5 stars -
based on 22 reviews
703-662-5106
- Home Inspection
SERVING ALEXANDRIA, OLD TOWN AND MT. VERNON
HouseMaster serving Alexandria knows what it takes to deliver quality service. As part of the oldest and most trusted nationwide home inspection company, we’ve been doing just that since 1979. We provide you with thorough inspections and accurate information, to give you the peace of mind to make an informed decision regarding your new home. HouseMaster inspectors are comprehensively trained and tested annually to meet the industry standards of inspection, reporting, and customer service. Thermography to detect latent water problems, along with roof inspections using robot technology in the DC area restricted airspace, are included as part of our basic inspection. It’s easy to see why HouseMaster customers and the real estate professionals would recommend HouseMaster to their friends and family. Proudly serving the people of Alexandria, Annadale, Old Town, Mt. Vernon, and Surrounding Suburbs.
ROOFING
What we inspect: Visible roof covering materials, (shingles), flashings at roof penetrations and valleys, skylights, chimneys, gutters and downspouts. We assess the condition of these elements for proper function; looking for evidence of leakage or worn, damaged, or missing components. Watch us in action!
EXTERIOR ELEMENTS
Here is what we inspect: Visible siding and trim, windows, doors, garages, porches, decks, stairs, and railings. We assess the elements for proper construction and function; looking for damage, missing components or other conditions that might lead to infiltration or functional concerns. Watch us in action!
INTERIOR ELEMENTS
What we inspect: visible areas of all walls, ceilings, stairways, representative windows and doors, and attic areas for signs of leakage and damage, sagging or other structural concerns. Windows will be operated to determine function. In accessible attics, besides assessing structural components, we will note insulation and ventilation conditions. Watch us in action!
FOUNDATION AND SUBSTRUCTURE
What we inspect: Visible load-bearing framing components, foundation walls, slabs, piers and columns and major structural components. Visible, accessible structural components will be assessed for function and presence of damage, decay or defects. We look for water penetration at below grade areas. Watch us in action!
KITCHEN
What we inspect: Plumbing fixtures and built-in appliances. We check plumbing fixtures looking for water pressure or drainage issues and visible signs of leaks. We check basic operational modes of the appliances and ventilators and look at cabinets and countertops for significant deficiencies. Watch us in action!
HEATING SYSTEM
What we inspect: Visible components of the central AC or heat pump system including condensers and air handlers, and the distribution ductwork. We operate the system to assess function and condition of the accessible indoor/ outdoor components. The distribution system will also be assessed. Watch us in action!
COOLING SYSTEM
What we inspect: Visible components of the central AC or heat pump system including condensers and air handlers, and the distribution ductwork. We operate the system to assess function and condition of the accessible indoor/ outdoor components. The distribution system will also be assessed. Watch us in action!
ELECTRICAL
What we inspect: Visible service panels components and household wiring and devices. We assess the condition of readily accessible panel components, note the presence of GFCIs, AFCIs, smoke alarms and check the operation of representative outlets, switches, fixtures and other devices. Watch us in action!
PLUMBING
What we inspect: Visible water supply piping, distribution piping, waste system piping, water heaters and plumbing fixtures. Also includes inspection of the physical condition of piping, kitchen and bathroom fixtures; tubs, showers, toilets, and operation to assess flow, drainage and leakage. Water heating components will also be assessed. Watch us in action!
RADON SCREENING
A short-term test is performed to determine the possible presence of elevated levels of radon gas pursuant to local regulations or practices for real estate transactions. Radon is an odorless, colorless and radioactive byproduct of natural soil decay known to increase the risk of cancer in those exposed.
WATER TESTING
Water testing services include taking a water sample following accepted protocols with analysis of samples performed by a certified lab. General options include a basic water Potability test for Coliform (bacteria) and other elements such as Nitrate/Nitrite, Hardness, Acidity (pH). Expanded testing options may include volatile organic compounds (fuels), heavy metals (lead, etc.) or other elements required or recommended by local authorities or common practice such as when a property is located in close proximity to agricultural land, mining, dry cleaning establishments, gas stations, industrial facilities, landfills, or other known or suspected local hazards exist.
PRIVATE WATER
A private on-site water supply (well) system inspection involves an inspection of visible interior pumps, piping, pressure and/or storage tanks and an assessment of the water flow (volume/pressure) from representative fixtures based on a representative water draw from plumbing fixtures. A well inspection does not include inspection of any buried or concealed components, determination of the water supply/source adequacy (yield or well capacity) or water quality.
MOLD SCREENING
Screening includes: air and/or surface (bulk) sampling to determine presence of elevated levels of mold spores or verify presence of a mold growth. Includes one air sample in one interior area and one outdoor control sample, with surface sampling of random or requested suspect mold growths. Processed by a qualified lab to determine results.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
This inspection involves: a review of the condition of the exterior and interior components of a home and the systems. Includes review of the roof, flashings, insulation issues, heating and air conditioning units, grading, the proper function of appliances and plumbing, electric components, smoke alarms for deferred maintenance and recommended action.
THERMAL IMAGING
Thermal imaging services make use of an infrared imaging camera that can detect the thermal energy (heat) emitted from an object. Thermal imaging measurements indicate temperature differentials that may help diagnose a myriad of potential concerns in a home or building such as heat loss or gain and waste leakage.
DRONE INSPECTIONS
An increasing number of home inspectors are using, or considering the use of a drone (technically a small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)) in conjunction with their home inspections, and possibly other type services. Having the option to use a drone for inspection of an otherwise inaccessible roofs might be the most obvious benefit, but there are other elements such as high chimneys, siding, windows, and eave areas where the use of a drone might prove helpful.
