Energy Audit

Energy Audit

An energy audit is an inspection of the heating and cooling systems in your home, the major appliances and window seals. The evaluation is done using equipment such as an infra-red camera and a blower doors. The infra-red camera can determine areas of air infiltration and missing insulation which would otherwise be difficult to detect. The blower doors measure the extent of leaks in the building envelope.

Having an energy audit conducted of your home could not only save you money it could also add to the comfort of your family.

Contact Pro Chek today to schedule your energy audit.

Pro Chek Announcement

Pro Chek Home Inspection Services is pleased to announce an alliance with Closing Construction, Inc. to provide quick response, no cost repair estimates that may be required for any homebuyer or home seller. This alliance will offer real estate agents the ability to assist their clients in obtaining helpful information quickly as it relates to a particular real estate transaction. One call to Closing Construction will enable the client to obtain repair estimates for any issue in the home and also schedule required construction as needed.

Realizing that real estate transactions are time sensitive, Pro Chek Home Inspection Services recognized the need to provide real estate agents with a “one stop” source for repair cost estimates. Additionally, Pro Chek recognized the need for an objective, professional source who could respond with a great sense of urgency and be available to perform required work without delay. Closing Construction’s business philosophy mirrors that of Pro Chek. This alliance will provide real estate agents and their clients with significant benefits throughout the transaction process.

How to Prepare a Home for an Inspection

As a listing agent, there are several things you should keep in mind to prepare for a home inspection of the property. The following tips will help to ensure a smooth inspection and avoid unnecessary delays:

Vacant Homes

1. If the home has not been occupied for an extended period of time, radon testing may result in a “false positive.” With the doors and windows shut, the natural build up of radon will result in unusually high concentrations. Airing the home out 48 hours prior to testing in these cases is the correct action to take.
2. In a vacant home where the water has not been used, it is common to get “false positive” results for water lead testing. We recommend running the water on a regular basis for listings that are not occupied.

Foreclosures

1. Make sure the utilities and water are functioning. This is particularly important for “foreclosure” properties.
2. Make sure there is oil in the tank if the home is oil heated.

To avoid “false positive” test results for radon and water lead, follow the suggestions above for Vacant Homes.

General Tips

1. Inform the homeowners that an inspection is being performed and to keep areas in the attic, basement, garage and crawl spaces free of storage to permit the inspector to complete his/her work in a proper way. Failing this, delays can occur if areas in the home cannot be properly viewed.
2. Let the homeowner know that the “inspection” is not to be viewed as a personal criticism of them. It is a professional, comprehensive assessment of a home’s condition to help guide the homebuyers.

Understanding the Home Inspection Process

Why do I need a home inspection? A home inspection is recommended for anyone purchasing a home. It will give the home buyer insite beyond the cosmetic view they get when they first tour the home. The inspector will point out any issues as well as be able to inform the potential buyer of the age of the major systems of the home such as the roof, furnace, etc. All of which leads to "peace of mind" for the buyer.

Please tell us what concerns or questions you have regarding the home inspection process.

Home Inspectors Should Never "Kill a Deal"

Home Inspectors Should Never “Kill a Deal”
The inspector is obligated to explain his or her findings in an objective and consultative fashion to ensure the client is aware of the issues and the possible remedies. However, the inspector must never impart his or her own opinions or feelings about a particular property. We stress…the inspection must be performed in a consultative, not critical, fashion.

Very often, inspectors are accused of “killing the deal”. This occurs when an inspector is simply not educated or professionally competent and communicates incorrect/ improper information or when the inspector is not objective and assumes the role of critic by imparting his or her own feelings about a property to the client.

All clients and their agents deserve to have a professional, educated and objective evaluation performed. If performed properly it will permit a client to move forward with their purchase or with great comfort and peace of mine.