Welcome to Brick and Mortar Home Inspections!

Brick and Mortar Home Inspections Services

VERBAL CONSULTATION

A verbal consultation can be a valuable tool for a home buyer looking for a fast close, or for a multitude of other reasons.  During a verbal consultation we will conduct an on-site consultation covering the major components of the home.  This process will include a walk-through of the home with a verbal overview, tips for maintenance and repair, and a final debrief. 

Drone Aerial Inspections

Termites Alone Cause More Property Damage Annually than Fires, Floods, and Earthquakes Combined. Our InterNachi Certified Pest Inspectors follow the inspection guidelines and procedures established by the National Pest Management Association. Our WDO inspection includes a detailed examination of the home looking for signs of wood destroying organisms to include termites, carpenter ants, carpenter beetles, and wood-boring beetles. These insects can cause significant damage to wooden structures by feeding on, tunneling through, or nesting within wood. During our WDO inspection, the inspector will inspect all readily accessible areas where wood destroying insects can be found. Common areas include: Crawl spaces and basements. These areas are often damp and can harbor termites and other insects that thrive in moist environments. Attics. Improper ventilation in attics can lead to moisture buildup, attracting wood-destroying insects. Areas with leaks. Anywhere water damage or leaks occur, such as around windows, doors, or plumbing, can be susceptible to infestation. Exterior wood. Fascia boards, decks, siding, and other exterior wooden elements can be targeted by carpenter bees and other insects. Wood in contact with the ground. Fences and other wood structures that touch the soil are at higher risk. Areas with fungus or rot. Damp or rotting wood provides a food source and nesting site for various insects. Interior wood features. Door and window frames, baseboards, and even furniture can be vulnerable if conditions are right. Trees and tree stumps near the house. These can be entry points for insects that may eventually infest the home. Areas around chimneys and roofs. These areas are also prone to moisture and can attract insects Signs of infestation include sawdust-like droppings (frass), small holes in the wood, and weakened or hollowed-out wood. At the conclusion of our WDO inspection, the client receives a comprehensive report providing crucial information about the property's vulnerability to and current status of wood-destroying insects. This includes a completed NPMA-33 form often referred to as a termite report. This standard form is often required during real estate transactions involving VA and HUD loans. The information detailed in the report empowers the client to make informed decisions about property maintenance, potential treatments, and negotiations in real estate transactions.
Our inspectors obtain water samples that are analyzed by the El Paso County water testing laboratory for the presence of bacteria including coliform and E. coli.  It is important to note that water from private wells is not monitored for quality by government agencies.  Instead, it is the responsibility of the homeowner who owns a private well to periodically test their well for contamination.  This is rarely done.  Water testing helps ensure that your drinking water is safe.
Our 1-year warranty inspection is your last chance to identify and document any issues that need to be addressed before the builder’s warranty expires.  By conducting a thorough inspection before the warranty expires, you can document all issues and request repairs while the builder is still obligated to fix them.  Without this step, you may miss the window to hold the builder accountable, leaving you to cover the repair costs.
A sewer scope inspection involves using a specialized camera to examine the condition of a home’s sewer line.  The camera is fed through the sewer cleanout or another access point, allowing inspectors to identify potential problems such as clogs, cracks, tree root intrusion, or pipe deterioration.  Sewer line repairs or replacements can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage and the method of repair. Discovering potential issues before closing can save you from unexpected and costly repairs.  This gives you a financial safety net.
Septic inspections are a crucial part of protecting your home investment. They help identify potential issues before they become costly problems. Common issues found during a septic inspection include blockages in the drain field; leaks in the tank or pipes; excessive solids in the tank; tree root intrusion; damaged baffles; and improper system design or installation. By prioritizing a septic inspection during the home buying process, you can save money, avoid unexpected surprises, and enjoy your new home with confidence. If your home is equipped with a septic system, don’t overlook this critical step. Schedule a septic inspection to protect your investment.
Our Certified Master Inspectors bring unparalleled expertise to each inspection. We provide a detailed examination of the home’s major systems including site, foundation, roof, exterior, interior, plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical. We provide a detailed, easy-to-read report complete with digital photos and videos to document the condition of the home. Our inspectors are available before, during, and after each inspection to answer questions.
Radon is a silent, invisible, and odorless gas that could be present in a home without the homeowner even realizing it.  Radon exposure is linked to approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S.  It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in our country. Every home, regardless of age, construction type, or location, could be at risk.  In El Paso County, 41% of all homes tested have radon levels that exceed the EPA’s recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L.  In Pueblo County, 64% exceeded the recommended action level. Similarly, 55% exceeded the recommended action level in Teller County.  As a homebuyer, testing for radon gives you the opportunity to ask the seller to mitigate if the home exceeds the EPA’s recommended action level.
Buying a newly constructed home is exciting—it’s modern, untouched, and built just for you.  But even the best builders can make mistakes, and new homes aren’t immune to defects.  Construction projects often involve multiple subcontractors, each responsible for a specific aspect of the home, such as plumbing, electrical, roofing, or HVAC. Miscommunication or rushing to meet deadlines often lead to oversights like improperly installed or missing insulation; poorly sealed windows and doors; incorrect wiring or plumbing connections; and bowed walls or uneven floors. Our Certified Master Inspectors can identify these and other issues before the builder hands over the keys to your new home.
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm environments.  Mold spores can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and skin irritations.  In some cases, prolonged exposure to mold can lead to chronic health problems, making it essential to identify mold issues early.  Mold spores grow unnoticed behind walls, under flooring, or in HVAC systems, often escaping the eye of a general home inspector.  Mold testing involves air quality and surface testing.  By including mold testing in your inspection process, you ensure that your family is moving into a safe, healthy environment.

Drones offer safe, fast, cost-effective inspections for buildings, infrastructure, and large assets.  They can capture inaccessible angles without the use of scaffolding or ladders.  Drones are also excellent for roof inspections when roofing material is metal, tile, slate, or shake.  They are also invaluable when the pitch is too steep or dangerous to walk or when inspecting chimney tops. We use state-of-the-art equipment on every job!

Commercial Inspection

We are here to help with the due diligence process in purchasing a commercial and multiplex property.  We use state-of-the-art equipment and innovative technology to provide a comprehensive report covering the current condition of the property, including digital photos and recommendations to help plan for ongoing and upcoming maintenance and safety.   

Multi Family Inspection

Similar to a full home inspection, the home inspector reviews all visual aspects of all major systems and structural components of the home, as well as items specific to these types of home.  Our experience in these types of homes will give you the confidence needed to make an informed decision.  

irrigation inspection

An irrigation inspection is a visual and operational inspection of your irrigation system. It is important to have your irrigation system inspected regularly to ensure that it is operating efficiently and effectively. A well-maintained irrigation system can save you money on your water bill and help to keep your lawn and landscaping healthy.