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Top Rated Home Inspector in Chattanooga, TN

by | Jan 25, 2025 | Home Inspections

home inspector reviews
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Estimated Read Time: 6-8 minutes
Summary: A home inspection is a vital part of the home-buying process, but not all inspections are created equal. In this article, we discuss the differences between a good and bad home inspection and why Thornton Home Inspections stands out as the best choice in Chattanooga, TN. With over 300 positive Google reviews, we bring expertise and reliability to every inspection. Schedule yours today and save $10!

What’s the Difference Between a Good Inspector and a Bad Home Inspection?

When it comes to buying a home, a thorough inspection is your first line of defense against unexpected issues down the road. But what exactly makes a home inspection “good,” and how do you avoid a “bad” inspection?

A good home inspector will leave no stone unturned, carefully evaluating the entire property from top to bottom. They’ll not only identify existing problems but also provide insight into potential issues that could arise in the future. They’ll communicate clearly and give you a detailed report that empowers you to make informed decisions.

On the other hand, a bad home inspection may leave you with an incomplete or vague report, potentially overlooking key areas of the property. A poor inspector may not have the tools or expertise to catch hidden issues, leaving you with a false sense of security. This can result in costly repairs after the sale or, worse, safety hazards that could have been avoided.

Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of both good and bad home inspections.

The Traits of a Good Home Inspector

  1. Thoroughness
    A good inspector will check every area of the home, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical system, HVAC, and more. They won’t just look for visible issues—they’ll inspect areas that are harder to access, like crawl spaces and attics.
  2. Expertise and Knowledge
    An experienced inspector will be well-versed in common problems found in homes, especially those specific to the local area. They will understand the local building codes and know how to spot issues that may be unique to Chattanooga homes.
  3. Clear Communication
    After the inspection, a good home inspector provides a clear, easy-to-understand report. They’ll point out issues with explanations and photos, making sure you understand what repairs are necessary and what can wait.
  4. Use of Technology
    A good inspector utilizes modern tools, like infrared cameras, moisture meters, and specialized testing equipment, to detect hidden issues like mold, water damage, or electrical problems.
  5. Professionalism and Integrity
    The best inspectors work with honesty and transparency, even if it means delivering bad news. They’ll make sure you’re fully aware of any issues before moving forward with a purchase or sale.

The Red Flags of a Bad Home Inspector

  1. Lack of Attention to Detail
    A bad inspector may skip over important areas or conduct a “cursory” inspection. They might miss issues like roof damage, plumbing leaks, or hidden electrical problems that could cost you later.
  2. Inadequate Reporting
    A bad inspection report may lack photos, detailed descriptions, or any explanation of how issues might impact the home’s safety or value. Without a comprehensive report, you’re left with a vague understanding of the home’s condition.
  3. Limited Tools and Expertise
    A poor inspector might rely solely on a visual inspection, missing out on the use of specialized equipment that could detect moisture, mold, or other hidden issues.
  4. Lack of Knowledge About Local Conditions
    Inspectors who aren’t familiar with the local area may miss common regional problems, such as those caused by Chattanooga’s humidity or soil conditions.
  5. Poor Communication and Unavailability
    A bad home inspector may be hard to reach or unwilling to explain issues clearly. You need someone who is open to discussing the inspection in detail and answering all your questions.

Why Thornton Home Inspections is the Best Choice

At Thornton Home Inspections, we don’t just deliver a “good” inspection—we provide the best home inspections in Chattanooga, TN. Here’s why our clients trust us:

  1. Over 300 Positive Google Reviews
    We’ve built a reputation for excellence with over 300 positive Google reviews. Our clients consistently praise our thoroughness, professionalism, and clear communication. We believe in earning your trust with every inspection.
  2. Local Expertise
    We have years of experience working in Chattanooga and understand the unique conditions that affect homes in our area. From moisture concerns in basements to common roof issues, we know what to look for.
  3. Advanced Tools and Techniques
    We use the latest technology to ensure that no issue goes undetected. From infrared cameras to moisture meters, we’re equipped to uncover hidden problems that could affect your investment.
  4. Detailed and Transparent Reports
    After your inspection, we’ll provide a detailed, easy-to-understand report with photos and explanations of any issues found. You’ll have all the information you need to make informed decisions.
  5. Professional and Friendly Service
    Our team is committed to making the inspection process as easy and stress-free as possible. We’re always available to answer your questions and provide advice on next steps.

Schedule Your Home Inspection Today and Save $10!

Ready for peace of mind? Schedule your home inspection today with Thornton Home Inspections and get $10 off your service! Visit thorntonhomeinspections.net/schedule-inspection/ to book your appointment.

With over 400 positive reviews and a team dedicated to providing the best inspections in Chattanooga, we’re the trusted choice for your home inspection needs.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Home Inspector in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Home Inspector in Chattanooga, Tennessee

by | Jan 29, 2023 | Home Inspections, Uncategorized

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Home Inspector in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Are you in the process of buying a new home in Chattanooga, Tennessee? If so, hiring a professional home inspector should be at the top of your to-do list. A home inspection is a comprehensive examination of a property’s condition, providing you with a thorough understanding of the property’s strengths and weaknesses before you make a purchase.

 

Why You Need a Home Inspector

A home inspector will examine the property’s structure, systems, and components, including the roof, walls, foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, heating and cooling systems, and more. By hiring a professional home inspector, you can avoid costly surprises and identify potential problems before you finalize the purchase of your new home.

The Benefits of Hiring a Home Inspector in Chattanooga, Tennessee

When you hire a home inspector in Chattanooga, Tennessee, you will receive a detailed report of the inspector’s findings. This report will give you valuable information about the condition of the property, and it will help you make informed decisions about the purchase of your new home.

In addition to providing a detailed report, a home inspector in Chattanooga, Tennessee, can also provide you with valuable advice and recommendations on how to address any issues that may arise during the inspection. This can include everything from simple repairs to major renovations.

Choosing the Right Home Inspector in Chattanooga, Tennessee

When choosing a home inspector in Chattanooga, Tennessee, it’s important to choose someone who has experience and expertise in the field. Look for an inspector who is licensed, insured, and certified by a professional organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

It’s also a good idea to choose a home inspector who is willing to take the time to answer your questions and provide you with a comprehensive inspection report. This will help you to feel confident in your decision to purchase the property, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that you have a thorough understanding of the property’s condition.

In conclusion, hiring a professional home inspector in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a critical step in the home buying process. By taking the time to choose the right inspector and understanding the benefits of a home inspection, you can ensure that you are making an informed decision when purchasing your new home. So, don’t delay, contact a home inspector today and take the first step towards making your dream of homeownership a reality.

The Complete Guide To Choosing a Home Inspector

The Complete Guide To Choosing a Home Inspector

by | Oct 31, 2022 | First Home Buyers, Home Inspections, Home Maintenance, Informational Material

When looking for a home inspector, it’s good to know what to look for. Every home inspector claims to be the best and offers the best service. But actually finding the right inspector is and can be the most challenging part of the home buying process. When choosing an inspector, the first thing you want to do is evaluate what the home inspectors offer, the price point they charge, and the reviews that they have. 

When looking at the services a home inspector offers you want to make sure that they offer more than just a generic run-of-the-mill inspection. Instead, you want to make sure they offer a wide variety such as sewer/septic tank inspections, pest, mold, water, foundation, and radon testing inspections are some inspections you might want. It’s important that the inspector you have is qualified, and certified, and offers the ability to inspect what you need. 

The next thing is to look at the price point. You want to make sure you are paying a market competitive price for the square footage you need to be inspected. This could be as simple as getting a quote from other inspectors, or just using an inspector that is highly reviewed and trusted in your area. Either way, anywhere from $400-$1,200 is what could be expected for a reasonable 1,500-square-foot home inspection. 

The last and most credible part of choosing an inspector is looking at the reviews. You want a company that has a high number of reviews and a high star rating. Anything over 4 stars is ideal and if they have more than 200 reviews, then you’re off to a good start. You can find the highest-rated home inspectors HERE if you need a reference of one we love and trust. One last note is to not use the home inspector your realtor recommends. Oftentimes, realtors will pay or use inspectors that will help the house sell, rather than find all of the details wrong with the house.

Radon Mitigation

Radon Mitigation

by | Jan 27, 2020 | First Home Buyers, Home Inspections, Home Maintenance, Informational Material, Uncategorized

Radon mitigation is any process used to reduce radon gas concentrations in the breathing zones of occupied buildings, or radon from water supplies. Radon is a significant contributor to environmental radioactivity. Mitigation of radon in the air is accomplished through ventilation, either collected below a concrete floor slab or a membrane on the ground or by increasing the air changes per hour in the building. Treatment systems using aeration or activated charcoal are available to remove radon from domestic water supplies. Because high levels of radon have been found in every state of the United States, testing for radon and installing radon mitigation systems has become a specialized industry since the 1980s. Many states have implemented programs that affect home buying and awareness in the real estate community, however, radon testing and mitigation systems are not generally mandatory unless specified by a local jurisdiction.

According to the EPA’s “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon, the method to reduce radon “primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside”, which is also called sub-slab depressurization, soil suction, or active soil depressurization. Generally, indoor radon can be mitigated by sub-slab depressurization and exhausting such radon-laden air to the outdoors, away from windows and other building openings. EPA generally recommends methods that prevent the entry of radon. Soil suction, for example, prevents radon from entering your home by drawing the radon from entering your home and venting it through a pipe, or pipes, to the air above the home where it is quickly diluted and EPA does not recommend the use of sealing alone to reduce radon because, by itself, sealing has not been shown to lower radon levels significantly or consistently according to the EPA’s “Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction: How to fix your home.

Ventilation systems can utilize a heat exchanger or energy recovery ventilator to recover part of the energy otherwise lost in the process of exchanging air with the outside. For crawl spaces, the EPA states, An effective method to reduce radon levels in crawlspace homes involves covering the earth floor with a high-density plastic sheet. A vent pipe and fan are used to draw the radon from under the sheet and vent it to the outdoors. This form of soil suction is called sub-membrane suction, and when properly applied is the most effective way to reduce radon levels in crawlspace homes.”

An In-Depth Look at Radon Mitigation Video

  • The most common approach is the active soil depressurization(ASD). Experience has shown that ASD is applicable to most buildings since radon usually enters from the soil and rock underneath and mechanical ventilation (MV) is used when the indoor radon is emitted from the building materials. A less common approach works efficiently by reducing air pressures within cavities of exterior and demising walls where radon emitting from building materials, most often concrete blocks collect.
  • In hot, humid climates heat recovery ventilators (HRV), as well as energy recovery ventilators (ERV), have a record of increasing indoor relative humidity and dehumidification demands on air conditioning systems. Mold problems have originated in homes that have been radon mitigated with HRV and ERVs have an excellent record in heating climates.
  • A recent technology is based on building science. It includes a variable rate mechanical ventilation system that prevents indoor relative humidity from rising above the present level such as 50% which is currently suggested by the US Environmental Protection Agency and others as an upper limit for the prevention of mold. It has proven to be especially effective in hot, humid climates. It controls the air delivery rate so that the air conditioner is never overloaded with more moisture than it can effectively remove from the indoor air. 
  • It is generally assumed that air conditioner operation will remove excess moisture from the air in the breathing zone, but it is important to note that just because the air conditioner cools does not mean that it is also dehumidifying.  If it is 14 degrees or less, it may not dehumidify at all even though it is cooling. 
  • Factors that are likely to aggravate indoor humidity problems from mechanical ventilation-based radon installations are as follows and an expert radon mitigation/building scientist will check for and correct any and all of the following when he or she performs radon mitigation procedures:
    • Air conditioner duct leaks located outside the breathing zone, such as in the attic.
    • Excessive exhaust fan operation
    • Oversized or over-capacity air conditioners
    • AC air handler fans do not stop running when the air conditioner compressor stops running.
    • Delta, which is the amount that the air-cooled as it is passed through the air conditioner’s cooling coils. A good delta performance figure for home air conditioners is about 20F in comparison, automobile air conditioners deliver delta performance of 32 to 38f. A delta of 14f will dehumidify poorly if at all.
Things to know about Radon Testing?

Things to know about Radon Testing?

by | Jan 20, 2020 | First Home Buyers, Home Inspections, Informational Material

Short-term tests: 

These are useful to see if further testing is warranted. Most are activated charcoal-based or use electret ion levels for two to seven days. You can mail your tests to a lab for the results. Short-term tests are available at home centers, hardware stores, and online retailers.

Long-term radon tests: 

These radon tests measure levels for 90 days to one year. Most, such as the Airthings Corentium Home Model – Digital Radon Detector test, is based on alpha particle tracking. This is a more accurate indicator of average annual levels, which can vary significantly from day to day and month to month based on factors such as a drop in air pressure, gusty winds, variable soil moisture, and snow cover, which traps radon gases. Long-term radon tests are available through state radon agencies and online retailers.

Continuous radon tests:

Electric monitors, such as the Airthings Corentium Pro Digital Radon Monitor, Portable. These can be used for both short-term and long-term testing to give you a running average every day.

When an initial short-term test registers 4 pCi/l or higher, the EPA recommends doing a 2nd radon test. A long-term test will give you the most accurate information, but the short-term test is acceptable if you need the results quickly, such as for a real estate transaction, or your first levels registered 8 pCi/l or higher.  If a second test registers about 4 pCi/L, consider taking steps to reduce radon levels in your home, the EPA cautions. If your home has high levels of radon, you can start by trying these easy repairs to reduce radon levels. These efforts alone rarely reduce levels significantly, but if your level is only slightly elevated, these repairs might make a difference. They will also make out her radon reduction methods more effective and cost-efficient

  • Caulk foundation cracks, construction joints, and other openings with polyurethane caulk. 
  • If you have a sump pump, install an airtight cover on it (choose one that allows access to your sump).
  • Cover soil in crawl spaces with polyurethane plastic sheeting ( with a minimum thickness of 6 mils, available at home centers) tightly attached to the walls.
  • You can also try sealing concrete, although the EPA has found concrete sealers to be a temporary solution at best. 

Once you’ve tackled this, retest the home. If levels are still high, consider contacting a pro.                              

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