Home Inspections
A Home Inspection by Allied Inspection Services, Inc. will help you make a sound purchasing decision based on accurate, objective information. Click here to find out what you should expect from Your Home Inspection. Our home inspections are conducted by certified members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) and the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI®) who are committed to the ASHI® Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics*. To learn more about the home inspection process, take a Virtual Home Inspection tour.
There are three basic types of home inspection reports. The Allied Report uses a unique combination of these formats to give you the easiest to read, yet most comprehensive, report available. You will receive both a custom inspection report and a How To Operate Your Home reference manual. Click here for samples of a custom inspection report*.
The home inspection will take one and a half to three hours. We encourage you to attend the inspection for the best understanding of our findings. Our inspector will be happy to answer all of your questions. He’ll also give you maintenance tips and other information about your new home.
The scope, terms and conditions of our home inspection are fully explained in the Pre-Inspection Agreement*, which you must read and sign before the inspection. Please click on the above link to download and print a copy of the agreement and bring it to the inspection with you. If you will not be attending the home inspection, complete all information, sign at the places marked “Client Signature” at the bottom of pages 2 and 3 and fax to 866-374-5087 at least 24 hours before your inspection OR scan and email the fully executed agreement to admin@alliedinspection.com.
We are in full compliance with the Pennsylvania Home Inspection Law (Act 114 of 2000). Click here for a summary of the law*.
The Allied Report
The Allied report is a unique combination of the best parts of each the three report types.
First we create a detailed narrative report with digital pictures specifically for your house. We begin by describing each component of the interior and exterior of the house including the mechanical systems.
Then, if problems are found with any of the parts, we clearly describe what the problem is, what the potential ramifications could be if left unaddressed, and what the next recommended course of action should be.
Finally, we include, for your reference, the How To Operate Your Home® manual for more in-depth information and maintenance tips. This book is a valuable homeowner’s resource that you’ll use many times during your ownership.
3 Types of Reports
There are three basic types of home inspection reports; the simple checklist report, the “book” type report and the full narrative report.
It is generally agreed that checklist reports are the least desirable. They are very cryptic and give little explanation of the findings.
The “book” type report adds a large, sometimes overwhelming volume of information to a checklist report. The reader must use codes and keys to search through the book to learn the significance of, and “next steps” needed for, the concerns identified in the checklist.
The full narrative report usually provides the most in-depth information, including general maintenance and service recommendations.
Your Home Inspection
A Home Inspection is an important part of purchasing a home. It will provide you with a better understanding of the property conditions at the time of the inspection. You will benefit from a professional Home Inspection in three ways.
First, your Home Inspector will look for evidence of any Material Defects or Safety Hazards that may exist in the home you plan to purchase. A Material Defect is defined by Pennsylvania law as a problem that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the property. This is generally considered to be any system or component of the house that is not functioning as intended and will cost more than $500 to correct. A Safety Hazard, on the other hand, is anything that involves an unreasonable risk of personal injury, regardless of the cost to correct it. Material Defects and Safety Hazards are problems that could influence your decision to purchase the home. You should consult with your Realtor® for advice if Material Defects or Safety Hazards are discovered.
Second, your Home Inspector will point out any minor defects observed during the inspection. These are generally less serious than Material Defects and are less costly to correct. You can usually address these items after you move in to your new home. Your Home Inspector may be able to give you advice on correcting these items.
Finally, your Home Inspector will explain the proper operation and maintenance of the major systems of your new home. First-time homeowners and seasoned veterans alike will benefit from information such as the location of water, electric and gas shutoffs, cleaning procedures for water and air filters, and proper operation of heating and cooling systems. Other items, such as caulking and painting requirements, winterization, and surface-water control will help you operate your home safely and efficiently. Many homebuyers have said that this information alone was worth the cost of the Home Inspection!
There are many Home Inspectors in the area from which you may choose. You should select a Home Inspector based on his qualifications and recommendations from past clients or your friends and acquaintances. By law, your Home Inspector must be a member in good standing in a national home inspection association, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®), in order for you to use the inspector’s report in your negotiation with the seller. Your Realtor® may be able to assist you in selecting an inspector who will best meet your needs.