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We know that buying or selling a home can be one of life's more complex and stressful decisions, whether you are moving across town or across the country. We have proudly performed over 11,000 home inspections in the Greater Pittsburgh area since we began in 1985. We offer a full line of home inspection services at competitive rates. Why trust your largest investment to someone who has less experience and expertise? Call us today to discuss your unique home inspection needs, and let us add your name to our long list of satisfied customers.
WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION?
In its simplest terms, a home inspection is a technical analysis of the major systems of a house. These include roofing, exterior, structure, electrical, heating, insulation, plumbing, and more.
Learn more >>>
THE HOME REFERENCE BOOK
This clearly written, comprehensive homeowner's manual comes with every house inspection. It has over 400 informative pages, and contains over 500 color illustrations. It has separate chapters on each of the main components of a house - Roofing, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Insulation, Plumbing, and Interior. The easy-to-use instructions and illustrations will help you perform simple maintenance tasks. It has recommendations for what needs attention during each of the four seasons. It also tells you what to expect when a major renovation needs to be undertaken. It has a retail value of $45. Our customers love this book.
RADON TESTING
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and studies have shown that the western Pennsylvania area is a region known for high radon levels. Let us help you protect your family with a simple, inexpensive radon test.
INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING
We are proud to offer Infrared Thermal Image Inspections. This non-invasive inspection detects sources of water leakage, areas of heat loss, and more. It is like a having diagnostic MRI performed on your home.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY TESTING
Many common household items contain contaminants that can cause breathing and other health problems. The typical home has more pollutants than the air found outside. We test for over 400 chemicals and mold.
Click here for a printable copy of our
PRE-INSPECTION AGREEMENT
Click here to access our TECHNICAL LIBRARY where you will find a number of informative, reader-friendly articles on popular home maintenance & building topics.
RICHARD D. MALIN & ASSOCIATES began doing
home inspection in 1985 and has since grown to
become one of the most trusted and respected
home inspection companies in the Pittsburgh area.
We have done over 11,000 inspections and have
earned a reputation for honesty and reliability.
We do not offer home inspections as a sideline
or as a way to obtain work in other fields. Home
inspection work is our focus. We do not do any
design or repair work based upon the findings of our inspection reports. This helps to assure you that the findings we report on are unbiased and independent. We enjoy our work, and we want your experience with us to be a positive one. Call us today with your questions about our services, to schedule an inspection, or to discuss your unique home inspection needs.
MEET OUR STAFF:
It is the goal of each of our employees to give you prompt, professional service in a friendly manner. We invite you take a few minutes to get to know our staff.
Read more >
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY:
Our only advertising comes from referrals and recommendations. Please see what some of our past customers have had to say about our service.
OUR PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Click on icons for more information.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) is the most widely recognized and respected home inspection organization in America today. Many home inspectors who belong to ASHI® do so at the Member level. Richard has the higher destinction of being a Certified Inspector.
Verify my ASHI certification >>
We are members of the of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI®).
We are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP®) to perform radon testing in Pennsylvania. Our certification # is 2001.
We are members of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST®).
Richard is one of only a few people in Pennsylvania to be recognized by the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB®) as a Radon Measurement Specialist.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
We offer convenient one-stop shopping for home buyers. In addition to home inspections, we offer a number of safety tests We can also arrange for a pest inspection to be done at the same time as your home inspection.
Please see our HOME
page for more information
on these other services.
BEFORE YOU HIRE AN INSPECTOR:
The fact that you are reading this shows you realize the benefit of having a home inspected before you buy it. Keep in mind, though, that all home inspection companies are not created equally. What questions should you ask before you hire someone?
FAQ'S FOR BUYERS:
The decision to purchase a home can be overwhelming, and you probably have questions that need answers. To help in this area, we have compiled a list of some of the most
commonly asked questions
from buyers.
PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTIONS FOR BUYERS:
The decision to buy a home is major, complex, and very
personal. Along with the consideration of price, style, floor
plan, and neighborhood, fundamental questions arise. Is
the house itself sound? What kinds of repairs may be in
order, and what is the time frame recommended to achieve
these repairs? What can be reasonably anticipated in the
way of costs? A home inspection will help you make an
informed decision by giving you an unbiased report on the
true condition of the property.
The degree of accuracy with which a seller presents a house can be affected by different factors. Sometimes his view may be clouded by sentimentality. Or perhaps he may have gotten used to a part of the home that in all reality needs to be repaired, renovated, or replaced. At time he may even fail to disclose known faults. While it may not be necessary to get so nervous that you walk from a deal, you don't want to go ahead with it if you suspect problems are being concealed. A Pre-Purchase Inspection will help you avoid those scenerios. With the information found on the report, you can determine what you will want done before you agree to purchase the home and what things you can live with. Perhaps you want one big ticket item, like a furnace, replaced. Or maybe you'll decide you will want a few safety issues addressed.
You even have the option of taking the house "as is" without requiring the seller to do anything. You may be wondering, "What's the point in getting a home inspection if I'm not going to ask the seller to address any of the issues?". Here's the point. Maybe in your dreams you would love to purchase a house in "move-in condition", and maybe you are in a position to do so. In the real world, though, you may be willing to buy a "fixer-upper" if the price is right. What you aren't willing to do is buy a house that you suspect has lots of hidden issues. The seller may be an honest person and may have disclosed every flaw and potential problem they know about, but you don't know that for sure. And even if the seller is being up front, his knowledge of what may or may not be a problem is probably limited. If, however, you bring a third party into the picture who is unbiased and knowledgeable, you will feel much more confident about the purchase. Even when you see the problems that are reported on, at least you know what these problems are and you won't worry about expensive surprises down the road.
Finally, we have found that buyers love the Home Reference Book. It has over 400 pages with 500+ color illustrations. It addresses all of the major parts of the home from a schedule for home maintenance, to easy-to-follow directions for basic repairs, to guidance on what to expect when it's time for a major renovation.
If you have ever found the many aspects of home construction and repair to be daunting, then you will find helpful our concise, easy-to-understand articles on a on a variety of popular topics in our TECHNICAL LIBRARY. Click on the icon to learn more. >>>
MARKETING TIPS FOR SELLERS:
How can you make your home more appealing to buyers and maximize your returns on the investment you've made in your property? What will really make your house stand out from others on the market? What are some
simple inexpensive things
you can do about it today?
If like many savvy sellers you realize the benefitS to having your home inspected before you put it on the market, you no doubt realize all home inspection companies are not created equally. What questions should you ask before you hire a home inspection
company?
FAQ'S FOR SELLERS:
The decision to put your house on the market can be a bit overwhelming, and there are many questions that need answers. To help in this area, we have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions that we
have heard over the years
from sellers.
PRE-LISTING INSPECTIONS FOR SELLERS:
When most people think of home inspections, they think
of them only in relation to a house they are thinking of
buying. While that is very important, many people do not
consider the benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection. Yet this
invaluable tool gives you a realistic and unbiased view of
the true condition of your property. Anyone who has
successfully sold a home will tell you the more prepared
your home is before it goes on the market, the better it
will present and the more quickly it will sell. Here's why.
The way homeowners see their home and the way potential buyers see it can be two very different things. A seller's view can be affected by sentimentality, but to a buyer it's just another house for sale. You may have gotten used to a situation that in all reality needs to be repaired, renovated, or replaced. If there are too many things wrong, or if the buyer suspects problems are being concealed, they will get nervous and walk.
Pre-Listing Inspections help you avoid those scenerios. With the information found on your report, you can set out to get the work done according to your schedule and budget without a buyer and their agent waiting at the sidelines.
There are several ways you can address the issues brought up in the report. You have the option to fix everything. Show buyers the report along with your receipts as proof that the work was done, and you've got yourself a house that really stands out from the crowd. You also have the option to fix some of the items reported on and not others. Perhaps you want to put your money on one big ticket item that will appeal to buyers without spreading your funds thin over too many areas Or maybe you'll decide to fix a number of less expensive items to give your house more curb appeal without breaking the bank. You even have the option of fixing none of the problems on the report. You may be wondering, "What's the point in getting a Pre-Listing Inspection if I'm not going to do anything about the issues?". Here's the point. Sure in a perfect world a buyer wants a house that is in "move in condition", but many buyers are willing to buy a "fixer-upper" if the price is right. What they aren't willing to do is buy a house they suspect has lots of hidden issues. You may be as honest as the day is long and disclose every flaw and potential problem, but the buyer doesn't know that. If, however, you bring in a third party who is unbiased and knowledgeable, buyers will feel much more confident about the purchase. Even when they see the problems that are reported on, at least they know what these problems are and they won't worry about expensive surprises down the road.
Finally, buyers love the Home Reference Book. If you place it with the report at an open house or when showing a buyer around, you've got a report that is a cut above the rest. You may even like the Home Reference Book so much that you will decide to show buyers the report only and take the book with you to your next home!
If you have ever found the many aspects of home construction and repair to be daunting, you will find helpful our concise, easy-to-understand articles on a on a variety of popular topics in our TECHNICAL LIBRARY. Click on the icon to learn more. >>>
RICHARD D. MALIN & ASSOCIATES is a leader in the home inspection profession in the greater Pittsburgh area where we have been working with realtors and their clients since 1985. Real estate professional trust our work. We have received countless calls over the years from realtors asking us to do home inspections on their own homes or the homes of their family and friends. To those of you whom we have had the privilege of working with many times over the years we say, "Thank you for your business and loyal patronage. We truly appreciate it!" Some of you may not have had occasion to work with us yet. We hope you will give us the opportunity to do so in the near future. Word of mouth is our only source of advertising, so we treat each client and realtor with the attention and concern we would want shown to us. We believe our home inspections are superior to others because of everything we offer to both you and to our mutual clients. Below are some of the reasons our home inspection services are a great value.
EXPERIENCE: We have over 25 years of experience and have completed over 11,000 home inspections. Additionally, we have done nearly 5,000 radon tests since we began radon testing 15 years ago.
CONVENIENCE: We know your schedules are packed, and we can save you time and expense by accessing properties with our lock box keys for home inspections and radon testing. If you are unable to attend the inspection, we will scan the report and email it to you on the same day as the inspection. If you prefer fax, we will fax a copy to your office or to your personal fax number.
RESPONSE TIME: You never need to wait to speak with a real person during the regular office hours of Monday-Friday 9 AM-4PM. Imagine that! And someone is generally here to answer calls in the evenings and on weekends as well. However if you find that you do need to leave a message, we check them frequently. It is our goal to return your calls the same day, often within the hour. We have the same policy with email, so if you prefer that method of communicating we will respond in the same timely manner.
QUALITY REPORTING: Our reports are clear and easy to read. The Home Reference Book, which comes with every home inspection, is a big hit with buyers. A high-quality inspection only serves to further enhance your image as well.
AFFILIATION WITH RESPECTED ORGANIZATIONS: We are members and/or certified with the following organizations. Please refer to our ABOUT US tab for additional information: ASHI® (American Society of Home Inspectors); AARST® (American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists); IAEI® (Internation Association of Electrical Inspectors); NRSB® (The National Radon Safety Board); DEP® (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection).
ADDITIONAL SERVICES: We are a one-stop shopping experience. In addition to house and condominium inspections, we also offer Radon Testing, Infrared Thermal Imaging, Indoor Air Quality Testing, and professional consultations. We can also arrange for a pest inspection to be done at the same time as the home inspection if that is a service you and your client request.
FOLLOW-UP AVAILABILITY: We are here to answer your questions for as long as you need us. We have realtors and clients call us literally years after an inspection for our opinion about something. Sometimes the questions don't even relate to the actual inspection, but people trust our judgement on another matter related to home ownership. If you misplace a copy of your client's report, don't worry. We scan and keep copies of all reports, so we always have quick and ready access to them in our archives.
Click here for our MARKETING TIPS FOR SELLERS . You may find a fresh idea, or you can give us a call if you have any to add to your list.
Click here to access our TECHNICAL LIBRARY where you will find a number of informative articles on common household issues.
Richard D. Malin & Associates, Inc.
2075 Haymaker Road
Monroeville, PA 15146
PHONE: 412-373-2211
FAX: 412-373-7998
EMAIL: Please fill in the contact form below with your questions or request.
We will be sure to reply shortly.
New Lower Price on
Indoor Air Quality Testing!
We accept personal check, cash, money order, VISA, and MasterCard. We ask for payment at the time services are rendered or within a week unless other arrangements are made with us. Please contact us if you have any additional questions regarding our fees. THANK YOU.
YOUR HOME INSPECTION
Your decision to get a home inspection is a smart one since it is the only way to get an
unbiased, independent analysis on the true condition of a house. If you think you may
have found what you hope is the right home to buy, you will be made aware of potential
problems so that you can make an informed decision. If you are ready to sell your current
home, we will make you aware of issues that need to be addressed so your home can
appeal to potential buyers.
We invite you to come along for the inspection. By attending, you are able to see first-hand
the conditions that will be described in the report. We will inspect all of the major compents
of the home, and we will pay attention to the details. We will share our observations
with you, and we encourage questions. If you have any particular concerns about the property, this is the time to get answers. We will show you how to perform basic maintenance on items like the furnace or water heater and what to do in home maintenace emergencies. Finally, we take time at the end of the inspection to review the report findings with you.
If you are unable to attend, we will email you a copy of the report that day and send you the hard copy in the mail. We will also email a copy to your realtor if you want us to do so. Once you've had a chance to look over your report, feel free to call us to ask questions and discuss the findings with the inspector. Even if you are able to attend, there may be questions or issues that come into your mind afterward. Please feel free to contact us, and we will take the time to address your concerns.
You can expect your home inspection to take 2 1/2 hours or longer depending on the size and condition of the house. Since most people are in a time crunch, we recommend calling several days in advance to schedule especially in the busier months from spring through autumn. However if you find yourself needing an inspection within a day or two, give us a call and we will do our best to find a time spot that works best for you.
Whether you are buying or selling, contemplating one of the biggest financial transactions you will ever find yourself in can be a source of anxiety. We have a lot of experience helping people with the tools they need to make the right decisions. We are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) and we abide by their Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Visit their website by clicking on the links below to learn why ASHI® is the most highly regarded home inspection organization in American today.
A copy of the Home Reference Book
is included with each house inspection. Click here to learn more >>>
LINKS OF INTEREST FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS
FAQ's for Buyers >>>
FAQ's for Sellers >>>
Questions to ask a home inspection company before hiring >>>
Technical Library - home maintenance & construction issues >>>
ASHI Standards of Practice >>>
ASHI Code of Ethics >>>
THE HOME REFERENCE BOOK is the gold standard for home inspection reporting. It has a two-fold benefit. First, it contains an easy-to-understand written report. Second, it is an in-depth and valuable reference tool for homeowners. It describes all the major systems of a home in laymen's terms with hundreds of color illustrations throughout. It explains how house components work and what can go wrong with them. The section Life Cycles and Costs provides a wealth of information on the normal life expectancies of house components as well as the ballpark costs of replacing these. The section Maintenance provides good advice for homeowners to help protect their investment, maximize their comfort and efficiency in operating their home, and extend the life of house systems and components. There is supplementary information on a variety of subjects of interest to homeowners such as appliances, radon, asbestos, and lead. Below is further information on what types of things are included in your report as well as sample report pages. There is also a picture sample page taken from the Roofing section of the Home Reference Book. Please note that the sample page is smaller than the actual pages which are a full 8 1/2" x 11". With over 400 pages and 500 illustrations, this reference work (valued at $45) makes your home inspection package a terriffic value.
Your home inspection report will include the following: (See links below for sample pages.)
The house will also be given an overall rating based upon a comparison to similar houses and reflects both the original construction quality and the current condition of the home. An Explanation of Codes is conveniently located on each report page for ease in understanding your report.
Sign. Items Sample.pdf
Interior Sample.pdf
Plumbing Sample.pdf
HRB CODES.pdf
WHAT IS RADON AND WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT IT?
Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas. It
comes from the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. It is the second leading
cause of lung cancer in the United States, causing an estimated 15,000 deaths
annually. Studies have shown that western Pennsylvania is one of the regions in
the United States where high radon levels are common. Experts estimate that 40%
of the homes in Pennsylvania have radon levels greater than the EPA guideline
of 4.0 pCi/L and above. Notice on the graphic how radon can enter into a house.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT RADON?
One misconception is that you only need to worry about having your house tested
if you have a basement. The fact is that radon enters into whatever level is in contact
with the surrounding soil and rock. If you have a house built on a slab, then radon will
enter into your first floor living space the same way it will enter into a house through a
basement. A second misconception is that you don't need to worry about radon if your house
is brand new. Test results have proven again and again that the age of a house has no effect on
radon. Some of our highest readings were in new construction, and some of the lowest were in houses
over one hundred years old. Again, it all depends upon what is under the dwelling. People also think they don't need
to get a house tested if the house they are buying already had a test done a few years ago. Yet the EPA recommends
getting a house retested every two years because changes can occur over time. Even if your neighbor's house tested low, it is important to remember that no two houses are the same and there are variations in the soil and rock even in the same neighborhood.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HOME HAS HIGH RADON LEVELS?
You and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure to radon at home. The only way to know the radon level in your home is to test. Testing is easy and inexpensive. You can perform the test yourself using a Pennsylvania certified testing device purchased at a home center, hardware store, or from a Pennsylvania certified laboratory. You will then need to send the test kit to a Pennsylvania certified lab for results. More accurate testing is available from a certified professional using equipment like our state-of-the art monitors from Sun Nuclear (pictured below) designed to give much more precise readings. We calibrate our monitors on a regular basis for accuracy. Our monitors have an hour-by-hour reading printed out so that you get a clear sense of fluctuations, whereas many other monitors only print out one final number. Ours also indicate when a monitor has been touched or tampered with.
WHAT DO MY RESULTS MEAN?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you take action if the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher. To reduce radon levels, a radon mitigation system will need to be installed. We do not install these systems ourselves so there is no conflict of interest and you can be assured of the truthfulness of the reading. However, we can point you in the right direction to reputable companies who install these systems. The most common type of system uses an arrangement of plastic pipes and fans to vent the radon gas to the outside air. The typical cost of a radon mitigation system is between $700 to $1,200.
EPA CONSUMER E-PUBLICATIONS:
Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon
Radon Reduction - How to Fix Your Home
Contact Information Where You Live
Map of Radon Zones
DEP CERTIFICATION VERIFICATION: Call 1-800-23RADON or verify online at:
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/brp/Radon_Division/Rn_Services_Directory/Directory_Mainpage.htm
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
WHAT ARE VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals that are emitted from solids or liquids and easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Concentrations of these chemicals can much higher indoors than outdoors. Thousands of products, many that we use or are exposed to every day, emit VOCs into the air while they are being used or even when they are stored. These products include:
WHAT ARE MOLDS?
Molds are microscopic fungi that can be found almost anywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Mold growth occurs mainly in warm, damp, and humid conditions. They reproduce by making spores that are released into the air to be transported to other places where they can germinate and grow. However, mold can survive even in dry conditions for years. Mold growth can be present within the home, hidden in various places such as behind walls and underneath carpeting or flooring.
OUR AIR QUALITY TESTS PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:
Click here to watch a short video regarding the benefits of Indoor Air Quality Testing >>>
Click here to read the article "Is Your House A Health Threat?" in the October 2, 2011 issue of PARADE >>>
Click here to learn more about the Home Air Check® Professional system >>>
Infrared Thermal Imaging (IR) Inspections will find the source of leaks and dampness or areas of heat loss. Some problems are not visible during a routine home inspection. However, an IR camera can detect "invisible" problems such as moisture, hot electrical wires, or termite and rodent nests making it an invaluable service for home buyers and sellers. One of the bigger issues facing a new home owner is discovering there is "hidden" and costly electrical or mold problems that must be addressed immediately. Additionally, many people putting their home on the market are unaware they have these problems. An IR inspection is an inexpensive way to detect problems that could end up costing thousands of dollars to repair. When the safety factor is figured in, an IR inspection is priceless.
During an IR inspection, we use an IR imaging and measurement camera to "see" and "measure" thermal energy emitted from an object. Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not visible because the wavelength is too long to be detected by the human eye and is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Unlike visible light, in the infrared world everything having a temp-erature above absolute zero emits heat. The higher the object's temperature, the greater the IR radiation emitted. IR imaging allows us to see what our eyes cannot by producing images of invisible infrared or "heat" radiation providing precise temperature measurement. An infrared camera detects infrared energy (heat) by converting it into an electronic signal which is then processed to produce a thermal image while performing temperature calculations. Heat sensed by an infrared camera can be very precisely quantified, or measured, allowing you to not only monitor thermal performance but also identify and evaluate the relative severity of heat-related problems. Below are actual IR images from our archives. None of the damage was visible to the naked eye.
INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING PROVIDES:
An IR inspection will provide immediate documentation of plumbing and building envelope water leakage, energy use inefficiency, and electrical problems. Moisture in building materials can destroy structural integrity and nurture mold and insect infestations which, in turn, cause a variety of health problems. The first step in mold remediation is to quickly and accurately locate it. IR cameras can instantly take an image of an entire room, inspect places that can'’t be physically reached with moisture meters, reveal wet conditions behind surfaces such as enameled walls and wallpaper, track leaks to their source, monitor the drying process, and confirm when a structure is dry. IR thermography is a well accepted method of imaging and evaluating the thermal efficiency of building insulation, doors, windows and other penetrations, and the efficiency and condition of heating and cooling systems. Unexplained temperature irregularities are rendered visible, enabling needed repairs to be made with confidence.
Moisture damage in bedroom wall corner and ceiling in black; energy inefficient window shown in yellow.
Roof from attic: yellow shows areas of heat loss; dark spots in middle and to the far right show moisture damage and leakage.
Rodent tunnels, shown in white, surrounding ductwork behind wall in child's upstairs bedroom.
Please click on one of the links below for a printable copy of our pre-inspection agreement. Thank you.
If we are inspecting a single family dwelling or duplex for you,
please click on the link below.
AGREEhouse.pdf
If we are inspecting a condominium/apartment for you, please click on the link below.
AGR-CONDO.pdf
RICHARD MALIN - Professional Home Inspector and Owner: Richard has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts and taught high school building trades. He is a certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI), a charter member of PRO-ASHI, Pittsburgh Chapter, and a past president of PRO-ASHI. He is a member of both the International Association of Electrical Inspectors® (IAEI) and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists® (AARST). Richard is certified by the National Radon Safety Board® (NRSB) as a Radon Measurement Specialist. He is married to Janet, and they have 2 adult children, Mike and Ally, who live in Atlanta, Georgia. In his spare time, Richard is an avid boater and enjoys being out on the rivers of Pittsburgh with his wife and his 2 dogs, Molson and Laci (all pictured here). He is a certified Vessel Safety Examiner for the United States Power Squadron Pittsburgh chapter.
ILA MEIXNER / Radon Technician: Ila is certified by the the Pennsylvania DEP to perform radon testing, and she attends continuing radon education classes. Her background in real estate gives her a working knowledge of this industry. She and her husband, Kurt, her two boys, Bergen and Rutger, her daughter, Giada, their dog, Hunter, and cat, Hemi, all live in the Shaler area of Pittsburgh. She is currently serving as the Secretary for Boy Scout Troop 157. She also enjoys gardening, swimming, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
SUSAN FARINA joined us in 2007 to do administrative work for our company, and has been a terrific asset ever since. Hers will be one of the friendly voices you will hear when you call our office for assistance with our services. She is a graduate of Penn State University where she received her B.S. in Accounting. Her background is in financial analysis and budgeting. Susan is actively involved in volunteer work and fundraising, and she lives locally with her husband Frank (pictured here), daughter, Emily, youngest son, Ben, dog, Louie, and until recently her oldest son, Nick, who is now attending the University of Pittsburgh for Pharmacy.
JANET DeANGELO began working here in 2004 when she was hired to manage our company. She is the one responsible for our website and newsletters, as well as billing and payroll. She is here to answer your questions regarding home inspections and our other services, schedule your appointment, and give assistance on follow-up calls. Jan is happily married to her husband, Ron, and they have 3 grown children, CJ, David, and Emily. She enjoys reading, doing crossword puzzles, gardening, and taking walks with friends.
WHAT SOME OF OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY . . .
"Richard taught me what I needed to know. I would be happy to serve as a reference to others about your service." N. Bennett - Presto
"I especially liked the overall guidance I was given throughout the entire home inspection process. On a scale of 1-5, I give a 5 for the value of your service and the professionalism and communication skills of the inspector. It is likely I would use your services the next time. Feel free to give my name as a reference for other customers." P. Kelly - Ross Township
"I have had many home inspections before, but I have never had anyone as professional as your inspector. I don't think any improvement was possible." B. Waldron - North Side
"It was a pleasure having the inspector do our home inspection. We felt so comfortable asking him questions and he was very thorough explaining everything." L. Ling - Squirrel Hill
"We really liked the Home Reference Book. And when we had some post inspection questions, the follow up was good and we received answers in a timely manner." W. Junker - Churchill
"I felt Mr. Malin was very friendly, answered all of my questions, and offered helpful suggestions. Also when I initially called, the woman I spoke to was very nice." G. Rudolph - Forest Hills
"Richard came highly recommended and he did not disappoint . As a first time home buyer, he walked me through the inspection process and explained things in a way that was easy to understand. I would use him again and would gladly refer him." M. Paul - Etna
"I appreciated how thorough the inspection was and how patient the inspector was with our questions ." N. Bryner - Monroeville
"The inspection process, including the assistants who answered my calls, was outstanding. The inspector was great. I wasn't in town during the inspection and he gladly took a half hour on the phone to discuss the report with me." T. Stokes - Mt. Washington
"All areas of the service are rated 5 out of 5. The inspector was very professional, prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable. The Home Reference Book is great." J. O'Hara & J. Mitchell - Mt. Lebanon
"The Home Reference Book is fantastic. Richard's inspection was very professional and everything was explained in layman's terms. I would be happy to serve as a reference for others inquiring about your service. " L. Dudek - Trafford
"You are simply the best!" H. Copenhaver - Bloomfield
"I am extremely pleased with the impressive service I received from your company, from the initial phone inquiry all the way through to a quick response to a post-inspection question. The inspector did not rush the inspection. Buying a house is a daunting undertaking, but he really put my mind at ease. Your company came highly recommended, and I am so glad I chose you. Thank you very much!" D. Anthony - Edgewood
"I really appreciated Richard taking time after work hours to review my inspection report with me. As a first-time homeowner, I was comforted by his grace and patience when answering my questions and addressing my concerns. I feel blessed that you were my home inspector. Thank you!"
T. Henderson - Stanton Heights
"Richard is so friendly and professional. He answered our questions thoroughly. We loved the fact that we got the book and report at the scene and Richard explained it." D. and P. Linzoain - Aspinwall
"Your exhaustive attention to detail during the home inspection process helped us to negotiate appropriately in the purchase of our 100 year old house." S. Zazanis and P. Singletary, Friendship District
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM BUYERS
Should I attend the inspection? It is not essential for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a
very good idea. We actually encourage you to attend because it is a valuable learning experience for
you as a potential home buyer. It is a great opportunity to ask specific questions about the condition
of the home and learn important information that will be of great help to you after you've moved in.
Where defects are identified, the inspector can discuss these with you so that you understand what
repairs are required and when they should be done.
Can a building "fail" an inspection? No. A home inspection is an examination into the current cond-
ition of your prospective real estate purchase. An inspector will not pass or fail a house but will simply
describe its condition and indicate which items are in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.
What if the report reveals problems? No house is perfect, so if the inspection reveals problems, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it. Rather it lets you know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. If your budget is tight or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you. The choice is yours.
If the report turns out to be favorable, did I really need the inspection? Definitely! Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You will have learned many things about your property from the inspection itself and the report. You will want to keep the report for future reference.
Can I inspect the house myself? Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector who has inspected hundreds or even thousands of homes. An inspector is familiar with the critical elements of construction and the proper installation, maintenance and interrelationship of these elements. Many insurance companies require a home inspection before they are willing to take on the risk of insuring it. Finally, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about a home they really want, and this could lead to a poor assessment of the situation.
