Manassas Home Inspections

I have recently noticed that the volume of home inspections in Manassas, VA has increased dramatically. I took a few minutes to look up the statistics and it is no wonder that I have felt that way. Prince William County, VA has had a HUGE increase in sales year of year! Of the areas in the county, Manassas, VA is one of the closest to DC and one of the most central to the rest of Northern Virginia.

It makes sense that so many people are trying to take advantage of the market and are looking for a new home in Manassas, VA.

I have completed Manassas home inspections on several different types of homes – mostly town homes. The home inspections on the older town homes yield many of the same discoveries – not enough smoke detectors, pickets that are spaced too far apart, and aging appliances. Much of Manassas, VA seems to have been constructed in the 1980's, though I can't find any specific resource that documents that.

Most of my Manassas, VA home inspections are for homes that have been built in the late 1980's. This time period was immediately prior to an economic downturn that took many Manassas, VA builders, along with others, into bankruptcy. Some homes built during economic downturns show evidence of cost savings efforts. Often times, the workmanship and materials used are sub par. This certainly is not limited to Manassas, VA and it is likely that similar actions are being taken during this economic downturn.

These homes don't necessarily share one specific issue, but a set of related issues. Often times, these homes show extraordinary levels of wear and tear. The good news is that these homes typically do not have original appliances, HVAC, water heaters, etc. These systems are the easiest components from which to cut costs. The phrase “you get what you pay for” comes to mind.

New construction inspections provide the greatest opportunity for a complete visual inspection. I typically inspect the foundation before walls are framed, then I inspect before drywall is hung, and I also complete a final home inspection.

Most builders also offer a one year warranty. With that warranty in mind, I also offer a one year warranty inspection to help my clients identify any issues that should be corrected before the warranty expires.

I recently completed a new construction home inspection in Manassas, VA on a home built by a smaller, local builder.

I arrived at this Manassas, VA home inspection about twenty minutes early and completed the exterior inspection. There wasn't a single item to list on the exterior of the home. We were off to a great start, but the bulk of the home inspection relates to items that are only visible from the interior of the home. The project manager for this home managed several communities in the Manassas, VA area and called to say he would be a bit late but that he was sending one of his superintendents to let me in to the home to get started.

Just a few minutes later, the superintendent arrived and unlocked the door. He let me know that he couldn't stay, but that he would check back shortly.

Framing, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical had all been completed. The insulation was being installed that afternoon, so this was the perfect time to inspect this home before anything was covered up by insulation or drywall.

The home inspection uncovered just a few issues. The primary problem was one that was repeated in several areas of the home. Anytime wiring or plumbing pass through a framing member close enough to the face of that framing member that it could be struck by a nail, a nail guard plate should be installed to prevent that from happening. This particular Manassas, Va home was missing nail guards in several key areas.

The other primary concern related to uplift and bolts installed through the bottom plate of the framing. The foundation was designed with bolts that protruded through the bottom plate of framing. The framing is supposed to be attached with a washer and nut.

I advised the project manager of the concerns and he had them corrected by the time my clients went for their predrywall walk through.

I am looking forward to the final inspection on this home!