Residential Services
Standard Home Inspection
Criterium Engineers Standard Home Inspection is a limited visual inspection
consistent with the standards of practice of the National Academy of Building
Inspection Engineers (NABIE), designed to identify significant deficiencies and/or repairs needed in the major systems of a home (structural, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, roof, exterior) and to provide a general understanding of the property's current condition.
We look at the following areas during our Standard Home Inspection:
 Structure
Wood-Destroying Insect Activity
Basement Water
Ventilation
Heating & Cooling Energy Efficiency
Plumbing
Electrical |
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Interior
Exterior
Roofing
Life and Fire Safety
Pool and Spa
Environmental |
We write our home inspection reports in plain English that our clients find easy to follow. The most popular feature of a Criterium report is our Home Maintenance Plan, which provides home owners with useful information about their home's expected condition for the next ten years.
 Exhaustive Home Inspection
This includes a standard inspection plus invasive testing and/or equipment disassembly (as approved in advance by you and the property owner). The purpose is to gather all available and relevant information about the property. This more extensive inspection goes beyond the available visible evidence and provides an even more thorough analysis.
Structural Inspection
This includes an inspection and evaluation of the structural components of the home, including probing with an awl, measuring framing members, and limited excavation around the foundation. The determination of squareness, levelness, and plumbness may be included in such an evaluation. Unless otherwise recommended or designated in writing, no soils investigation or invasive testing is included. Further, no inspection or evaluation of any other systems, such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or interiors, is included.
Roof Inspection
It includes an on-site evaluation of the home's roof system including surface, framing, penetrations, appurtenances, and structural support, performed by either going directly on the roof or with binoculars when the roof is not accessible.
Trouble Shooting and Diagnostics
These are assignments to diagnose specific problems; why is something happening and what should be done to correct it. Inspections are objective, free of any interest in the methods used or construction costs to correct the problem. The results are practical. Criterium Engineers will tell you when a perceived problem is something that is typical or when repairs are needed.
Repair Design
It includes an engineering design to repair structural deficiencies in the foundation or framing. A design, signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer, is usually required before repairs can be made.
New Construction Inspection
It includes an on-site evaluation of a newly constructed home. Similar to a pre-purchase inspection, a new construction inspection may include a list of defects to be corrected by the builder prior to occupancy or ownership.
Progress Inspections
They include regular inspections during the construction of your new home. Inspections set at predetermined stages of construction are the best way to ensure quality throughout the construction process.
Reserve Studies
Condominium associations and other Common Interest Realty Groups will appreciate Criterium Engineers comprehensive approach to reserve studies. The Criterium Engineers Reserve Study combines an engineering review of building components with a financial analysis to determine what must be set aside on a periodic basis in a capital reserve fund. In our analysis, we employ software developed exclusively for Criterium Engineers by KPMG Peat Marwick. We also perform transition studies and provide related consulting services. If your property has known problems, or if we uncover them, we are available locally to develop repair designs, bid packages, and manage construction.
Click here for more about reserve studies and community association services.
Insurance Claims Inspection
This is an on-site evaluation of damage to a home due to conditions that may be covered by insurance (such as storms or fires). The report often states the probable cause of the damage, the severity of the damage, and any recommendations for its cure.
Many of our offices are also licensed to offer:
Asbestos Testing
Lead Paint Testing
Radon Air and Water Testing |
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Pest and/or Termite Inspections
Septic Inspections
Pool/Spa Inspections |
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