HouseMaster Home Inspections of South Bend and Elkhart
4.91495 stars - based on 437 reviews
574-307-8982

HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTIONS

SERVING SOUTH BEND AND ELKHART

YOUR LOCAL HOUSEMASTER TEAM

Trust the tens of thousands of homeowners, just like you, that have given us nothing but 4 and 5-star reviews. HouseMaster inspectors are comprehensively trained and tested annually to meet the industry standards of inspection, reporting, and customer service. We consistently deliver the best home inspection experience possible. It’s easy to see why our customers and the professionals that represent them trust HouseMaster. Proudly serving the people of South Bend, Elkhart, Notre Dame, Mishawaka, Bristol and their neighboring communities.

INSPECTION SERVICES

ROOFING
EXTERIOR ELEMENTS
INTERIOR ELEMENTS
FOUNDATION AND SUBSTRUCTURE
KITCHEN
HEATING SYSTEM
COOLING SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL
PLUMBING
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!

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

RADON SCREENING
WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS
WATER TESTING
SEPTIC/PRIVATE WASTE
LEAD PAINT SCREENING
MOLD SCREENING
EIFS WATER INTRUSION INSPECTION
NEW CONSTRUCTION
COMMERCIAL /MULTIPLE DWELLING PROPERTY
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
ASBESTOS TESTING
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.

WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS

A Termite Inspection (also referred to as a Wood Destroying Inspection or Wood Destroying Organism Inspection) includes a visual examination of the readily accessible areas of the home for evidence of wood-destroying insect activity such as termites, or carpenter ants or the visible damage caused by infestations.

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.

SEPTIC/PRIVATE WASTE

What we inspect: water flow of the interior drain system and the surface area over the concealed drainage field, observing for any surface bleed out. Determine whether the water flows freely into the system from the house and readily apparent defects. Does not include inspection of buried or concealed components, soil testing, excavation of system components or opening or pumping of the tank.

LEAD PAINT SCREENING

Screening includes: Sample paint on surfaces inside and/or outside of the home following recognized protocol, certified lab analysis. Not intended to determine whether lead is a hazard; rather it determines whether sampled surfaces contain lead-based paint. Sampling can include bulk sampling or use of x-ray fluorescence equipment.

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.

EIFS WATER INTRUSION INSPECTION

EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System, also known as Synthetic Stucco) includes: a visual inspection of exterior areas and testing of one or more exterior walls to determine the type siding material, its condition, evidence of installation deficiencies, and where warranted, limited water intrusion testing using moisture meters and/or other devices.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Inspections include: draw inspection (verification of installed elements for lender release of funds); phase inspections (conducted at several stages of the construction process); and inspections of new homes ready for occupancy and assessment of the condition of installed components to supplement code compliance inspection provided by local authorities.

COMMERCIAL /MULTIPLE DWELLING PROPERTY

Inspections include: inspection of the visible and readily accessible areas of the roof, structure, mechanical and electric components of the public areas of a building, as well as all or representative individual dwelling or office/store units, as requested by the client.

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. 

ASBESTOS TESTING

Sampling of suspected asbestos containing material can be done and analyzed by an approved laboratory. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment is made up of long, thin fibers that look similar to fiberglass. Found in many manufactured products prior to the mid-1980 such as pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, paints, caulking, fire resistant clothing and brake pads. Exposure to asbestos in the form of fibers is always considered dangerous. Working with, or exposure to, material that is friable (damaged), or materials that could cause a release of loose asbestos fibers, is considered high risk.