
  • Grounding

plumbing

  • Supply Piping
  • Waste Piping
  • Water Heater
  • Leaks / Clogs
  • Sump Pump
  • Gas Piping

Heating/cooling

  • Furnaces
  • Boilers / Piping
  • AC Compressor
  • Air/Heat Distribution
  • Condensate (Pump)
  • Mechanical Ventilation

insulation/ventilation

  • Insulation Type and Level
  • Proper attic install
  • Attic Ventilation
  • Exhaust Vents
  • Signs of possible pests

Interior

  • Fireplaces
  • Wall / Ceiling Cracking
  • Water Stains
  • Windows / Doors
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Kitchens/Bathrooms
  • Laundry / Venting

How It Works:



Time examples for Home Inspection:


AM Appointment:
Inspector starts at 9:00am.
Buyer/Client arrives at 11:30am for the walk-through/review.
Inspection completed at approx. 12:30pm.
Detailed report sent out within 24hrs of completion of Inspection.


PM Appointment:

Inspector starts at 1:30pm.

Buyer/Client arrives at 4:00pm for the walk-through/review.

Inspection completed at approx. 5:00pm.

Detailed report sent out within 24hrs of completion of Inspection.


*Larger homes are generally scheduled for more time, and condos or smaller

townhomes may be scheduled for less time.



SELLING YOUR HOME?

We do pre-sale inspections as well. These are mostly done the same

way as buyers inspection, but call us for more details and to set up an inspection.
952-212-6266




Radon Testing



Two Day Continuous Monitor



All of our radon tests are done to the strict guidelines of the E.P.A. and the Minnesota Dept. of Health.

We use Sun Nuclear electronic monitors which are not only extremely accurate, but also help to prevent tampering during the test.

The test monitor(s) is set up and left in the home for a minimum of 2 days.


Licensed with the Minnesota Dept. of Health. Lic. # RMDH-00154


Radon Fees:

  • $185 with Home Inspection.
  • $225 Stand along test.


What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that comes from the soil. The gas can accumulate in the home. Radon gas decays into fine particles that are radioactive. When inhaled, these fine particles can damage the lungs. Exposure to radon over a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. It is estimated that 21,000 people die each year in the United States from lung cancer due to radon exposure. A radon test is the only way to know how much radon is in your home. Radon can be reduced with a mitigation system.

  • In Minnesota 2 in 5 homes have high radon levels.
  • The average radon level in Minnesota is more than three times higher than the U.S. radon level. This is due to our geology and how our homes are operated. Minnesota homes are closed up or heated most of the year, which can result in higher levels of radon.

Radon health risks

It is the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers. Your risk for lung cancer increases with higher levels of radon and longer periods of exposure. If you smoke, the combined risk of smoking and radon exposure is much higher.


Sewer Scoping



Sewer pipe scoping can be ordered with your home inspection. We recommend this service for most homes, especially for older homes.

We use our preferred subcontractor for this and will schedule this appointment for you so that the sewer scope takes place at the same time as the inspection.

The fee is $195 which is added together with the other scheduled services.


Why get a sewer scope inspection?


Over time, sewer pipes joints can separate and cracks can develop. Tree roots can grown into the pipes causing clogs and backups. Sewer pipes can also deteriorate and leak over time, especially in older homes.