A home can be one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, especially now with rising home values. But before crossing the threshold on closing day, a crucial part required by most lenders is a home inspection.
Darren Herman, the owner of Voyager Team, the local Pillar To Post home inspector, said he and his team will check the interior and exterior of the home and provide a written report with their findings.
“How it works is a prospective home buyer will make an offer contingent on a home inspection, that’s where I would come in,” said Herman. He pointed out that a typical home inspection is not a pass or fail scenario.
“It’s just to point out the items that are in need of some attention. Most of the time it’s very minimal. There probably is no perfect home out there. Every problem has a solution,” he stressed.
Some of the tools of the trade include an infrared camera, a moisture meter and a 360 degree camera tour on every inspection. A home inspector will look for an exterior examination of the roof, a roof’s age is very important to consider as older roofs may require replacement sooner. Inspectors also check the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are clear of debris and functioning correctly to prevent water damage to the home’s exterior and foundation.
Next come the major household appliances inside the home, like hot water heaters and furnaces, then the electrical panel to ensure there are no major defects. The inspector will check the pipes as well as the sewage system for leaks, ruptures or backups. They check the condition of windows and doors, looking for drafts or broken seals. Herman said that proper sealing is important for energy efficiency and preventing future issues such as mold or wood rot. Inspectors may also check the functionality of locks and hardware for security purposes.
Inspectors like Herman also check attics, basements and crawl spaces to ensure insulation is sufficient and properly installed.
Herman, originally born and raised in Wendell, said the company will be offering comprehensive home inspection services across a vast territory that includes Battle Lake, Fergus Falls, Alexandria, Detroit Lakes and the Fargo/Moorhead area.
“During the housing boom that followed the COVID outbreak, many people rushed into buying new homes,” explained Herman. “They wanted more space since they thought they might be homebound indefinitely, or they wanted to move to a city without strict restrictions. For whatever reason, many buyers were in competition for the same homes as demand rose. Many overpaid and waived important contingencies like the home inspection. Many now have buyer’s remorse due to lack of an inspection. We’re here to say don’t ever forgo one and our Ultimate Home Inspection package uses innovative technology that is a dream for every homeowner.”
For more information about The Voyager Team and their services, visit their website at voyagerteam.pillartopost.com or call (218) 864-7100.