A Sure-Look Home Inspections

A Sure-Look Home Inspections - SA

Phone: (082) 903-7201
FAX: (011) 974-1199

Buying a home is a big investment. Make sure that you have 'A Sure-Look Home Inspections - SA' on your side so that you are well informed and are able to buy with confidence and total peace of mind...........!!
South Africa is following the international trend, especially those in the United States and the United Kingdom, of pre-sale Home-Inspections because of costly repair problems that are encountered after the conclusion of housing sales. Neither Buyers nor Estate Agents have the necessary expertise or training of an InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector to determine or detect major defects and costly building faults that could materialise after the purchase of a residence.

The purchase of a residence is not only the single largest financial decision that a family can make, but also an investment into the property market which has the potential for that asset to increase in value. It is for this reason that the purchaser deserves the right to be fully informed, upfront, of potential problems that could arise and to give them peace of mind when making a purchase.

'A Sure-Look Home Inspections - SA' is affiliated to, and operates under license to: 'A Sure-Look Home Inspections, LLC', an International Home Inspections Company with their Head Office situated in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

Click the logo above to access: "A Sure-Look Home Inspections, LLC" website.

Geoffrey Veenendaal & InterNACHI ID

Click here to:
Learn More About Me, A Typical Inspection, My Promise to You, What Really Matters, Pre-Listing Inspections, or to Contact Me

Professional profile:

InterNACHI Inspectors Examinations completed and passed (Certificates available):

Residential Standards of Practice Examination.
Structural Issues Examination.
Residential Plumbing Examination.
Electrical Inspection Examination.
Roofing Inspection Examination.
Wood Destroying Organisms Examination.
Moisture Intrusion Examination.
25 Standards Every Inspector Must Know Examination.
Safe Practices Examination.

North Carolina Certified Associate Home Inspector License # A-919
InterNACHI membership # 08091301

Successfully performed hundred's of home inspections

Geoffrey Veenendaal of A Sure-Look Home Inspections - SA is a member of:

InterNACHI - The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

All inspections are conducted under the strict InterNACHI 'Code of Ethics' and the InterNACHI 'Standards of Practice' are strictly adhered to. All Home Inspection reports are the property of the client and are treated as highly confidential.

view ' Code of Ethics '

view ' Standards of Practice '

Our mission:

Helping you protect your property and make an informed business decision is our mission.

Our goal is to conduct an objective examination of your building and property and to identify conditions and potential defects that may exist and, which left unattended, could become costly and lead to financial burdens. Because our loyalty is with you, the customer, we do not recommend or endorse any contractors for repairs. We believe in: ' Inspected once ! --- Inspected right ! '

A Sure-Look Home Inspections - SA is tailored to meet your needs by providing you with a detailed and comprehensive inspection covering hundreds of items in your home. We also welcome you to join us during the inspection.

The knowledge and expertise offered by A Sure-Look Home Inspections - SA ensures that you are made aware of all defects, thereby preserving the investment in your home. A combination check/narrative computer generated report will be posted on the web within 24 hours, but usually on the same day that the inspection is carried out. If requested, a hard copy (i.e. paper bound report) will be mailed to you the next business day giving detailed information about the condition of all the major components of your Home.

"Home buyers - click here"
"Home sellers - click here"
"Inspection Excellence"

Our full home inspection includes:

Exterior/Structure: foundation, wall structure, wall covering, doors, windows, etc.
Roof: covering, flashings, chimneys, drainage, facia, soffits, ventilation, etc.
Garages: doors, seals, door openers, safety eye's, floors, etc.
Electric service: supply, ratings, branch wiring, GFCI'c, AFCI's, grounding, bonding, smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, switches, receptacles, etc.
Water Heater: energy source, capacity, TPR valve, water temp., shut-off valves, etc.
Heating and Cooling: energy source, heating type, location, distribution, filters, electrical disconnects, etc.
Plumbing & Laundry: service pipes, waste pipes, vents, laundry facility, etc.
Interior rooms: wall & ceiling materials, floor surfaces, doors, counter tops, cabinets, kitchen sinks, balconies & catwalks, handrails & stairs, appliances, etc.
Fireplaces & solid fuel burning appliances: types & materials, dampers, liners, hearth, etc.
Basements: insulation materials, piers/support posts, beams, floor structure above, etc.
Attic: access, roof structure, ceiling structure, insulation materials, etc.
Crawl space: insulation materials, pier/support posts, beams, floor structure above, vapor barriers, etc.
And much more...

Additional inspections offered:

Pre-Listing Inspections.
Pre-dry-wall Inspections.
Annual Home Maintenance Inspections.
Additional fees for these services apply.

Our commitment:

We are here to work together with you as 'business partners' and serve all your Home Inspection needs, giving you total peace of mind with your purchase.
All inspections are carried out professionally and in accordance with InterNACHI Standards of Practice.
The comprehensive check-list/narrative combination reports are computer generated utilizing the very latest software packages available to the home inspection industry today. These reports include color pictures and other very informative technical details, with separate summary page/s. The reports are compiled and posted on the web within 24 hours of the inspection, but usually on the same day that the inspection is carried out, and if requested, a hard paper copy will follow the next business day, view sample report.
For ease of reference, a separate summary page is submitted with each report.

We offer very flexible schedules to meet your individual needs.

Geographical areas we cover:

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality & surrounding areas of East Gauteng:

Alberton
Benoni
Boksburg
Edenvale
Germiston
Johannesburg East
Kempton Park
Modderfontein

Our rates:

NOTE: You need to include both the heated and unheated spaces when determining rates. (e.g. Garage space should be included).
NOTE: A discount of R100.00 is offered if payment is made on or before date of inspection.
Homes up to 150 sq.mtrs. : R1,500
Each additional 50 sq.mtrs. add: R250
Detached buildings add: R250
Pre-Dry-Wall inspections: 65% of the regular full home inspection fee.
New construction inspection fee: Same as regular home inspection fee, less R250
Condos ranging from: R1,000 (i.e. one bedroom & without crawlspace/atticspace).
Homes older than 20 years, add: R250
Homes older than 50 years, add: R500
Homes older than 100 years, add: R750
Swimming pool & pump add: R100 (i.e. with full Home Inspection).
Crawlspace inspection fee: R250 - To be applied at discretion, e.g. ease of accessibility (i.e. old house with low clearances), and/or if travel time to inspection is more than 1 hr - one way.
Re-inspections from report findings: from R500

NB sq. ft. includes: heated & un-heated spaces (i.e. Garage space should be included).

Top reasons for choosing my services:

1. My qualifications & background ensure that your home is ' Inspected Once ! ------ Inspected Right ! '
2. I am a fully licensed and insured Home Inspector, and fulfill at least 18 hours of continued education every year.
3. I am a member in good standing of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. (InterNACHI)
4. I am available on Saturdays - no extra charges for week-end inspections.
5. I make arrangements for, and also provide the certified termite report with full home inspection report.
6. I generate easy-to-read inspection reports, concerns are listed on a separate summary page.
7. My 24 hour, but usually same day reports are computer generated & posted on the web for quick & easy viewing, view sample report.
8. If requested, I will mail a paper-bound color copy of the report to you the next business day.
9. I own and use high-tech equipment during the inspection, e.g. EMF/RF/Microwave AC gauss meter, Moisture Meter, but nothing can beat experience and International Training.

I am the quality home inspector you want to hire !
Inspections you can trust !
' Inspected once ! ---------------- Inspected right ! '

I am a proud active member of InterNACHI the world's largest and most elite home inspection association. Click on the picture above to discover that NACHI is the international home of over 10,000 inspectors worldwide.

Home Maintenance Check List

Monthly:

1. Clean dishwasher filter (if provided), usually at lower spray arm.
2. Purge garbage disposal by first filling kitchen sink with clean water, then turn on food disposer until water is drained through.
3. Change/clean air conditioning return filters monthly. This will help keep your air cleaner and system running more efficiently. Clogged air filters will make your system operate longer than required, thereby increasing your monthly bills.
4. Wash refrigerator/freezer interior walls and door liner with solution of 1 quart warm water: 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and wipe dry.
5. Vacuum and clean all return air ducts/grills.
6. Inspect lighting fixtures and replace blown light bulbs.
7. Clean clothes drier lint traps and or ducts to reduce fire risk.
8. Clean toaster oven crumb tray.

Quarterly:

1. Inspect exterior doors to ensure they are weather tight. Adjust or replace weather stripping as needed.
2. Service doors (incl. garage doors) and drawers, clean and lubricate latches, hinges and guides.
3. Inspect and repair exterior caulking around windows, doors, and siding.
4. Replace/clean central heating system (furnace) filters.
5. Re-tighten knobs on kitchen cabinets, don't overtighten.

Semi-Annually:

1. Have heating and air conditioning systems inspected and serviced by licensed contractor.
2. Inspect and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace back up batteries.
3. Check (GFCI) Ground Fault Interrupted Circuits. Test if grounded and correct polarity.
4. Inspect and maintain proper drainage around home. Clean gutters and down-pipes and ensure water is flowing away from your home.
5. Inspect home for rodent droppings or other pests. Have home treated as needed.
6. Test sump pump for reliable operation, especially before any rainy season.
7. Wash fan housing and metal filter connected to range hood exhaust fans. These can be safely washed by placing them inside the dishwasher.
8. Vacuum coils behind refrigerator/freezer to remove dust, this will improve efficiency of unit.
9. Tap off a bucket of water from the hot water heater until it runs clean.

Annually:

1. Inspect and repair settling cracks (where necessary).
2. Inspect and lubricate garage door tracks.
3. Inspect exterior paint for cracking and wear. Repaint or seal as needed.
4. Drain and refill water heater.
5. Trip main breaker on electric panel.
6. Inspect all electric cords and replace if necessary.
7. Inspect attic for water damage, birds, and rodents.
8. Inspect all electrical cords and replace if necessary.
9. Inspect basement for moisture/mold and wood rot.
10. Inspect attic for signs of roof leaks or water damage, bird nests, rodent or squirrel nests, and clean if necessary.
11. Change water filters and have water softeners serviced.
12. Inspect roof flashings, chimney caps, shingles (for mold and damage) and caulking for possible damage.
13. Pressure wash deck, walkways and driveway.
14. Reseal wood decks with preservative and inspect and secure nails that may be protruding out. Nails have a tendency to pop out after very cold weather conditions.
15. Clean or replace oil filter (oil fired burner only).
16. Inspect outside electrical service feeder for exposed bare wires and tree interference.
17. Inspect basement/crawl space area for signs of termites and/or other wood-boring insects.
18. Use hose to wash off dirt from coil and fan in heat pump/condenser locate outside of house.
19. Inspect all hoses (and replace if necessary) connected to laundry washer unit.
20. Clean and seal ceramic tile grout lines in bathrooms/toilets/kitchen.
21. Check caulking at tub and shower, and replace if necessary.
22. Wash and blow clean bathroom exhaust fan grill and fan blades.
23. Wash windows (exterior and interior), screens, seals and ledges. Repair where necessary.
24. Clean and lubricate sliding glass door tracks and window tracks.
25. Check stucco joints around doors and windows.
26. Inspect the dishwasher's motor spin seal, and replace if necessary.
27. Inspect laundry washer water fill hoses for cracks, blisters, corroded fittings and leaks.
28. Place beeswax or paraffin on built-in kitchen cabinets that have wooden guides.
29. Inspect for creosote deposits in the fireplace flue liner, these are black or brown residue of combustion that collects on the inner surfaces. If the build up is more than 1/8 inch, remove it.
30. Vacuum around the gas hot water heater (especially near furnace) to remove dirt and grime.

Tips for clogged drains:

Keeping the Drains Clear:
1. By pouring a pot of hot water down the drain once a week will melt away any fat or grease that may have built up in the drain line or P-trap.
2. If you have a clogged drain, just pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then pour a pot of hot water down the drain. This will break down fats and also keep the drains smelling fresh.
3. Every six months, keep your drains clean by using a copper sulfide or sodium hydroxide-based drain cleaner, or other recommended drain cleaner available from your local store.

Other safety tips:

Ensure that you know where the following items are located:
1. Emergency contact telephone numbers.
2. Fire extinguishers and water hose pipes.
3. Heating gas/fuel main shutoff valve.
4. Main electrical disconnect circuit breaker (breaker box/service panel).
5. Main drain line clean-out.
6. Main water shut off valve.
7. All window and door exits.

In addition to the above, carry out the following monthly safety checks:

Some of these items may have already be included in the home maintenance list, but these monthly safety checks are advisable for safety reasons:
1. Test ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles (GFCI's).
2. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace batteries if necessary.
3. Inspect and lubricate (if necessary) all emergency exits, including windows and doors.
4. Inspection of heating unit and water heater for visual integrity.

Home appliance estimated life spans:

Dishwasher water valves: 3-7 years.
Range and oven: 18-20 years.
Garbage disposal: 10 years.
Microwave: 10 years.
Refrigerator: 18-20 years.
Laundry washer: 14 years.
Laundry drier: 14 years.
Refrigerator/Freezer: 18-20 years.
Central air conditioner system: 15 years.
Window mounted air conditioning system: 8 years.
Bathtub/Sink: 50 years.
Garage door opener: 10 years.
Laundry water fill hoses: 3-5 years.
Trash compactor: 10 years.

Reports provided by ReportHost, the premier web-based inspection report writing service. For more information visit: http://www.reporthost.com.

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