Why do I need a home inspection?

The purchase of a house is generally the most expensive, and important purchase most people will make. Mike Chapman of Closer Look Home Inspections has been performing home inspections for fifteen years.  A home inspection in the Syracuse, NY area, and around the country, can save potential home buyers from many hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in unknown costly repairs.  Many home sellers often have a “pre-listing” home inspection performed so they are aware of what might be needed in order to facilitate a smoother transaction.

The home inspector is a highly skilled generalist with a good working knowledge of how a house is put together and how the house and its components interact with one another. He will offer an experienced professional, objective building evaluation and educate the client on the overall condition of the house, and advise the client about home maintenance.

In the Syracuse and Central New York area, home inspectors perform a visual check of the interior and exterior of the house, looking for major defects in the structure and major systems of the house. These major systems include, but are not limited to, the walls, roof, floors, ceilings, foundation, heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, grading, and much more.

The home inspection concludes with a computer generated report on what is found, so that the client is assured of no unexpected surprises in the future. This is not a compliance code for past or present codes, of course, missing or defective safety items will be addressed.
All inspections are performed to the standards of the New York State Department of State, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the Society of Professional Real Estate Inspectors.

Closer Look Home Inspections also performs Radon Testing (ELAP Lab ID # 11853), Septic Dye and Water Quality/Well Flow testing.
Michael Chapman is one of the most highly regarded home inspectors in the Syracuse, NY and Central New York area.  Normally, Mike will spend about three to four hours evaluating the major components of a house.  Mike also performs inspections on multi-family and commercial buildings.

Testimonials

Don't believe us...here's what some past clients and realtors have to say about Closer Look Home Inspections…..

  • “I wanted to extend my thanks for the fantastic job that you did for us on the home inspection at our new home in Syracuse, NY. Needless to say, we were sorry to see and read about the "facts", however, we were so impressed with your knowledge, professionalism and presentation both in person and in your report.  As odd as it sounds, we spent Saturday evening reading your report and laughing because reading your report was like having you with us in the room.....comfortable, easy and informative! Again many thanks." – Mary B., Syracuse, NY 
  • "I just wanted to thank you again for the great job you did with our home inspection.  Based on your inspection report, we presented the seller with a (fairly lengthy) punch list of things that needed to be addressed with the unit, starting with the HVAC.  We didn't expect him to agree to everything we were asking for, but in the end he did.  So, it looks like we're still likely to end up taking the place (assuming the lawyers can work everything out).
    I really appreciate not just your thoroughness, but the way you took your time to make sure we really understood everything you found, and the great detail you put into your report.
    If Joan and I need a home inspector in the future we know where to go, and we'll definitely be recommending you to friends." – Ryan F., Home Buyer, Syracuse, NY
  • "Thanks so much for working with us. After you left, my client expressed how much he really enjoyed the home inspection.  He complimented you on the detailed explanations in normal, everyday terms and how you truly care about the buyer and the condition of the home that he/she is buying.  He said that the last inspector just ran through the place as fast as possible in order to get paid and move on to the next one.  I really enjoyed working with you too.  I hope that we can work together more often in the future.  I will definitely be calling you for my next buyer's home inspection." - Angela, Real Estate Professional, Syracuse, NY
  • "We've been embroiled in attorney negotiations and contractor estimates since we received your home inspection report, and I'm happy to report that we are satisfied that the home in Syracuse, NY will work for us at the price to which we have agreed with the seller.  I wanted to send a note of thanks, now that we've cleared the inspection process.  Stephanie and I were stunned by the amount of detail in your report, and having compared your findings with the reports my friends and colleagues have received for their own home purchases, it's clear you are truly operating at a highly competent and ethical level.

  • I can assure you that we will keep your contact information for future inspection needs, and pass your name along to our friends and family.  Good luck in your future endeavors, and please don't hesitate to contact me if you ever need a referral." – Sean S., Home Buyer, Syracuse, NY
  • "Thank you, Michael! You did an outstanding job and we really appreciate you taking the extra time to "teach" us things we definitely would not have known if it wasn't for you. If you ever need a reference, please let us know!" – Jennifer C., Home Seller, Syracuse, NY
  • "Michael, you did a great job - more thorough and better than any home inspector I've used before." - Annie, Home Buyer, Syracuse, NY
  • "Thanks, again, for an outstanding home inspection, and for taking the time to explain things to me.  The information you provided was very helpful, and I appreciate the fact that I was able to schedule an appointment with you in such a short notice. Thank you, as well, for the best wishes, and know that I would be glad to refer your services to others." – Ed V., Home Buyer, Syracuse, NY
  • "Thank you again for the thorough inspection! Your document provides us a fantastic education - both on the integrity of the property today - but also what to look for and how to care for the property over the coming years." - Shamik, Home Buyer, Syracuse, NY
  • "Thanks again for your great services!! We especially appreciated the "no-nonsense", candid, and direct (plain-English) manner you ensured we were comfortable with the inspection process and understood fully your findings/evaluations. It is very easy for us to understand why you are considered among the best and most favorite." - Rendell, Home Buyer, Syracuse, NY
  • "Thanks, Michael. You were great -- I'll try to refer people to you every chance I get." - Ted, Real Estate Agent, Syracuse, NY
  • "I just wanted to tell you that the laundry room moisture issue was a bit of a struggle, but the owners finally decided to address the issue themselves and did indeed find a leaking pipe in the building. It is great to know that the source of the moisture was actually identified and that the issue will most likely be resolved before we take possession. We've purchased a few homes over the years, and this is the first time I felt that the inspection was worthwhile. It actually saved us a few bucks, too. Thanks for your diligent work." - Marybeth, Home Buyer, Baldwinsville, NY
  • "It was really great to see you again! Beyond that I want to thank you for being beyond exceptional at your job. Your work makes me look good and I really appreciate that." -Diana, Real Estate Professional, Syracuse, NY


© 2007 Closer Look Home Inspections, Inc. 1238 Tulip St., Liverpool, NY 13090
Ph: 315-415-0742 Fax: 315-635-5494