Here at Arch Inspections, we specialize in inspecting unique homes.

As licensed architects and home inspectors, we can provide you with a visual inspection of the home to find items that are not performing correctly or to see if there is a better way to address them. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found we can include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend a possible solution.

Here is a list of questions we have encountered during our Unique Home Inspections.

I am buying a home that is not typical. Will a home inspector be able to address the home’s uniqueness?

Most home inspectors will be able to address a typical home. However, often times they will refer to additional investigations by a licensed professional (architect, structural engineer or others.) Arch Inspections will provide you with our own professional opinion as licensed architects.

Can my home’s unique layout be fixed?

Possibly. It really depends on a number of factors, such as budget, structure, and timing. Arch Inspections welcomes the opportunity to discuss this with you.

Is my home’s unique feature going to hurt my home’s resale value?

It depends. Some home buyers may see the home’s uniqueness as a valuable asset. Others may not. Having a conversation with Arch Inspections can get you started on the right path to answering this question.

Once your inspection is performed, do not wait on the agent to assist you. Review the inspection and make a list of items you think the seller should address and present them to the agent in a timely manner.

What does a unique home inspection include?

A unique home inspection will review the condition of the home’s uniqueness, and if requested the home’s:

• heating system
• central air conditioning system (temperature permitting)
• plumbing systems
• electrical systems
• roof,
• walls
• ceilings
• floors
• windows
• doors
• foundation
• and other visible components.

Arch Inspections can also offer additional services not included in a typical home inspections, such as mold testing, radon testing, oil tank property surveys, water testing, thermal imagery and heat/air loss inspections typically known as energy audits, without the diagnostics.

What should I NOT expect from a unique home inspection?

• A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air conditioners and heat systems can and will break down. A home inspection attempts to reveal the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. For protection from future failure you may want to consider a home warranty.
• A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.
• A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks “Safety” not “Code” when performing a home inspection.

Why is a unique home inspection important?

Emotion often affects the seller buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their home. A buyer of a unique home should also have a home inspection completed to find out all the possible problems with the home before purchasing it.