The Test You Want to Take

You did it.  The sellers agreed to your offer.  You have a signed contract.  Now, your real estate agent says you need a home inspection, but what about a radon test?

While radon testing is optional, I highly recommend this valuable analysis for two reasons. 

  • First, radon is a toxic gas with potentially adverse health consequences.   Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. (https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon). 

While buying a new home involves many decisions, opting for a radon test is an easy decision.  Knowing those levels may be something you want to negotiate with the seller before you sign the final papers.  Knowing those levels can also keep you and your family safer.

Order your radon test now.

-  Randy Hansen, owner and president, is a Virginia licensed home inspector and has been a licensed contractor for over 15 years.  Owning Cornerstone Construction of Augusta since 2005, Randy has countless hours of experience in supervising and managing home remodeling, building, and estimating.  He’s worked closely with homeowners, realtors, and investors throughout his career. 

Five Critical Tips to Make Your Home Inspection Count

Home inspections are valuable tools, but to get the most out of the service, you will want to remember these five important tips.

  1. Be There
    While it may not be necessary to attend the entire home inspection, I tell clients to consider attending the last hour or so.  This is a good time for the inspector to review the findings one-on-one and point out any defects or problems in person.  
     
  2. Ask Questions
    If something isn’t clear or doesn’t make sense, ask.  Sometimes home inspectors fall into industry talk making explanations confusing.  While a good home inspector is a teacher, patiently breaking down issues into understandable components, “shop-talk” can happen to the best of us.  So, if something is confusing, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
     
  3. Use Someone Who’s Actually Done the Work
    The requirements to be a licensed home inspector in Virginia are extensive, but nothing replaces the knowledge of someone who has done the work.  Knowing how things fit together, how they should work, and how normal wear and tear should look, is something that comes with years of experience.  If possible, hire a home inspector who has a background in home construction and remodeling.
     
  4. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
    Make sure your home inspector uses pictures!  A home inspection report with pictures is very valuable not only for the client but for everyone in a real estate transaction.  The pictures clearly illuminate what deficiencies need attention and remove the ambiguity of a solely written report.   
     
  5. Make Sure the House is Ready
    Nothing is worse than paying for a home inspection on a house that isn’t ready.  To get the most of out a home inspection, make sure the owners have the electricity and water turned on. Make sure outlets, windows, panel boxes, and crawl spaces are accessible. And finally, make sure the home inspector can access the inside of the property with an access code or key.

    -  Randy Hansen, owner and president, is a Virginia licensed home inspector and has been a licensed contractor for over 15 years.  Owning Cornerstone Construction of Augusta since 2005, Randy has countless hours of experience in supervising and managing home remodeling, building, and estimating.  He’s worked closely with homeowners, realtors, and investors throughout his career. 

Starting an Old, New Chapter

I'm starting an old, new chapter.  How can it be old and yet new?  Well, I've been in construction for almost 15 years.  I've done the hammering, the estimating, the customer service, and more.  I've done more framing and tile installation than I could shake a stick at.  So, knowing home construction?  That's the old part.  

The new part is home inspecting.  After many years of the body-crushing job of contracting, I became interested in this industry.  It seemed like a great way to utilize my knowledge, give my back a break, and help individuals make wise home choices. I took the required course and completed the supervised inspections to become licensed.  

Now, as I embark on this old, new journey, I'm truly excited to help people by using my years of experience.  I love using my knowledge to help people buy the right tool, the right part, and now, the right house.  

Here's to the new journey,

Randy