Complete Home Inspection - KC

Customer comments about a Kansas City home inspection

2012-01-24T12:03:00.006-06:00

Here's an unedited comment from someone who recently hired Complete Home Inspection to do a Kansas City home inspection for him:

"Thank you so much for your Excellent Inspection Report! I was impressed and happily elated with all your photos, comments, recommendations and thoroughness in your coverage of priority details you have now provided for me. I can only say "A Professional Job~Very Well Done" to my complete satisfaction! I only wish that I could have met you {-in person-} today when I stopped by on my school bus route:(
Maybe someday..? I promise to share this experience with your results to others who may ask me for a very well qualified Home Inspection Service referral.

PS: I especially appreciated the timeliness of your completed report and emailed by days end (within so few minutes of my sights scheduled visit)."

How can we serve you? Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Carbon Monoxide

2011-12-30T11:04:00.007-06:00

The recent scare at a home in Lenexa, KS, regarding carbon monoxide reminds you that a bad or inefficient furnace not only wastes money, it can also be very dangerous. Your Complete Home Inspection includes a thorough furnace inspection, checking for proper installation, function, rust, and more.

Over the last twenty years of inspecting homes in Kansas City, we've found some operating furnaces in occupied homes that were potentially lethal. In some cases, the gas company had to be notified and they came to the home and shut the furnace down for safety reasons. Carbon monoxide is not something to be taken lightly. And the peace of mind that comes from having Complete Home Inspection inspect your home's heating system will, literally, help you sleep better at night. When you move into your new home, install a carbon monoxide detector up stairs or near a bedroom. It's a great way to help ensure your family's health and safety.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Foundation cracks

2011-10-21T15:27:00.006-05:00

Another reason you should have your house inspected before you buy has to do with the weather. Yes, you read that correctly. It has been very dry this season here in Kansas City and that has possibly affected the house you're looking to buy.

Soil contracts and expands due to many conditions, including moisture content. As dry as it has been, for quite some time now, the ground around your home is contracting and compacting which can cause movement and cracking in the foundation walls of the house. The dry soil pulls away from the foundation as it contracts and that creates space between the soil and the wall. When we do finally get precipitation this fall or during the winter, the moisture will fill up that space between the soil and the wall, find the new foundation cracks, and seep into your home.

As you're looking at the property, you're thinking about who gets which bedroom, where to put the couch and whether the piano goes better in this room or that one. You're not spending your time looking for cracks in the foundation walls. Let us do that for you. It may not be foremost in your mind right now, but when the rain and snow come, you'll be glad you did.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you., Call or E-mail today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Time to buy?

2011-10-03T07:55:00.001-05:00

There are at least six good reasons for you to buy a house now. That's according to the October issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine where the six reasons are listed and discussed.

If you take advantage of current market conditions, whether buying your first home or upgrading to a larger one, include a complete home inspection by Complete Home Insepction in your buying process. Find out the condition of the property before you buy. Know what you're getting into. And, particularly in a distress sale situation, avoid any unpleasant surprises that the house may hold for you. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes only from having the property completely inspection by a thorough, experienced professional.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Really?

2011-09-05T12:01:00.008-05:00

One more reason to have your home inspected before you buy it: do-it-yourself plumbing repairs.

This was found under the kitchen sink at a recent inspection.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, including looking under the kitchen sink, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

What's in it for you

2011-08-03T12:06:00.009-05:00

Perhaps a comment from a recent client will give you an idea of what you can expect when you have your home inspected by Complete Home Inspection.

Dustin wrote that the written report he received following the inspection "...looks very thorough. Carol (his realtor) spoke very highly of your services and the report reflects this high level of professionalism."

Put this thoroughness, professionalism, and attention to detail to work for you. Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Radon Testing in Kansas

2011-07-01T11:51:00.005-05:00

Effective July 1, 2011, all houses in Kansas that are tested for radon gas as a part of a real estate transaction must have that test done by a Kansas certified radon tester. Complete Home Inspection is such a certified radon tester, certified by both the State of Kansas and by NEHA (National Environmental Health Association).

All home inspectors doing radon tests in Kansas must be certified, meaning that the inspector has taken the required training, passed the certification test, and registered with the state.

Also, all radon test results in Kansas will now be reported to the state for use in scientific research.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Clean your gutters

2011-05-27T14:52:00.003-05:00

The rainy season has come to Kansas City a little later than usual this year. But, it has indeed arrived. Remember, whether you're buying or selling a home, or just maintaining the one you live in, it's time to clean out the rain gutters on the house.

It's easy to remember to do this in the Fall because all of the falling leaves clog things up. But, it's just as important to do in the Spring now that the maple tree "helicopter seeds", the sugar gum tree balls, and the blossoms from flowering trees are down.

Clogged gutters and downspouts lead to overflows and back ups that can put water in your basement. The clogs keep rainwater from flowing away from your house's foundation. Instead, it seeks out the cracks in your basement walls.

So, now's the time to improve the drainage around your house's foundation by sloping the ground away from the house. And, keep the gutters and downspouts free from debris.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Dangers of Radon gas

2011-05-02T12:31:00.003-05:00

Words to consider when buying a new home - "reducing...radon offers peace of mind for homeowners, and that's priceless." Today's edition of The Kansas City Star includes a commentary by staff writer Lewis Diuguid headed, "Beware The Menace That Creeps Into Your Home", that concludes with those words.

When you're buying a home, you have so many things to look at and consider all at once. You need to prioritize it all to get anything accomplished. But few of those other things are as important as your personal health and the health of your family. And there's a simple and relatively inexpensive way for you to help safeguard your health - include a test for radon gas in your home inspection.

The Surgeon General of the United States recommends that all homes be tested for radon. Since it's a colorless and odorless gas, you don't know it's there otherwise. And the EPA says that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers in the U.S. Read Mr. Diuguid's column in the paper. Read the EPA's Guide to Radon on the Complete Home Inspection web site "Multimedia" page. Call to ask questions. And then include a radon test in your home inspection. As the EPA says, "This is a health threat of epidemic proportions that needs immediate attention."

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Short Sales and Foreclosures

2011-04-04T12:23:00.011-05:00

April's issue of MONEY magazine states that if you're in the market for a home, you'll almost certainly be looking at distressed properties ("short sales" and bank foreclosures). And, distressed homes are likely to be a significant part of the market for years. The magazine's advice? Even before you make an offer on a foreclosure, get a complete home inspection of the property. The house may be in worse condition than you expect. And, a distressed-property specialist is quoted as saying, "The buyer has to be twice as diligent."

You'll have leverage if you can prove that the property's condition justifies a lower price. New information on the current condition of the house could affect the property's appraised value and you'll be armed with a written inspection report, photos, and a summary page of suggested repairs. Plus, you don't want to be surprised to discover that the previous owners angrily ripped out flooring, appliances, and copper pipes. The magazine goes on to suggest that, after your offer is accepted, you have some "specialty" inspections done on the property, including a mold test. The bank may still be willing to fix problems at this point.

Make a thorough inspection by Complete Home Inspection a part of your home-buying process, particularly if a distressed property is involved. That's the best way to get peace of mind throughout the process.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing and more, we do it all for you. Call today to schedule your Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222. Or send us an E-mail through http://www.completehomeinspectionkc.com/.

Eye of the beholder...

2011-03-04T14:07:00.004-06:00

Just in the past week, satisfied customers have had this to say in E-mails - "Thank you! The inspection experience was 100% positive and I have posted a report of it on Angie's List. We'll recommend your services to any of our family, friends and associates that are looking to purchase a home in the KC area." and "Wow...lots to digest in your report. Thanks for being so thorough." Another client said, on the phone, that her Complete Home Inspection had been very thorough, but the sellers of that home refused to fix any of the problems uncovered. So, she was scheduling an inspection on the other house they had found after walking away from the first one.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call to schedule your inspection today, 913-268-0222. www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Condo Inspections

2011-02-08T07:57:00.009-06:00

When you're buying a condo, it's sometimes easy to think that you don't need to have a complete home inspection done because the condo doesn't have many of the same concerns as a free-standing home (perhaps no roof immediately over your living space, perhaps no basement or crawl space immediately below your living space, etc.). But, as many have found in the last few weeks, their condos still had many systems and features that needed a complete inspection.

Your condo inspection includes the plumbing, electric, heating and cooling systems, as well as the appliances, doors, walls and windows. You get a lot of peace of mind from knowing the condition of each of these systems and items BEFORE you buy. You can test for mold, too, if you wish.

Whether it's a high-rise condo downtown or in the Plaza area, or a townhouse-type condo with its own roof and foundation, have your condo thoroughly inspected by Complete Home Inspection.

Condo inspections, whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you. Call today to schedule your appointment, 913-268-0222. Complete Home Inspection.

Ice dams

2011-01-21T14:37:00.004-06:00

With all of the snowfall in Kansas City so far this season, pay close attention to the gutters on your house.

Icicles may look pretty and seasonally appropriate, but they're also a sign that heat is escaping through your roof and causing the snow cover to melt. As the melting snow refreezes, it can block the gutters and keep water from draining away as it should. This can lead to the water seeping into your walls or dripping onto your house's foundation instead. And that can lead to many different problems.

Consider using a broom to brush away the snow from lowest few feet of your roof. You may feel silly being out in the cold "sweeping" your roof, but giving the snow melt room to drain unobstructed can help you avoid costly problems with mold, a cracked foundation, and damaged soffits, fascia boards and walls.

To prevent ice dams from occurring, you may need to improve the insulation and ventilation of your roof and/or install a heat strip along the lower edge of the roof or in the gutter. For now, sweeping the snow away will help the situation. And then, when it warms up a little, you can consider your other options.

Carbon Monoxide

2010-11-29T11:01:00.001-06:00

Here at the beginning of the winter heating season, consider having your existing home's furnace inspected by a qualified technician. And strongly consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home. As a part of your Complete Home Inspection when you're buying or selling a home, we'll thoroughly inspect the furnace, giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that everything's functioning as intended. If you're not in the home buying or selling process, consider getting a furnace check-up anyway.

One of the most amazing things about doing Kansas City home inspections for the last 20 years has been the number of unsafe furnaces Complete Home Inspection has found in homes that were currently occupied. The homeowners were completely unaware that their health was in daily jeopardy. Improperly vented and rusted out furnaces are not just inefficient, they're dangerous. Every year about this time, you'll hear stories about families or individuals that were overcome by the build up of carbon monoxide in their homes. Now's the time to make certain that one of those stories won't be about you.

Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Mold Testing

2010-11-15T18:01:00.001-06:00

As you refinance your current home to take advantage of lower interest rates, you may be asked to have a mold test done as part of the process. Just give us a call and let Complete Home Inspection take care of the mold test for you. You can have either a swab test done where we swab visible mold in your home, or have an air quality test done. Either way, results are usually available from the lab in only two days. You'll find out if you have mold in your home and what type of mold it is. Plus, Complete Home Inspection will give you some tips on what to do about any mold we find.

Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you. Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Mold problems

2010-10-15T08:32:00.001-05:00

Again this school year, a school building in the Greater Kansas City area opened late because of mold issues. That just underscores the importance of checking the air quality in your home. An elementary school in Liberty, MO, was found to have higher-than-normal levels of mold in the air. Since that could irritate existing asthma conditions, the school was kept shuttered until the situation was resolved.

If it's important enough to force students to attend class in another building, it's important enough to find out if mold is a problem in your home. Let Complete Home Inspection do your air quality test for you so that you'll know what type of mold might be in the air you're breathing and how much of it there is. Whether it's an air-quality test or a swab test, you'll know, in just a couple of days, if your family's respiratory health is at risk.

Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you. Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

New web site

2010-09-14T08:19:00.006-05:00

Visit www.completehomeinspectionkc.com to learn all the details of your home inspection, including services and fees. Here's what's in it for you :

Learn what's involved in a home inspection.
Read about the importance of mold testing and radon testing.
Take a "virtual" home inspection to see and hear what the home inspection process entails.
Get answers to the frequently asked questions about home inspections.
Watch videos and listen to podcasts on various issues related to home inspections.
Check out sample chapters of the Home Owner Manual you receive following your inspection.
Read comments from satisfied clients and realtors.
Learn about Miki Mertz's credentials and certifications, meet her staff of inspectors, and realize the peace of mind that comes from putting Complete Home Inspection to work for you.

Then, use the E-mail link on the Contact Us page, or simply call to schedule your home inspection, radon test, mold test, and termite inspection.

Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you. Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Move-In Special Extended

2010-09-04T08:13:00.002-05:00

There's still time for you to take advantage of the Complete Home Inspection Move-In Special. Let us handle your rental property inspection for you, whether you're a tenant or a landlord. And, throughout September, save some money at the same time.

Watch the video below, call to schedule your rental property inspection(s), and relax knowing that your Damage Form will be as "complete" as possible.

Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and rental property inspections, we can do it all for you. Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

August Move-In Special

2010-08-07T10:51:00.004-05:00

Watch this video for details about Rental Property Inspections. Then, call 913-268-0222 to find out about the August Move-In Special.

Rental Property Inspections

2010-07-15T10:34:00.000-05:00

Call us today to schedule your Rental Property Inspection. Families are relocating prior to the beginning of school and college students are moving into their apartments prior to the beginning of classes. Your Rental Property Inspection by Complete Home Inspection gives you peace of mind as an owner/manager or as a renter, whether it's a house condo, townhouse, or apartment. And, consider adding a mold test to check for hidden damages and health hazards.

For landlords/managers, it gives you independent, third-party documentation of the condition of the property before or after leasing - a great way to help protect your investment. Your inspection also documents normal vs. abnormal wear and tear when done both before and after a tenant's lease.

For renters, it's a great way to ensure that you don't overlook something when you fill out your damage list and then end up getting charged for a pre-existing condition when you move out. You have so many other things on your mind, let us handle the thorough inspection you need to do in order to protect yourself. Also, we can take you through the property and explain how to use the various appliances and systems you'll be living with.

Whether you're the landlord or the tenant, you'll receive a written report that includes repair and maintenance recommendations.

Call today to schedule your Rental Property Inspection, 913-268-0222. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing and more, we can do it all for you. Complete Home Inspection.

Clean out the gutters

2010-06-21T14:18:00.008-05:00

With all of the rain in the Kansas City area this season, it's very important to keep the rain gutters on your house free of debris.

It's easy to remember to do this in the Fall with all of the falling leaves clogging things up. But, it's just as important to do in the Spring with all of the "helicopter seeds" from maple trees, Sugar Gum balls, and the like.

Clogged gutters and downspouts lead to overflows and back ups that can put water in your basement. The clogs keep rain water from flowing away from your house's foundation. It, instead, seeks out the cracks in your basement walls.

Just a maintenance reminder for you so that your basement doesn't end up becoming a "cement pond".

Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222.

Buying a condo

2010-06-04T12:01:00.001-05:00

Money magazine reported in its July issue that prices and mortgage rates for condos are low and choices are plentiful. One housing analyst was quoted as saying, "There are deals of a lifetime out there...".

Should you have your new condo inspected before you buy? Yes. Sometimes it seems as though a condo doesn't need a complete inspection because it doesn't have many of the same concerns as a free-standing home (perhaps no roof immediately overhead your living space, perhaps no basement or crawl space immediately below, etc.).

But your condo still has many of the same systems that need a complete inspection so that you'll know their condition before you buy. Your condo inspection includes the plumbing, electric, heating and cooling systems, appliances, doors, and windows. So you see, you can get a lot of peace of mind by having your condo inspected before you buy. You can test for mold, too, if you wish.

Condo inspections, whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you. Call today to schedule your inspection, 913-268-0222, Complete Home Inspection.

Rain, rain, go away...

2010-05-22T12:09:00.001-05:00

As the rainy season continues in Kansas City, you may end up with some water in your basement. Regardless of how the water found its way into your home, just sucking it up or drying it out may not be enough for your family's health.

Moisture often leads to the development of mold, even in the cleanest of homes. You can't clean what you can't see, and if water has gotten in behind paneling, drywall, or in the attic, you may not even know that it is there. Wet carpeting, wet drywall, and other items damaged by incoming water can develop mold spores. And that can end up sickening your family.

Once the water has been dried, it's a good idea to do a mold test. The test itself takes only a couple of minutes and you'll have a complete result report back from the lab in just a few days. It's a rather inexpensive way to get peace of mind regarding your family's respiratory health.

Call today to schedule a mold test for your home, 913-268-0222, Complete Home Inspection. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you.

Housing Market

2010-05-09T15:45:00.001-05:00

As today's housing market continues to rebound, a home inspection becomes even more important for your peace of mind as you buy a property.

Foreclosures may offer you a great deal, but the condition of the property often deteriorates rapidly as the house is offered for sale. Water in basements is common as the home is left unattended. Vandalism often occurs as the previous owners vacate the house. And hidden problems that arise from the house being vacant often don't show up until utilities, such as the water, are turned back on.

To get an idea of what kind of a "deal" you are actually getting in today's market, let us completely inspect the property for you. Then you will know the condition of the house at the time of the inspection and understand exactly what you're getting into.

Call today to schedule your inspection, 913-268-0222. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you and your peace of mind. Complete Home Inspection.

Home Buyers Credit

2010-04-25T14:28:00.000-05:00

Regardless of whether you get all the paperwork done in time for the various Home Buyers Credits offered by the government, make sure you include a Complete Home Inspection in your buying process.

Even after the flurry of activity dies down and the market returns to normal, it's still critical to find out the condition of the property you're considering. It's simply too big of an investment on your part. Gather all of the information that you can so that you make an informed decision.

Your Complete Home Inspection results in a computerized report, complete with photos, that details the condition of the property at the time of the inspection. It's the best possible way for you to know what you're getting into.

And, as the selling market quiets down a bit, consider doing a Seller's Inspection. It's a great sales tool allowing your prosepctive buyers to know that the property has already been inspected and that your Disclosure Form is about as thorough as can be.

Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing and more, we do it all for you. Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222.

Flurry of Activity

2010-04-10T08:39:00.003-05:00

It's fun and exciting to see all of the first-time home buyers taking advantage of their tax credits right now. And it's very rewarding to give them the peace of mind they need during this stressful time by educating them about their new house and telling them what condition the property is in at the time of the inspection.

Whether you're a first-timer or you meet the other qualifications for the tax credits, don't miss out. Make a Complete Home Inspection a part of your home buying process and get some peace of mind for yourself.

Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing and more, we do it all for you. Call today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection, 9313-268-0222.

Home Buyer Tax Credits

2010-03-31T08:33:00.001-05:00

There's still time for you to meet and beat the deadlines for the home buyer tax credits. As you take advantage of the tax savings you'll reap, make sure to include a home inspection from Complete Home Inspection in your home buying process.

Why risk spending all of your new-found tax savings on unexpected and undiscovered problems with your new house? Invest in a home inspection BEFORE you buy, and you'll know the condition of the property at the time of the inspection.

Act now to grab the tax credits, and call today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing and more, we do it all for you, 913-268-02222.

Buyer Beware

2010-02-10T08:20:00.002-06:00

A friend selling his house recently had an "inspector", hired by the potential buyers, show up for the scheduled inspection. This inspector said he was a member of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. But, checking the ASHI website listing of members in the Kansas City area, http://www.ashi.org/, revealed that he was not. This inspector was also not Registered with the State of Kansas. This is the new law in Kansas, home inspectors must be registered with the state proving that they have been educated, trained, and have completed a number of home inspections. This inspector was actually doing business illegally.

How can you protect yourself? While you'd like to take a company's marketing materials at face value, you can check their credentials by visiting http://www.ashi.org/ and by visiting the Kansas Home Inspector Registration Board site at http://khirb.wordpress.com/ and downloading a PDF of the current registry.

A non-ASHI inspector is not certified by the largest organization in the industry. And a non-registered home inspector in Kansas is essentially giving you a worthless report because he or she is operating outside of the law.

Enjoy the peace of mind that Complete Home Inspection gives you. All of your certifications and registrations are taken care of or you. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing and more, we do it all for you. Call today to schedule your own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222.

Inspection World

2010-01-22T08:04:00.001-06:00

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) just held its annual Inspection World conference. The three days of learning included the latest information on identifying wood rot, attic insulation and ventilation problems including identifying the causes of ice dams and how to prevent them from happening, diagnosing common and uncommon problems within a house, and advanced instruction on identifying electrical defects.

It's all part of our commitment to giving you the best, most intelligent, and most complete home inspection possible. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call today to schedule your inspection, 913-268-0222.

Kansas Law

2010-01-03T08:14:00.001-06:00

Now that it's 2010, a new law has gone into effect in Kansas. Your home inspector has to be "registered" with the State if Kansas. Anyone inspecting homes in Kansas WITHOUT being registered with the state is in violation of the law.

What does this mean to you? You are protected by the new law because home inspectors must now follow Kansas home inspector Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, maintain 16 hours of continuing education annually, and show financial responsibility in the form of insurance or a bond. New inspectors must pass a state approved 80 hour home inspector instruction course.

For your peace of mind, know that Miki Mertz, president and owner of Complete Home Inspection, is registered with Kansas, carries Errors and Omissions insurance, and is co-founder of the Midwest Inspectors Institute which is one of the only schools approved to teach the 80-hour instruction course.

Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing and more, we do it all for you. Call today to schedule your inspection, 913-268-0222.

Home Inspections 101

2009-12-29T12:00:00.004-06:00

This video, excerpted from a TV show broadcast recently in Kansas City, answers many of your questions about home inspections, from choosing an inspector to what you can expect from your inspection.

First-time buyer, repeat buyer, seller, or real estate agent, you'll learn the basics of your home inspection and the importance of including a home inspection in your home buying process. Any further questions? Give us a call at Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, educating you about your new home, and more, we can do it all for you.

Home Buyers Incentives

2009-12-21T12:40:00.001-06:00

It's very exciting that so many incentives are available to so many home buyers now and for the next several months. It's a great time for you to buy, and a great time to have that new property inspected by Complete Home Inspection so that you'll know the condition of the property BEFORE you buy.

First-time home buyers have a deadline now of having a binding contract signed by the end of April 2010 and closing on the property by the beginning of July 2010 in order to qualify for the tax credit.

And, if you've owned a house for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight years, you may be eligible for a credit, too.

Don't miss out on these incentives to make that purchase now. And always make certain to include an inspection by Complete Home Inspection in the purchase process. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you. 913-268-0222.

Home Buyer Incentives

2009-11-13T12:15:00.003-06:00

Take advantage of having the home buyer incentive extended and expanded. First-time home buyers have had their incentive extended beyond the end of this month, its original cut-off date. And, the incentive program has been expanded to include other home buyers, depending on how long it's been since you last bought a home.

So, as you take advantage of this opportunity to save some serious money on your home purchase, make sure that you include an inspection from Complete Home Inspection as part of the process. Find out exactly what condition the property is in at the time of the inspection. Get the peace of mind that comes from knowing what you're buying. And learn all about your potential new home, its systems and its features.

Why wait? Take advantage of the government programs that apply to your situation, and take advantage of your opportunity to find out everything about your prospective home. Call today to schedule your inspection, 913-268-0222. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing and more, we do it all for you.

First-Time Home Buyers Incentive Extension?

2009-10-15T12:34:00.000-05:00

There's been a lot of talk about the Federal government extending the First-Time Home Buyers $8,000 incentive beyond the end of November. So far, it's just talk, though. Why wait, and risk missing out?

When you are buying your first home, make certain that you include Complete Home Inspection in the process. You'll learn all about your new house. You'll get a complete inspection of the condition of the property so that you'll know what you're getting into. And, you'll learn many things about what you'll face as a home owner in terms of maintenance, upkeep, and how to use the various appliances and systems in your new house.

Call today to schedule your Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222. You'll get the peace of mind that comes from knowing the condition of the property. And peace of mind can be hard to come by when buying your first home. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you. It's one of the best investments you can make when you're buying your first home.

First-time home buyers

2009-10-02T12:17:00.002-05:00

Make certain that you take advantage of your First-Time Home Buyer incentive available through the end of November. With $8,000 just waiting for you to claim it, why not? Most of our clients lately have been first-time buyers, and the incentive is what got them to take the plunge.

The great thing about having your inspection done by Complete Home Inspection is that you learn so much about your new house. You learn how to use the appliances, systems, and other features of the house. You learn maintenance tips and tricks. And you learn exactly what condition the property is in at the time of the inspection so that you'll know exactly what it is that you're buying.

Money can be tight when you're buying your first home, but with the $8,000 incentive, consider your reasonably priced home inspection from Complete Home Inspection to be one of your better investment decisions.

Call today to schedule your Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you. Don't miss out on the First-Time Home Buyers incentive.

"Move In" special extended

2009-09-04T12:15:00.000-05:00

Because of the response in August to our "Move In" special on rental property inspections, the special has been extended through September. Call for details, 913-268-0222.

August Move-In Special

2009-08-06T11:17:00.003-05:00

Watch this video for details on Rental Property Inspections, then call to find out about the August Move-In Special, 913-268-0222.

Rental Property Inspections

2009-08-03T11:25:00.002-05:00

Call us today to schedule your Rental Property Inspection. Families are relocating prior to the beginning of school and college students are moving into their new digs prior to the beginning of classes. Your Rental Property Inspection by Complete Home Inspection gives you peace of mind, as an owner/manager or as a renter, whether it's a house, condo, townhome, or apartment. And, consider adding a mold test to check for hidden damages and health hazards.

For landlords/managers, it gives you independent, third party documentation of the condition of the property before or after leasing, a great way to help protect your investment. Your inspection also documents normal versus abnormal wear and tear when done both before and after a tenant's lease.

For renters, it's a great way to ensure that you don't overlook something when you fill out your damage list and then end up getting charged for a pre-existing condition when you move out. You have so many other things on your mind, let us handle the thorough inspection you need to do to protect yourself. Also, we can take you through the property and explain how to use the various appliances and systems you'll be living with.

Whether you're the landlord or the tenant, you'll receive a written report, with pictures, that includes repair and maintenance recommendations.

Call today to schedule your Rental Property Inspection, 913-268-0222. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we can do it all for you. Complete Home Inspection.

It all adds up

2009-07-27T11:33:00.002-05:00

As Complete Home Inspection completes its 17th year of serving the area with professional and thorough home inspections, we're closing in on 10,000 satisfied customers. A fun trend to watch is the number of repeat customers we've enjoyed serving over the years.

Some had us inspect their current home years ago when they moved in and hired us again to do their next home as they upgraded or downsized. Some hired us when they bought their home, and hired us again when their children bought homes. And some saw us inspect the home they were selling, and then hired us to inspect the home they were buying. There must be a reason so many keep coming back when they need us.

You can put our experience to work for you when you call today to schedule your appointment, 913-268-0222. Complete Home Inspection. The numbers 17 and 10,000 add up to peace of mind for you when you're buying or selling a home.

When selling your home...

2009-07-20T07:31:00.000-05:00

A great sales tool is to have your home inspected BEFORE you put it on the market. That gives your prospective buyers the peace of mind that comes from knowing the condition of your home at the time of the inspection. It may save them money since they won't need to have the property inspected themselves. It makes your disclosure form very complete and detailed. And, it may be the difference that helps them choose your house instead of the others they've looked at. Watch this...

"What about a new house?"

2009-07-13T12:28:00.001-05:00

It's easy to think that a newly constructed house doesn't need to be inspected before you buy it. It's brand new, right? Well, here are a couple of things to consider. First, you might hire us to inspect the house DURING the construction to keep an eye on the progress and catch problems as they occur, making them easier for the builder to fix. Or, as most often happens, hire us to inspect the property as you do your final walk-through. We see things you're not trained to look for, and can save you a lot of time, hassle and irritation.

Examples? In one new house, we filled the whirlpool bathtub in the master bath as part of the inspection. When we drained it, and the water ran out all over the bathroom floor and flooded the rooms underneath, we discovered that the tub's drain pipe hadn't been connected to anything. In another new house, we were able to determine that the control wire for the furnace had been connected to the doorbell instead of the house's thermostat. A couple of weeks into your first winter in the house, you'd wonder why the house only felt comfortable when the pizza guy rang the doorbell.

One more horror story for you, a new house's kitchen garbage disposal worked beautifully, once it was plugged in. No power cord had been connected to the unit until we figured out what the problem was. While warranties may protect you, the time lost, the inconvenience and the frustration you'll experience can only be handled by getting a Complete Home Inspection for your new property.

Call today to schedule your inspection, 913-268-0222. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and termite inspections, we can do it all for you.

"Big or small, we do them all..."

2009-07-06T10:03:00.001-05:00

You might wonder if the size of the home you're buying makes a difference when it comes to hiring an inspector. Well, it doesn't make a difference to us. Just in the past month, our company inspected a $1 million-plus mansion off Ward Parkway in Kansas City that featured six bedrooms, five baths, five fireplaces, two kitchens, three central air conditioning units and three boilers for heating. We also inspected a one bedroom, one bathroom home on a crawlspace that listed for around $40,000. Each house had its own issues and unique characteristics, but each got the same careful, complete home inspection. That's what we do. Why? Because each home we inspect has been carefully chosen by our client. It's the home they have decided they want to buy, making perhaps the biggest purchase decision of his or her life to this point. Since it's so important to you, it's very important to us. And, since it's so important to you, make certain you find out what all you can about the house before you buy.

Call today to schedule your inspection, 913-268-0222. We can handle your needs for radon testing, mold testing, and termite inspections, as well.

"Hey, we've got waterfront property now!"

2009-06-29T07:50:00.001-05:00

The rains so far this year in Kansas City, especially our most recent downpours, may have you suddenly living "on the water" as your basement became wet.

The best ways to combat a wet basement are to clean out your house's gutters and to grade the dirt against your foundation so that it slopes away from the house.

As your gutters fill with leaves, seed pods, and other debris, they overflow during a hard rainfall instead of draining as intended. That puts an unusually heavy downpour of water right near the foundation of the house. As that water soaks into the ground, it can easily find any cracks that might be in the foundation wall and then find its way into your basement. Sadly, in the Spring and in the Fall, you may need to clean your gutters every few weeks to keep them flowing smoothly.

Adding fill dirt up against your foundation and gradually sloping it away from the house encourages the water to settle elsewhere, out in the yard, where it doesn't do any harm. The amount of fill dirt you'll need will vary according to your yard. To avoid attracting termites and causing wood rot, the dirt shouldn't touch wood siding. But, make sure that it creates enough of a slope so that the water will easily flow downhill and away from your basement.

Call today to schedule an inspection for your property, 913-268-0222. Radon testing, mold testing, and termite inspections available, too.

"This house makes me sick!"

2009-06-22T07:28:00.003-05:00

Mold is everywhere when we get our Spring rains in Kansas City, but you really don’t want the mold INSIDE your house. Whether it’s the house you currently live in or one you’re thinking of buying, call to schedule a mold test for the health of your family. A recent documentary on the BBC chronicled a family of five where each family member suffered from respiratory problems, headaches, chronic fatigue and other health issues. The cause was simply the mold in their house. Once the mold was eliminated, so were their health problems.

When we test for mold, we look for visible mold to sample and we also check the air in the house for invisible mold spores. The key is to find the cause of the mold. Mold needs moisture to grow, so we look for moisture entry points like leaky roofs, basements, or water pipes, anything that could add moisture to a mold problem.

Having a mold test done, perhaps along with your home inspection, gives you added peace of mind for your family’s health and safety. Call today to schedule your inspection and/or mold test, 913-268-0222. Whole house inspections, radon testing, and mold testing, we can do it all for you.

Deck Inspections

2009-06-15T07:55:00.000-05:00

A backyard deck is the perfect place to enjoy summer evenings in Kansas City, but make sure you get the peace of mind that only comes from having your deck inspected by Complete Home Inspection. A recent deck collapse during a bridal shower in the St. Louis area put four women in the hospital. Your deck itself could be structurally strong, but could pull away from the house depending on how it was attached to the house's ledger.

Since your deck is outside 24/7/365, the wood deteriorates and the fasteners lose their integrity. And, with the snow and ice we had last winter, your deck may have sustained some stress damage. Get your deck inspected, fix any problems, and then enjoy your summer of fun with some peace of mind.

Call today to schedule your inspection, 913-268-0222. Whole house inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and of course, deck inspections, we can do it all for you.

2009-06-01T15:15:00.001-05:00

What do you get when you hire Complete Home Inspection to go to work for you? Watch this...

Call to schedule your inspection today, 913-268-0222. Whole house, radon testing, mold testing, we can do it all for you, Complete Home Inspection.