MARYLAND'S MOST THOROUGH HOME INSPECTION
With 40 years of experience in new construction, remodeling, property management, plus thousands of Home Inspections, I know what to look for. Every home inspection performed by 1st American Home Inspections comes loaded with value!
TWO INSPECTORS, ONE GOAL
We double down on quality. Every inspection is performed by our two-person team, ensuring no stone is left unturned while respecting your time.
THE TECH ADVANTAGE
We have been using tech since day one. We update our equipment regularly, and it has been an investment that pays off!
Thermal Imaging & Moisture Meters: Finding hidden leaks that the naked eye cannot see. This isn’t x-ray vision, but it makes a difference.
HVAC Evaluation: In some homes the HVAC system is the second most expensive replacement item, after the roof. We use psychrometers (specialized HVAC tools) and AI to evaluate the system’s performance.
Aerial Drone: I prefer to walk the roof, but sometimes it is out of reach or unsafe to do so. We bring a drone with a high resolution camera just in case.
Smart Digital Reports: We use industry-leading technology to deliver interactive reports that prioritize the most important information. They include a built-in "Repair Request" tool for agents and are delivered within 24 hours (often the same day).
A TEACHER’S APPROACH TO INSPECTION
Your Concerns Are My Priority: We start by listening to what you’re worried about and make sure those areas get extra attention.
The "Homeowner’s Manual" Experience: I don’t just find problems; I show you how to operate your home—from shut-off valves to filter changes.
Clarity Over Confusion: We take the time to explain the most important findings and their long-term consequences so you can make a confident decision.
Expert Guide for First-Time Buyers: I specialize in helping new buyers by answering the questions you might not even know to ask yet.
OUr inspections are guaranteed!
The following warranties are included with every full Home Inspection
1 Year Structural Warranty
The NXT Structural Warranty covers structural component malfunctions and failures as follows: footings and foundation systems, beams, girders, lintels, masonry arches, columns, load-bearing walls, partitions, roof framing systems, and floor systems. This warranty has an aggregate limit of $100,000. Please click here to see the terms of service, including the deductible.
5 Year Roof Leak Repair Warranty
If the roof is not leaking on the day of inspection, your roof will be covered for 5 years after the date of the inspection. Any leaks found at the inspection would not be covered. Please click the icon below to see the terms of service and additional information, including the deductible.
180 Day Mechanical & Structural Warranty
You get 180 Days of warranty protection after your full home inspection! Buy with confidence and worry less knowing that your appliances and systems are covered. Please click the icon below to see the terms of service and additional information.
180 Day MoldSafe Warranty
If we do not find evidence of mold on the day of inspection, you are covered for 180 days after the date of the inspection. Any mold caused by a leak we do find is not covered. Please click the icon below to see the terms of service and additional information, including the deductible.
180 Day Sewer Line Protection
With every full home inspection, we have Sewer Line Protection from Sewer Gard - the world leader in underground repair coverage. Buy with confidence and worry less knowing that main water and sewer collapses and breaks are covered, up to $4000. Please click on the icon below to see the terms of service, including the deductible.
WORKING FOR YOU LONG AFTER THE INSPECTION
Home Owners Resource is a FREE service provided by your Home Inspector that gives you access to ask a Professional any question about your property. This service is especially useful for any maintenance issue that may arise in your home where you would like an expert’s input and/or suggestion!
Additional Services
We offer a number of additional services designed to assess the environment of the home and find otherwise hidden defects that can cost you thousands of dollars to remedy and may expose you or your family to unhealthy conditions. In most cases the seller would be responsible for these repairs if identified prior to closing.
RADON TESTING
Radon is the #1 Cause of Lung Cancer among non-smokers. According to the EPA, Radon Gas kills approximately 20,000 people each year. To put that into perspective, Radon killed about twice as many people as drunk drivers did in 2013.
We take Radon Gas very seriously
We use state of the art continuous radon monitors which have been tested by an independent lab to confirm their accuracy of +/- 2%!
We follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for monitoring radon.
Our equipment meets or exceeds the EPA’s recommendations.
We require the occupant to cooperate with the closed building condition protocols required by the EPA.
Our equipment is truly tamper resistant as recommended by the EPA
Because of the accuracy of our equipment we can provide test results immediately. You won't need to wait while we send our equipment to a lab!
Our Test Results Are Guaranteed
Our Radon Test results are guaranteed for 120 Days after the test. Please click here for the terms of service, including deductible.
Mold Testing
We are certified by the Mold Inspection Consultation Remediation Organization to perform Mold Inspections and collect air and surface samples. We use an accredited laboratory to analyse the mold samples collected and provide a report documenting the types of mold present and then determine if there is a problem in the home. We use state of the art mold testing equipment.
Discounted Mold Testing
If we are already inspecting the home for you, we can perform the mold test right away without any additional driving time. That is why we offer mold testing for a significant discount. It is very important that you feel safe in your home and we want to help you to do so.
Mold Testing for every budget
We offer mold testing and inspection designed to satisfy your level of concern.
Mold Testing with Home Inspection you can have one floor or the entire home tested with your home inspection:
Add testing to home inspection and SAVE! We are already in the home and this saves you money!
A separate section of the home inspection report
Photographs of conditions that might indicate a problem
An explanation of the cause whenever possible
As many samples as needed or as fit your budget
Lab report from an independent, accredited lab, with details about the type and concentrations of mold
Recommendations for mold remediation to bring the home back to a safe condition if a problem is found
Just Mold Testing without a home inspection:
If you have experienced a water leak or flood we can inspect the area for evidence of mold
When you do not know the cause of the problem we will try to make that determination
Samples collected in the area, or areas of concern
Lab report from an independent, accredited lab, with details about the type and concentrations of mold
Moisture Intrusion
A moisture intrusion inspection includes the use of thermal imaging equipment and professional grade moisture meters to find water leakage that may not be visible to the naked eye. Moisture intrusion can take many form: roof leaks, leaks around windows and doors, plumbing leaks at sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and leaks at the foundation. A moisture intrusion inspection includes: using a thermal imaging camera to view ceilings beneath the attic or roof, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and utility rooms, outside walls around windows and doors, foundation walls and floors. Measurement of the relative humidity and temperature to find the dew point and identify possible condensation problems. A moisture intrusion inspection can't turn up leaks that are not active and won't predict leakage that may occur in the future. Moisture intrusion inspection is a great add on for any home inspection or mold screening and when combined makes for an extremely thorough inspection.
Carbon Monoxide Testing
We use professional grade carbon monoxide detection equipment to identify unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is known as the "Silent Killer" because it is an invisible, odorless gas that kills or sickens many people every year in the US. Many people suffer from low level carbon monoxide poisoning and have no idea why they are sick. We'll check all appliances that use fossil fuel if they are operational and check every part of the home for unsafe levels. If all of the appliances are electric there is no need for this test.
Termite (WDI) Inspections
Only with Home Inspections
We offer termite inspections as a service for your convenience. We use trained professionals to inspect and identify not only termites but other wood destroying insects (W.D.I.) such as: carpenter ants, powder post beetles and carpenter bees. This will include the documentation necessary to satisfy your lender or an estimate to exterminate them right away. Reports are delivered the next business day. This service includes:
A very thorough inspection of the home for evidence of an infestation
1 year warranty that covers the cost of treatment when no evidence of activity is found
Detailed plan for treatment if evidence of activity is found
Extremely competitive price for treatment if needed
This is the best value in Termite Inspections!
Chimney Inspections
Only with Home Inspections
Because chimneys are often unsafe and repairs can cost thousands of dollars, we have invested in the training and equipment necessary to inspect chimneys inside and out. We use the video scanning system, which has become the standard in the industry, to inspect the chimney flue from the inside. We provide a very thorough digital report with photographs of the chimney condition, safety hazards and defects, not just a hand written estimate for repairs. If you wish, we can send the report to chimney repair contractors that we work with. We NEVER accept kickbacks or referral fees for this service.
What Is a Chimney Inspection?
Your inspector will examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements.
The inspection will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection.
Your inspector will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections.
Your inspector will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and deposits.
A camera is used whenever possible for to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney.
The inspection is visual only and would not include removal of permanently installed fixtures or destructive measures.
We may choose to use an independent contractor for chimney inspections of stoves or when the chimney is very tall, roof too steep to climb, etc. Cost will vary depending on the conditions.
If we can't complete the inspection for any reason you will receive a discount or reimbursement.
