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302-670-1960

HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTIONS

SERVING DOVER AND MIDDLE DELAWARE

HouseMaster of MIddle Delaware knows what it takes to deliver quality service. As part of the oldest and most trusted nationwide home inspection company, we’ve been doing just that since 1979. We provide you with thorough inspections and accurate information, all backed by our Limited Repair Reimbursement Guarantee, to give you the peace of mind to make an informed decision regarding your new home. HouseMaster inspectors are comprehensively trained and tested annually to meet the industry standards of inspection, reporting, and customer service. It’s easy to see why HouseMaster customers and the real estate professionals would recommend HouseMaster to their friends and family. Proudly serving the people of Dover, Smryna, Milford, Lewes, Townsend and their neighboring communities.

NATALIE HENSCHEN

OWNER/INSPECTOR ASSISTANT

<p>Meet Owner/Inspector Assistant Natalie Henschen.&nbsp; She was born and raised in Panama City, FL.&nbsp; There she meet Scott and fell in love.&nbsp; They traveled the US following the orders of the Air Force.&nbsp; She raised two wonderful childern while Scott was deployed.&nbsp; She also held many different types of jobs from preschool teacher to insurance salesman.&nbsp; After Scott retired form the Air Force, they decided to go into business for themselves and opened a HouseMaster franchise in Dover, DE.&nbsp; They love the surrounding area where they enjoy photography, camping, sporting events, and going to the beach.</p>
SCOTT HENSCHEN

OWNER/INSPECTOR

<p>Meet Owner/Inspector Scott Henschen.&nbsp; He was born and raised on a dairy farm in Ohio.&nbsp; After&nbsp;graduating High School, he joined the Air Force and started as an aircraft mechanic.&nbsp; He was promoted and received a new job as a flight engineer on cargo airplanes.&nbsp; Along the way, he met Natalie and fell in love.&nbsp; They raised two kids as they moved across America in the service.&nbsp; He assisted his friend in starting a construction company specializing in sub-floor restoration from termites and water damage.&nbsp; He learned about construction techniques and repair methods.&nbsp; After the Air Force, Scott worked for Lockheed Martin as a flight test control engineer on F-35's.&nbsp; This led him to opening a HouseMaster home inspection franchise in Delaware.&nbsp; Scott enjoys sporting events, concerts, and camping.</p>

INSPECTION SERVICES

ROOFING
EXTERIOR ELEMENTS
INTERIOR ELEMENTS
FOUNDATION AND SUBSTRUCTURE
KITCHEN
HEATING SYSTEM
COOLING SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL
PLUMBING
ROOFING

What we inspect: Visible roof covering materials, (shingles), flashings at roof penetrations and valleys, skylights, chimneys, gutters and downspouts. We assess the condition of these elements for proper function; looking for evidence of leakage or worn, damaged, or missing components. Watch us in action!

EXTERIOR ELEMENTS

Here is what we inspect: Visible siding and trim, windows, doors, garages, porches, decks, stairs, and railings. We assess the elements for proper construction and function; looking for damage, missing components or other conditions that might lead to infiltration or functional concerns. Watch us in action!

INTERIOR ELEMENTS

What we inspect: visible areas of all walls, ceilings, stairways, representative windows and doors, and attic areas for signs of leakage and damage, sagging or other structural concerns. Windows will be operated to determine function. In accessible attics, besides assessing structural components, we will note insulation and ventilation conditions. Watch us in action!

FOUNDATION AND SUBSTRUCTURE

What we inspect: Visible load-bearing framing components, foundation walls, slabs, piers and columns and major structural components. Visible, accessible structural components will be assessed for function and presence of damage, decay or defects. We look for water penetration at below grade areas. Watch us in action!

KITCHEN

What we inspect: Plumbing fixtures and built-in appliances. We check plumbing fixtures looking for water pressure or drainage issues and visible signs of leaks. We check basic operational modes of the appliances and ventilators and look at cabinets and countertops for significant deficiencies.  Watch us in action!

HEATING SYSTEM

What we inspect: Visible components of the central AC or heat pump system including condensers and air handlers, and the distribution ductwork. We operate the system to assess function and condition of the accessible indoor/ outdoor components. The distribution system will also be assessed. Watch us in action!

COOLING SYSTEM

What we inspect: Visible components of the central AC or heat pump system including condensers and air handlers, and the distribution ductwork. We operate the system to assess function and condition of the accessible indoor/ outdoor components. The distribution system will also be assessed. Watch us in action!

ELECTRICAL

What we inspect: Visible service panels components and household wiring and devices. We assess the condition of readily accessible panel components, note the presence of GFCIs, AFCIs, smoke alarms and check the operation of representative outlets, switches, fixtures and other devices. Watch us in action!

PLUMBING

What we inspect: Visible water supply piping, distribution piping, waste system piping, water heaters and plumbing fixtures. Also includes inspection of the physical condition of piping, kitchen and bathroom fixtures; tubs, showers, toilets, and operation to assess flow, drainage and leakage. Water heating components will also be assessed. Watch us in action!

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

RADON SCREENING
WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS
WATER TESTING
MOLD SCREENING
NEW CONSTRUCTION
RADON SCREENING

A short-term test is performed to determine the possible presence of elevated levels of radon gas pursuant to local regulations or practices for real estate transactions. Radon is an odorless, colorless and radioactive byproduct of natural soil decay known to increase the risk of cancer in those exposed.

WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS

A Termite Inspection (also referred to as a Wood Destroying Inspection or Wood Destroying Organism Inspection) includes a visual examination of the readily accessible areas of the home for evidence of wood-destroying insect activity such as termites, or carpenter ants or the visible damage caused by infestations.

WATER TESTING

Water testing services include taking a water sample following accepted protocols with analysis of samples performed by a certified lab. General options include a basic water Potability test for Coliform (bacteria) and other elements such as Nitrate/Nitrite, Hardness, Acidity (pH). Expanded testing options may include volatile organic compounds (fuels), heavy metals (lead, etc.) or other elements required or recommended by local authorities or common practice such as when a property is located in close proximity to agricultural land, mining, dry cleaning establishments, gas stations, industrial facilities, landfills, or other known or suspected local hazards exist.

MOLD SCREENING

Screening includes: air and/or surface (bulk) sampling to determine presence of elevated levels of mold spores or verify presence of a mold growth.  Includes one air sample in one interior area and one outdoor control sample, with surface sampling of random or requested suspect mold growths. Processed by a qualified lab to determine results.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Inspections include: draw inspection (verification of installed elements for lender release of funds); phase inspections (conducted at several stages of the construction process); and inspections of new homes ready for occupancy and assessment of the condition of installed components to supplement code compliance inspection provided by local authorities.