Elite Contracting Home Inspection Services
Our Services
Home Inspection
Your home property will be inspected to ensure its overall condition and safety. If there are issues that need addressing, I can make the appropriate recommendations for licensed professionals who can advise you on specific maintenance and repairs.
The list of things you can expect to be covered by an inspection report include:
HVAC
Plumbing
Electrical system
Roof
Attic, including visible insulation
Walls
Ceilings
Floors
Windows
Doors
Foundation
Basement
Structural components
Homebuyer’s inspections
A homebuyer’s inspection sometimes referred to as a “general home inspection,” is booked prior to closing on either new or existing home.
Home seller’s inspections (Pre-List)
A general home inspection completed prior to listing or selling a home gives current owners an idea of maintenance items to address.
Mold Inspection/Testing
What is mold?
Molds are a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. They live in moist places such as soil, plants and dead or decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, dead trees and other debris; however, indoors mold growth should be avoided.
The impact of mold your health
For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. For people who are sensitive to molds, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Severe reactions, such as fever or shortness of breath, may occur among people exposed to large amounts of molds.
What if I suspect mold problem?
If you suspect a mold problem in your home, such as a mold/mildew smell, or there are signs of water damages as a result of roof or plumbing leakage, or a damp basement, you should schedule a mold testing.
Prevention
Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can, an air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Be sure the air in your home flows freely. Fix any leaks in your home's roof, walls, or plumbing. Clean up and dry out your home fully and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after a flood.
Termite Inspection
In an average year, termites are responsible for $1 billion to $2 billion in property damage. Most of this damage is not covered by standard homeowner insurance policies. Termite infestations commonly go undetected until obvious signs of damage occur.
Its an essential part of any real estate transaction. Whether you are the buyer or the seller, it is strongly recommended to have the home inspected by certified professionals.
Every property needs a Termite inspection
These wood-destroying insects such as termites, powder post beetles, carpenter bees, wood borers, and carpenter ants can harm the people living in the property and not just the property itself.
Aside from our variety of home inspection services, we also offer Termite Inspection in Atlanta, GA, and the surrounding areas. We give an accurate account of a property’s status regarding the past and present damage and activity of wood-destroying insects and organisms. Hence, we guarantee that property owners can save from greater damage in the future.
We carefully inspect the respective property to determine whether insects have ever infested it or not. Once termites are detected, we seek and suggest the best solution on how to eliminate these pests.
Property owners should choose not to see the cost of termites but rather the cost that they will be spending in the future due to these insects infestation.
Call Keith: (404)748-5377
Roof Inspections
There are a lot of things to know when it comes to maintaining your roof. Aside from basic maintenance, difference in materials, estimated costs of various repairs and/or replacement, and expected longevity, you also need to know the ins and outs of what to expect from a professional roof inspection, especially when it comes to qualifying for certain types of homeowners insurance.
You should know the difference between a roof inspection and a certification. A regular roof inspection is where a professional assesses the current condition of your roof and informs you of any repairs needed or worn-out materials.
A certification, on the other hand, includes all of the above but also provides an official statement regarding your roof’s expected lifespan. Insurance companies often request a roof certification, especially for older homes, to ensure the roof meets their longevity and safety standards. If you're seeking a roof inspection for insurance purposes, it's important to clarify whether the insurance company requires a certification or just a standard inspection.
What Does a Roof Inspection Consist Of?
Roof inspections will include three main components: a structural inspection, a material inspection, and an interior inspection.
1. Structural Inspection
I will examine the overall structure of your roof for signs of sagging, uneven roof planes, and the condition of the gutter system, soffit, and fascia. Any masonry chimneys are also inspected for crumbling grout, chimney cap damage, and cracks.
2. Material Inspection
I will look for issues such as curled, loose, or missing shingles, algae and moss growth, rust, granule loss on shingles, and water damage. I’ll also assess roof flashing, pipe boots, and any signs of wear and tear on these elements.
3. Interior Inspection
Your ceilings and walls are inspected for signs of leaks, water damage, or mold growth. Attics are inspected to check for proper ventilation and to identify any potential water intrusion.
Once the roof inspection is completed, I will provide a detailed report summarizing my findings, including an estimate of the roof's life expectancy.
Roof Inspections for Insurance Claims done by a Roofing Contractor
A standard homeowners insurance policy covers unexpected roof damage.
If your roof was damaged by a covered event, then your home insurance policy should cover the cost of repairing your roof to pre-loss condition.
Roof insurance claims may sound easy. But they can be tricky.
Some policies have strict rules about maintaining your roof. They may have stipulations about the age of your roof. You could receive a much lower compensation based on the depreciated value of your roof.
Here’s how a typical roof damage insurance claim works:
A windstorm or hail storm hits your area. You check your roof and find significant damage.
Secure the scene. Call Keith at 404-748-5377 to tarp any openings in the roof.
Contact your insurer’s 24/7 claims hotline to initiate the claim.
The insurer sends an adjuster to your location. Insurance company’s adjuster assesses the scene, authorizes emergency funds (if necessary), and recommends next steps. For severe damage, adjuster may recommend hiring a roofing company to secure the scene and limit further damage.
Insurance company processes your roof damage insurance claim. The insurer compensates you according to the terms of your policy. Upon approval, the contractor completes repairs, restoring your roof to pre-loss condition.
Many roof damage insurance claims lead to disputes.
Some disputes are linked to the cost of repairing the damage.
Your insurance company’s adjuster could argue they’re only required to provide you with $5,000 in repair costs, for example. A Roofing contractor (Keith), on the other hand, could determine otherwise. They could argue all of the damage to the roof occurred during the latest hailstorm, and that the roof needs $20,000 in repair and replacement costs.
Your insurance company could argue your roof had pre-existing damage, from a previous storm. They’re not required to cover this damage because you didn’t make an insurance claim at the time.
Insurance company could say you failed to take adequate steps to protect your property by leaving a dead tree standing in your backyard. That dead tree fell on your roof and damaged it during the latest storm, and your insurer argues they’re not required to cover this damage because you failed to maintain your property.
I can assist you with your dispute by providing a detailed Roof Inspection Report, roof will be marked with chalk to identify all the damage. I can secure the roof with tarp(s), if needed.
Radon Testing
What is Radon?
Radon is an odorless and invisible radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soil, and water. Radon can get trapped inside homes and buildings, and build up in the air. Over time, breathing in high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. All outdoor and indoor air has some radon in it.
Where it's found
All outdoor and indoor air has some radon in it. Some building materials also can release low levels of radon.
Radon can build up in the air in any home or building whether it has a basement, is sealed or drafty, or is new or old. There is no known safe level of radon. You should always aim to have the lowest level.
How Does Radon Enter Your Home?
Radon gas can seep through cracks and other holes in the foundation, pores in concrete, and gaps in walls and floors. Common ways for radon to enter your home are as follows:
Cracks in the floors
Cracks and holes in your foundation
Construction joints
Gaps in suspended floors
Service pipes gaps
Cavities inside walls
Water supply
Health Impacts
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States after cigarette smoke. The EPA and Surgeon General's office estimate radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.
When you breathe in radon, radioactive particles from the decay of radon gas can get trapped in your lungs. It takes many years for lung cancer to develop. Most people don't have symptoms until lung cancer is advanced and at that point it is harder to treat. For these reasons, it is important to take steps to reduce radon exposure throughout your life to help prevent lung cancer.
Radon Testing
Testing Is Easy!
Testing for radon is easy, takes very little time and is necessary to protect you and your loved ones.
Call Keith: (404)748-5377
Thermal Imaging
When environmental and other conditions are favorable, a thermal imaging camera may be used as a diagnostic tool during a building inspection. Infrared thermography is a powerful, non-invasive technology that aids a trained inspector in diagnosing the condition of a building. An infrared camera can identify thermal patterns that are often associated with moisture intrusion. Abnormal heat patterns can also indicate improperly functioning electrical components or energy loss due to missing or damaged insulation. A full infrared survey of a building is available as well.
1 Year Builders Warranty Inspection
Your Builder’s Warranty for your new home is about to expire. Just because your house is new doesn’t mean you don’t need a 1-Year Builder’s Warranty Inspection by a Professional Atlanta, GA Home Inspector!
So, make sure to schedule an appointment with us while your builder is still responsible. Unfortunately, most builders don’t remind you before your warranty expires. Don’t make the mistake of not getting this inspection done.
New construction homes typically come with a “1-Year Builder’s Warranty”. Some items listed under this warranty may or may not be visible to the inexperienced eye. Some of the more common things are revealed during this type of inspection and may include:
Improper drainage around the foundation
Improperly installed roof covering and flashing details
Water intrusion problems
Plumbing leaks
Improper wiring
Many of these issues can be resolved if corrected promptly. However, if left unresolved and undetected, they may turn into expensive repairs for you, the homeowner.
Emergency Tree Removal Contractor
Emergency Tree Removal
Trees are beautiful and useful additions to any garden or yard. It can be difficult to part with them, but sometimes it is best to remove the tree before disaster strikes. Dead, dying, and precarious trees should be removed lest they cause extensive damage and harm to nearby property and pedestrians.
The Risks of Weakened Trees
Trees are generally sturdy structures that can live tens or even hundreds of years. However, they can come crashing down in an instant if they are diseased, decayed, or damaged. A weakened tree can come crashing down on cars, roofs, fences, utility lines, or pedestrians. Because the tree is on your property, you will be liable for the damages. Insurance policies may not cover damages if it was preventable. We recommend that you have periodic tree inspections, so that you do not have to schedule an emergency tree removal.
Steps to take after a tree falls on your house:
Evacuate immediately. Assess the damage.
Check for downed power lines.
Call a tree care or arborist service.
Contact your insurance company.
Arrange for tree removal. Call Keith 404-748-5377
If a neighbor's tree falls on your property, you may be responsible for removing it, especially if there's no damage to your home. Insurers may limit what they'll pay for tree removal, and if the tree caused no damage, you'll have to pay for removal yourself.
Call Keith: (404)748-5377
What to do if a tree falls on your house?
EVACUATE - Take your pets
ASSESS THE DAMAGE - Take photos for insurance company
DOWNED POWER LINE? - Call 911
CALL INSURANCE COMPANY - Report damage - Generate Claim Number
CALL KEITH - (404)748-5377 (24 HOURS)
I can stabilize the structure to mitigate further damage, cover open areas with tarp(s) and can assist you in securing the building.
Call Keith: (404)748-5377
One of my Projects
This is a project I completed from the tree falling on the house. Removing the tree off the house. Rebuilding the damaged structure of the house. Re-roofing the house. Repairing the damaged shingles on the side. Replacing/repairing the damaged sheet rock inside the house. I submit Inspection Reports to the insurance carrier and got this entire project covered by the insurance.
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