You should be sure to choose an inspection company that is:
• Licensed by the State of Connecticut – All Tiger inspectors are licensed.
• Experienced, reputable and demonstrates a high level of competence and ethical behavior.
• As the largest company in Connecticut, Tiger can assign the appropriate inspector best suited for your needs and the property type. Examples are antique homes, new construction, structural concerns, and first time buyers. See our Specialties Page for additional information.
• Technologically Advanced: Tiger provides a computerized report with digital pictures and utilizes Electronic Radon Monitors.
• Insured – We are fully insured including errors and omissions, liability and workers compensation. The State of Connecticut does not require inspectors to carry insurance. Proper insurance will protect you and other parties involved in the transaction.
• Supervisory licensed for wood destroying insect inspection.
• A member of respected trade associations – Tiger inspectors are members of ASHI, CAHI and NAHI. These three associations hold their members to a high level of competence and ethics.
The purchase of a home is typically the most important investment of your life. Your inspector will provide you with the necessary analysis to inform you and make you comfortable with your decision. After deciding on a home that suits your needs, a home inspection will give you a third-party, unbiased opinion on the systems and physical condition of the property. The report acts as a list to evaluate necessary repairs, improvements and maintenance.
A Tiger Home Inspection is an opportunity for you to review the conditions of the home with a qualified inspector, understanding the condition of the systems and components of the home as well as maintenance needed.
The State Licensing Boards (CT,MA,NY) and AHSI describe a home inspection as a visual examination of the structure and systems that are accessible at the time of the inspection. Home inspectors inspect readily accessible areas. Dismantling, destructive probing, and movement of personal possessions and furniture are beyond the scope of a home inspection. The report details the conditions existing at the time of the inspection.
At Tiger, our inspectors exceed these minimum industry standards and often exceed the typical practices of our competition.
An average-sized home will take 2-3 hours to inspect. Inspection time frames vary depending on the size and age of the home, client involvement and questions, and optional environmental tests ordered.
Tiger Standard Inspection includes:
• Wood Boring Insect Report
• Building – accessible structure
• Roof & Exterior
• Deck/Entry/Porch
• Garage and Outbuildings
• Basement / Crawl Space
• Heating & Cooling System*
• Electrical System
• Plumbing & Water Heater
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Interior Rooms
• Attic
• Insulation & Vapor Barriers
* Cooling system cannot be tested out of season
In many states (including CT and RI) Home Inspectors are not required to be Licensed and Insured, and are allowed to do business with an “intern” license. When hiring an inspector, you should always ask these questions so you know you are working with a reputable and experienced company with ethical practices. At Tiger, all of our inspectors are fully licensed and insured.
Standard Inspection
• Wood Boring Insect Report – Included Free
• Building – accessible structure
• Roof & Exterior
• Deck/Entry/Porch
• Garage and Outbuildings
• Basement / Crawl Space
• Heating & Cooling System*
• Electrical System
• Plumbing & Water Heater
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Interior Rooms
• Attic
• Insulation & Vapor Barriers
* Cooling system can not be tested out of season
An average-sized home will take 2-3 hours to inspect. Inspection time frames vary depending on the size and age of the home, client involvement and questions, and optional environmental tests ordered.
Our Standard Inspection starts at $440 for houses and $405 for condominiums – this includes your Wood Boring Insect Inspection. Factors affecting the fee include the size of the home, additional outbuildings and/or systems, the age of the home (antique homes require a slightly higher inspection fee), and applicable optional environmental tests. Contact our client service staff for pricing based on the specifics of your potential home.
Beyond our Standard Home Inspection, we suggest you consider the appropriate optional environmental tests for your home.
What optional environmental tests should I consider?
Some optional tests apply to all properties; others are dependent on the age and components of the home. For more information on these tests, please see the Optional Environmental Tests page on our website or ask our client service staff when scheduling your inspection.
- Mold
- Radon in air
- Functional Flow
- Well Water – Basic Profile
- Radon in water
- Lead in water
- VOC & Pesticides
- Arsenic in water
- Uranium in water
- Asbestos
- Lead in Paint
- Septic
- UST
Many types of home inspection reports exist. The most important factor is that you receive a report that satisfies The State Standards of Practice in your state. Tiger provides a computerized report with summary and pictures emailed to you within 24 hours. In addition, your inspection includes a verbal review and summary on-site at the end of the inspection to ensure your complete understanding.
At Tiger, we inspect a condominium with the same thorough process as inspecting a stand-alone house. Over the years, we have found many of the same inspection issues in condos as in homes. Although the condominium association may be responsible for outside maintenance, it is important to know the condition of such important items as roof, decks, porches, siding, etc. before closing. (Please be sure to have your attorney review the condo documents to understand the association policies).
Buyers are often misinformed to believe inspecting new construction is not necessary. The misconception stems from the fact that a new construction home is ‘brand-new’ and the home has a one-year warranty from your builder in accordance with Connecticut’s New Home Warranties Act. Although you have a one-year warranty, there are many benefits to inspecting your new-construction home prior to closing:
• Peace of mind: Inspecting any potential home purchase will satisfy your comfort level in the transaction. • Educational value: In the process of the inspection, you learn how systems work, the location of important emergency shut-offs, and how to change over systems for each season.
• Environmental Tests: Environmental tests such as tests for radon in air, radon in water, wood destroying insects, and well water quality are not accommodated by a builder in most cases.
• Punch List: Your “Punch List” preparation is greatly enhanced.
• Pre-closing Issues: The identification of issues prior to closing is most important because it is often easier to get an issue rectified before the closing on your purchase than after the closing.