Ascension Home Inspections

05/07/2023

Not everyone in our industry shares the same level of field experience or knowledge. Ascension Home Inspections has over 23 years of actual service experience in the septic industry and familiar with pumping, servicing, repairs, and replacements of septic systems and components. The 'other guy' has field experience that revolves around past administrative duties. What is the difference? Being able to correctly identify the cause of an issue and to suggest appropriate repairs is crucial to our industry.

These reports, completed just three months apart, show a stark contrast between what actual industry and field expertise looks like versus what administrative experience looks like.

The report on the right, their report, was done three months prior to ours. The report incorrectly identified the source of the problem and did not offer suggestions for repair. Three months later, the seller of the home contacted us to provide an inspection. The seller was never made aware of any issue from the 'other guys' report.

When we first arrived, it was very apparent what the problem was - a leaky septic tank that had a crack in it. The water level in the tank was significantly lower than normal operating level. This crack in the tank was the cause for the tracing dye leaking back into the home's footer pump crock. However, this was never mentioned on the other report, and no repair was suggested. Because no repair was ever suggested, the seller was unaware of the problem, and more specifically, how to resolve it.

Because of our report, the system was appropriately repaired, and the known issue was resolved. The 'other guys' report had left the seller in limbo.

There is a major difference between expertise acquired working extensively in the field as opposed to knowledge learned solely from doing administrative paperwork or attending a few continuing education classes.

So who do you want inspecting your septic system? An inspector whose field experience spans decades working in the industry or one whose prior experience was solely administrative? When choosing your inspector, choose the one who can put your mind at ease by providing accurate, detailed reports. Why choose the 'other guy' when you can choose Ascension Home Inspections?

05/06/2023

The amount of care and detail that go into our reports allow us to convey complex information to the potential buyer. In regards to septic systems, many of them have multiple components that require specific maintenance, such as filters, diversion switches, aerator motors and pumps. Oftentimes, the buyer (and sometimes the agent) cannot be on-site. Being able to put this information into writing on a detailed, yet concise report, is one of the ways an inspector can provide exceptional service. Other times, lacking information on the type of septic system and its required maintenance is a disservice to the client.

Take a look at these reports - ours on the left, and the 'other guys' on the right. If you were purchasing a home with a septic system, whose information is more valuable to you as the new homeowner? Many of my clients tell me that they were looking for a home without a septic system, mainly because they don't understand how to maintain one and nobody has ever taken the time to explain it to them. Some of them walk away from amazing properties over something like a septic system.

When choosing a company to inspect your septic system, choose someone who can clearly communicate the important details of the system, especially in regards to necessary maintenance in the future. You can choose the 'other guy', but why? Choose Ascension Home Inspections. You'll be glad you did.

05/05/2023

Presentation of information can often be as valuable as the information itself. Additionally, knowing the current code when working with septic systems, specifically off-lot septic systems is key.

Our inspection was performed a few days after the 'other guys' performed their inspection. Our report identified several issues that were not mentioned on the 'other guys' report. An item listed on their report is inaccurate and not consistent with current code - the use of chlorination on discharging septic systems was discontinued several years ago and are no longer required to be filled (re: against code to be in use).

Communicating effective and accurate information is vital in our industry. This information is helpful to the homeowner and will help to reduce the number of failing septic systems in our area. Sharing knowledge of proper maintenance routines to a seller or potential buyer can help in the reduction of public health nuisances in our community.

When choosing who to inspect your septic system, why choose the 'other guys'? You know you will receive consistent, high-quality inspections with Ascension Home Inspections.

05/04/2023

Not all inspections are created equal - even if the company has been in the industry for a long time. Several companies have high turnover rates and continually send inexperienced employees into the field.

These reports, side by side, performed two months apart, show the difference in providing minimal service and providing excellent service.

The report on the left, our report, expresses many details that were not present in the report on the right. Many of the items noted in our report are necessary routine maintenance items - something that the company on the right did not note despite having been in the service industry for many years. Longevity in the industry is not the same as excellence in the industry.

When choosing your inspector, going with the 'cheap guys' will provide you with cheap reports. Choosing the right inspector will give you the peace of mind you seek with thorough, detailed inspections and reports.

05/03/2023

With so many options, it cannot be stressed enough just how important choosing the right inspector is. Being able to clearly communicate with the buyer (and oftentimes the seller too!) is essential to what we do. Sometimes, an inspector can provide just a little too much information, while other times no information or details are provided.

On the left is our report - providing necessary details, like the drop in water pressure while operating several faucets in the home at one time. This would be vital to a homeowner - washing dishes, showering, and doing laundry all at once - who would experience this drastic drop during normal, daily activities.

On the right is a report by the 'other guys'. The comments section was blank - no information communicated on the report to the buyer. This report, submitted to the county as public record, contains no information regarding the low operational flow of the well, and no potential repairs or recommendations are offered.

These are the details that set Ascension Home Inspections apart from the rest. When making that difficult choice between the cheap 'other guys' or the best, always opt for the best!

05/02/2023

It's the little things... the small details that make the difference. Things like formatting and legibility - all things that can make one report stand out compared to the rest.

On the left is our report - easy to read, concise yet detailed, and full of helpful information. A photo sheet is attached to each report that shows in detail what was recorded on the report and additional information that could not adequately fit in the comments portion.

On the right is a report by the 'other guys'. Crammed with information (some useful, some not), full of spelling errors, missing information (primary septic tank not located or noted), formatting that makes for difficult reading...

With more than two decades of actual in-the-field experience, it's the attention to detail and the industry knowledge that separates Ascension Home Inspections from the rest of the pack. So when choosing a company for your septic and well inspections, choose the best. Choose Ascension Home Inspections.

05/01/2023

With so many companies and options out there when choosing an inspector, what sets Ascension Home Inspections apart from the rest? This is what nearly 25 years of experience and knowledge in the septic industry provides:

Take a look at these reports - both done at the same property for different buyers just weeks apart.

We provide a detailed description of the septic system and its layout, commenting on known issues and recommending repairs, in addition to listing routine maintenance - all helpful information to a potential buyer and the seller.

The 'other guys' provide little to no information regarding the septic system, and are even missing important details like the presence of a primary septic tank prior to the Jet aeration tank. Despite being performed a few weeks apart, this report doesn't mention the issues with the aerator motor - a vital component of an off-lot discharging system.

You can choose cheap - or you can choose the best. Choose Ascension Home Inspections for your septic and well inspection needs.

04/27/2023

If you are selling a home with a well or cistern system, or considering purchasing one that does, enjoy this free private water system guide and checklist that we put together for people just like you!

Sellers and listing agents - follow this guide for a general guideline when preparing your home for listing, and contact Ascension Home Inspections with any questions regarding your water system.

04/27/2023

Septic systems can seem daunting to new and experienced home buyers alike. If you are a homeowner with a septic system or a prospective buyer of a home with a septic system, take a look at this guide that we put together for you.

Sellers and listing agents, this checklist and guide can help you to identify any potential issues with the septic system that may slow down the sale of the home. Contact Ascension Home Inspections with any questions, or for guidance, repairs or recommendations regarding your septic system.

05/02/2022

https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/home/home-inspections-real-estate-supply-demand-competition-20220502.html?outputType=amp

Some buyers are overpaying for homes, waiving inspections, and then discovering costly problems.

02/04/2021

On the fence about a home or septic inspection?

There was so much to love about this old house—that is, until a home inspection revealed some scary secrets. Here's what other home buyers should know.

01/25/2021

Can you spot the common theme amongst these photos?

Water and moisture intrusion are very common in homes where water tables are high, negative grading slopes towards the foundation, large trees or bushes are located close to the home, or downspouts discharge too closely to the house.

Sometimes water and moisture can cause structural issues, as seen in the photos where cracking of the blocks are evident, while other times it can be more of a nuisance than a safety issue. But do you know how to identify which is which?

If you or someone you know is looking to buy (or sell) a home in the near future, a home inspection will identify which systems of the home are potential safety or structural issues.

Call Ascension Home Inspections today to schedule your home inspection!