I hear this line from people time and time again: “It’s a newly constructed home, so it doesn’t need to be inspected.” That statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Here in New Hampshire, we have numerous municipalities that have no building inspector on staff, or even any oversight available. In those towns, it’s like […]
We have been inspecting a lot of what I call, “Generational Homes” of late. A Generational Home is defined in most of the internet searches I conducted, as a home that has housed 2 – 3 generations of the same family. We had the honor of inspecting a home in Goffstown a month ago that […]
I thought of another word the other day that applies to how a home inspector conducts a home inspection. The word I was thinking of was the word “Compartmentalize.” I found this definition on the Merriam-Webster website: “To separate into isolated compartments or categories.” I think that word actually does a great job of describing […]
A popular question we are often asked as home inspectors – usually from the Realtors on behalf of their clients, is: “Should my client attend the home inspection?” My answer is always an emphatic YES! They should try and be there. Ideally, and if possible, the client should always attend the home inspection. It is […]
I know this is a controversial topic, but as a home inspector, I have to say that the most popular question I get during home inspections is: “Is my basement going to flood?” I never got this question when I first got started as a home inspector 11 years ago. But now, it comes up […]
If someone were to ask me what the most important trait is for a home inspector, I would say he or she needs a “Practiced Eye.” So what exactly does that phrase mean? I found several definitions online. The definitions usually revolved around the following: Having a Practiced Eye is referred to as having a […]
So I witnessed an odd phenomenon last year during the winter months. And of course the phenomenon has something to do with your house, or I wouldn’t be writing about it here. I kept hearing what sounded like woodpeckers knocking on the exterior of our house. To my recollection, I couldn’t remember ever seeing woodpeckers […]
So with the crazy real estate market, and dwindling inventory levels, it’s no surprise that people are turning toward old homes as starter homes. Older homes often come with charm, intricate workmanship, interesting architectural features, and unfortunately the occasional hazardous item. We have been inspecting a lot of older homes lately. And we have been […]
On occasion, I come across the Unicorn of electrical panels – the Trilliant model plastic electrical panel. I have talked to numerous master electricians in New Hampshire that have never even seen one of these panels, yet I’ve come across 4 – 5 now in my time as a home inspector. Now, even if you’re […]
I often times will use some odd euphemisms that I have picked up over the years while living in New England. I recently rattled off the expression “Dawn Came Over Marblehead” in front of some clients the other day, before I realized that they were from another part of the country, and had no idea […]
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First Choice Home Inspection provides Residential Inspections, Commercial Inspections, Commercial Annual Maintenace Inspections, Multi-Family Inspections, Home Energy Assessment Inspections, Pre-Listing Seller Inspections, Annual Home Maintenace Inspections, 11 Month Builder Warranty Inspections, Punchlist Inspections, Four Point Inspections for Insurance Companies, Fore-closure Inspections, Insurance Inspections, Pest Inspections, Radon Testing, Mold Sampling Both Air and Surface Testing, Water Testing for New England area including: anywhere in New Hampshire, York and Cumberland Counties in the state of Maine.
I thought it was a good inspection. Im in the home now and found several unsafe items without even... read moreI thought it was a good inspection. Im in the home now and found several unsafe items without even using tools. Rotted flooring under a heat vent. Missing flooring under a floating floor. I put my foot through the carpet because there was a heat vent covered by carpet. I found duct work disconnected causing cold air to come in. Missing insulation was found around skirting. All this in 20 minutes poking around trying to figure out why my kids room was cold. I think he was working too close with my realtor. My parents were screwed by them too. read less
Mike was so helpful, prompt and thorough. Presented all findings professionally with solutions if necessary. Highly recommended him and his team.
Michael was very professional and thorough with the inspection, his suggestions and recommendations were greatly appreciated and his attention to... read moreMichael was very professional and thorough with the inspection, his suggestions and recommendations were greatly appreciated and his attention to detail is awesome. read less
Mike was referred with extremely high remarks. He was above 5 stars. As a buyer you want to know everything... read moreMike was referred with extremely high remarks. He was above 5 stars. As a buyer you want to know everything about your home. He took his time and checked every little thing in the house down to each outlet, and sink drain. Our inspection report was 54 pages with photos of everything along with comments and suggestions. I have gone back to this report several times in the last 3 years when minor things happen as a guide on what to do. The most important section of his work was the utility area where he labeled everything for us. Excellent work. Thank you Mike! read less
Mike and his team are very helpful
Highly recommend Mike and First Choice home inspection! My home inspection with Michael was one of the best I... read moreHighly recommend Mike and First Choice home inspection! My home inspection with Michael was one of the best I have had. I have been through home inspections before but this one truly was one of the most thorough and clear to understand one I have had. Mike was patient and took plenty of time to explain his findings to me. I never felt like I was missing anything in the process and had peace of mind moving forward with my purchase after he went through the home. read less
I highly recommend First Choice. They were thorough, professional and great about both listening and explaining possible issues in great detail.
Mike is the best!
Mike was awesome! He was able to speak on all issues and recommendations with detail. He was able to answer... read moreMike was awesome! He was able to speak on all issues and recommendations with detail. He was able to answer any questions and concerns. My partner and I also greatly appreciate the additional support with contractor recommendations! I would highly recommend Mike and First Choice Home Inspections and will to friends and family! read less
Mike is great, he takes the time to explain everything to buyers about their home-to-be, and answers questions fully and... read moreMike is great, he takes the time to explain everything to buyers about their home-to-be, and answers questions fully and patiently. You can tell he is passionate about his work, and truly enjoys it! read less