Home and Building Inspection Basics

<body><p style="text-align: center"><img border="0" src="_derived/brochure.html_txt_insight.gif" width="550" height="453" alt="Insight and understanding that only an Engineer can provide"></p><div align="center"><table border="0" cellpadding="4" width="550" style="border-collapse: collapse"><tr><td><p class="toptext">Insight and understanding that only a Licensed Engineer can provide<br>Over 80,000 inspections performed since 1968<br><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">WriteDate();</script> </p></td></tr></table></div><hr /><h2>The Heimer® Rating gives you the extra edge!</h2><p>Heimer® Engineering is a professional home and building inspection company.  The company has been in business for over 35 years and has performed over 80,000 inspections.  With a large staff of experienced <a href="../pe/index.html">Licensed Professional Engineers</a> and support personnel, your home, building, condominium, or cooperative inspection needs can be quickly and efficiently accommodated.  Call <b>800.640.8090</b> or <a href="../go/index.html">use the online form 24/7 for more information</a>.</p><p><img src="../images/houses/colonial-home-3.gif" alt="Home Inspections and Building Inspections" align="right" width="246" height="297" />The purchase of a home, building, condominium, or cooperative is a major investment.  A thorough evaluation and <a href="../information/narrative_reports.html">narrative engineering reports</a> give you the advantage in making an intelligent purchase decision.  The included <a href="../information/written_cost_estimates.html">written cost analysis</a> helps you understand the expenses of owning the home or building, and can be helpful in negotiating the sale price.  Whether it is the purchase of a small home or a large building, Heimer Engineering will conduct an in-depth engineering investigation.</p><p>The State of New York, in their online brochure “<span class="roman">What You Should Know About Professional Engineers and Their Services</span><span class="size2"><sup>1</sup></span>”, states one of the reasons that you should use a <a href="../pe/index.html">Licensed Professional Engineer</a> is to  “<span class="roman">evaluate the structural integrity, electrical, and/or mechanical systems of a house prior to purchase or renovation;</span>”.  The State of New York has laws in place to make sure the general public is protected when it comes to selecting engineering services.</p><p class="size2"><sup>1</sup><a href="../frameset/offsite.asp?url=http://www.op.nysed.gov/profengb.htm">http://www.op.nysed.gov/profengb.htm</a></p><p>You can verify online that you are really hiring a <a href="../pe/index.html">Licensed Professional Engineer</a>.  <a href="../pe/verify_license.html">Click here for more information on online license verification</a>.  Heimer Engineering's Engineers are licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and are members of the <a href="../frameset/offsite.asp?url=http://www.nabie.org/">National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE®)</a>.<br clear="all" /> </p><hr /><h2>Pre-Purchase Inspections</h2><h3 style="text-align: center">Performed by Licensed Professional Engineers</h3><p align="left"><img src="../images/houses/colonial-home-4.gif" alt="When buying a home, a Heimer inspection is your best protection!" align="right" width="256" height="228" />People choose to buy real estate based on factors including location, layout, value, etc.  Few people make a purchase decision based only on condition.  It is easy to say <i>“I’ll fix that,” </i>or <i>“All this house needs is a little work.”</i></p><p>There was a time when real estate was newer and less expensive.  Real Estate was often purchased without much concern about whether the building had major problems.  If one was unlucky enough to get a building with significant problems, they suffered.</p><p>Today, buildings are older and expensive.  There are many concerns that were not even issues a few years back.  Having a pre-purchase inspection performed by an Engineer who provides a written cost analysis has become essential.<br clear="all" /></p><hr /><h2>Written Cost Analysis</h2><p>It is of little use to know that a problem or defect exists unless you also know what it is going to cost you to correct the problem.  A <a href="../information/written_cost_estimates.html">written cost analysis</a> is useful for planning and for negotiating adjustments to the sale price.  The <a href="../information/narrative_reports.html">engineering report</a> prepared by Heimer Engineering includes a <a href="../information/written_cost_estimates.html">written cost analysis</a>.  Look at the sample <a href="../information/narrative_reports.html">engineering report</a> below:</p><p style="text-align: center"><iframe name="I1" src="../files/sample_report.html" width="760" height="500" marginwidth="6" marginheight="6" title="Quick List of What We Do" target="_top">Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. </iframe></p><hr /><h2>During the inspections, areas examined include:</h2><div align="center"><table border="0" id="table1"><tr><td width="50%" style="text-align: left"><ul><li>Structure</li><li>Termites</li><li>Plumbing</li><li>Hot Water</li><li>Roof Problems</li><li>Attic</li><li>Heating System</li><li>Electrical System</li><li>Basement Water</li><li>Water Penetration</li><li>Appliances</li><li>Wiring</li><li>Windows</li><li>Doors</li><li>Outlets</li><li>Foundation</li></ul></td><td width="50%" style="text-align: left"><ul><li>Water Pressure</li><li>Structural Soundness</li><li>HVAC</li><li>Siding</li><li>Grading</li><li>Decking</li><li>Paths</li><li>Walls</li><li>Ceilings</li><li>Floors</li><li>Fencing</li><li>Leaders and Gutters</li><li>Driveway</li><li>Sidewalks</li><li>Stairs</li><li>More…</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td width="100%" style="text-align: left" colspan="2"><font size="1">This is an example list.  The actual areas examined depends on the home or building.</font></td></tr></table></div><hr><h2>Call for an Inspection Today!</h2><p><img src="../images/skyline-3.gif" alt="Heimer Engineering has offices throughout New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Our Licensed Professional Engineers perform inspections seven days a week." align="right" width="357" height="107" />Heimer® Engineering has offices throughout New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.  <a href="../pe/index.html">Licensed Professional Engineers</a> perform inspections seven days a week.  The offices are staffed Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and messages can be left at other times.  Call <b>800.640.8090</b> or <a href="../go/index.html">use the online form 24/7 for more information</a>.</p><p>Heimer® Engineering serves all of New York City and Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam Counties, Northern New Jersey*, and southwestern Connecticut.  <b>The reports can be emailed at no extra charge.</b></p><h2>Call 800.640.8090<br />to set up an appointment<br />with a Licensed Professional Engineer!<br /> </h2><p><font size="2">*Limited services available in New Jersey.</font></p><hr><table width="550" cellpadding="4" class="navigation-table" align="center"><tr><td colspan="4" class="center"><a style="text-decoration: none" name="NextTopic"> </a><span class="navigation-table-header"><br>Home and Building Inspections<br><span class="xsmall"><span style="font-weight: 400">(click on a link below)</span></span></span></td></tr><tr><td class="navbar-title" colspan="4" style="width: 25%; height: 34px"><br>Structure</td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/structure.html">  Structure</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/foundations.html">  Foundations</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/water_in_the_basement.html">  Basement Water </a></td><td class="navbar"> </td></tr><tr><td class="navbar-title" colspan="4"><br>Utilities and Appliances</td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/electric_service.html">  Electric Service</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/aluminum_wiring.html">  Aluminum Wiring</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/heating_system.html">  Heating Systems</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/hot_water.html">  Hot Water</a></td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/air_conditioning.html">  Air Conditioning</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/plumbing.html">  Plumbing</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/appliances.html">  Appliances</a></td><td class="navbar"> </td></tr><tr><td class="navbar-title" colspan="4"><br>Insects and Rot</td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" id="T21" href="../information/termites.html">  Termites</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/termite_inspection_free.html">  “Free” Inspections</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/carpenter_ants.html">  Carpenter Ants</a></td><td><a class="navbar" href="../information/rotted_wood.html">  Rotted Wood</a></td></tr><tr><td class="navbar-title" colspan="4"><br>Building Codes and Construction</td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/building_codes.html">  Building Codes</a></td><td><a class="navbar" href="../information/new_construction.html">  New Construction</a></td><td class="navbar"> </td><td class="navbar"> </td></tr><tr><td colspan="4" class="navbar-title"><br>Inside and Outside</td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/roof.html">  Roof</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/leaders_and_gutters.html">  Leaders & Gutters</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/siding.html">  Siding</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/trim.html">  Trim</a></td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../environment/index.html">  Environment</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/windows_and_doors.html">  Windows & Doors</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/interior.html">  Inside the Home</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/outside.html">  Outside the Home</a></td></tr><tr><td class="navbar-title" colspan="4"><br>Home and Building Inspections</td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../photographs/index.html">  Inspection Photos</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/home_and_building_inspections.html">  Homes & Buildings</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/condo_and_coop_inspections.html">  Condos & Coops</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../index.html">  Home Page</a></td></tr><tr><td class="navbar-title" colspan="4"><br>Home Inspection Reports</td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="sample_report.html">  Sample Report</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/narrative_reports.html">  Narrative Reports</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/written_cost_estimates.html">  Cost Analysis</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../information/heimer_rating.html">  Heimer<sup>®</sup> Rating</a></td></tr><tr><td class="navbar-title" colspan="4"><br>Licensed Professional Engineers</td></tr><tr><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../pe/index.html">  Licensed Engineers</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../pe/consultations.html">  Consultations</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="../pe/expert_witness.html">  Expert Witness</a></td><td class="navbar"><a class="navbar" href="site_map.html">  Site Map</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4" class="navbar"></td></tr></table><hr><p></p><div align="center"><p style="margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 18px"><font size="4">Call <b>800.640.8090</b>, or <a href="../go/index.html" target="_top">click here to contact Heimer Engineering 24/7</a>.</font></p><hr><address class="bottomtext"> </address><table border="0" style="padding-bottom: 34px" width="550"><tr><td style="text-align: center" width="33%"><a class="navbartop" href="../search/index.html" target="_top">Can't Find It?</a></td><td style="text-align: center" width="33%"><a class="navbartop" href="../go/index.html" target="_top">Looking for more info?</a></td><td style="text-align: center" width="33%"><a class="navbartop" href="../index.html" target="_top">Not sure where to go?</a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: center" width="33%"><a href="../search/index.html" target="_top"><img border="0" src="../images/search.gif" width="102" height="87" alt="Search for information on Home, Building, Condo, and Coop Inspections, and other Professional Engineering Services."></a></td><td style="text-align: center" width="33%"><a href="../go/index.html" target="_top"><img border="0" src="../images/animated/question_info.gif" width="100" height="100" alt="Request inspection information 24/7."></a></td><td style="text-align: center" width="33%"><a href="../index.html" target="_top"><img border="0" src="../images/home_page.gif" width="64" height="64" align="center" alt="Home Page"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: center" width="33%"><a class="navbartop" href="../search/index.html" target="_top">Search This Web Site</a></td><td style="text-align: center" width="33%"><a class="navbartop" href="../go/index.html" target="_top">Contact Us 24/7</a></td><td style="text-align: center" width="33%"><a class="navbartop" href="../index.html" target="_top">Home Page</a></td></tr></table></div><p class="bottomtext" style="text-align: center"><a class="navbartop" target="_top" href="../index.html"> Home Page</a> <span class="navbardot">●</span> <a class="navbartop" target="_top" href="../environment/index.html"> Environmental Topics</a> <span class="navbardot">●</span> <a class="navbartop" target="_top" href="../information/index.html#NextTopic"> Inspection Topics</a> <span class="navbardot">●</span> <a class="navbartop" target="_top" href="../photographs/index.html#Photos"> Inspection Photographs</a><br><a class="navbartop" target="_top" href="sample_report.html"> Sample Report</a> <span class="navbardot">●</span><a class="navbartop" target="_top" href="employment.html"> Employment Opportunities</a> <span class="navbardot">●</span> <a class="navbartop" target="_top" href="comparison.html">Choose Wisely</a> <span class="navbardot">●</span> <a class="navbartop" target="_top" href="basics.html"> Inspection Basics</a> <span class="navbardot">●</span> <a class="navbartop" target="_top" href="../go/index.html"> Contact Us 24/7</a></p><hr><h3 style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 0; font-size: 11pt;">Heimer Engineering Locations:</h3><address class="bottomtext">2810 Olinville Avenue, Bronx, New York 10467-7106  (718.547.2000)<br>16 Court Street, Brooklyn, New York 11241-0102  (718.237.7777)<br>2171 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, New York  11725-2947  (631.858.5500)<br>71-34 Austin Street, Forest Hills, New York 11375-4721  (718.544.3000)<br>620 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, New York 11023-1217  (516.487.2100)<br>459 Main Street, New Rochelle, New York 10801-6418  (914.576.6100)<br>Seven Penn Plaza, New York, New York 10001-3900  (212.563.4777)<br>888 Huguenot Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10312-3920  (718.227.5000)<br>48E Main Street, Westhampton Beach, New York 11978-2632  (631.288.3900)</address><p class="bottom">This web site is best viewed with <a href="../frameset/offsite.asp?url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.htm" target="_top">Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 7.0</a> or <a href="../frameset/offsite.asp?url=http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/" target="_top">Mozilla Firefox 2.0</a>.  Other web browsers may not display this web site properly.  Heimer Engineering's <a href="../pe/index.html" target="_top">Licensed Professional Engineers</a> are ready to serve your <a href="../information/home_and_building_inspections.html" target="_top">home inspection</a>, <a href="../information/home_and_building_inspections.html" target="_top">building inspection</a>, <a href="../information/condo_and_coop_inspections.html" target="_top">coop inspection</a>, and <a href="../information/condo_and_coop_inspections.html" target="_top">condominium inspection</a> needs.  All Heimer Engineering's Licensed Home Inspectors are also <a href="../pe/index.html" target="_top">Licensed Professional Engineers</a>.  <b>HEIMER®</b>, <b>HEIMER INSPECTIONS®</b>, <b>FOR A GOOD LOOK®</b>, <b>WE LOOK GOOD®</b>, and <b>HEI-LITE®</b> are registered trademarks of Heimer Engineering, P.C., 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY 11725-2947.</p><div align="center"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="size2" style="text-align: center; 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