A home inspection is a visual examination of a home's structure, systems and components. Handyma'am adheres to the New York State standards of practice which outlines what is and is not covered during a general home inspection. After the inspection you will receive an inspection report detailing the findings - complete with photos and descriptions of the inspected systems and components.

Buying a home is a big investment and it’s important that you understand as much as possible about the property before purchasing it. A thorough home inspection can reveal any significant repairs needed, potential oversights or safety hazards and insight into the general maintenance a property might require. You’ll understand the long term financial considerations of your purchase such as: will I need a new roof in 5 years, is the plumbing in need of replacement etc etc. A home inspection is an invaluable tool during the home buying (and selling!) process. Handyma’am is here to make that process a little less intimidating.

We inspect all major systems and components of the property (when safe and accessible) including: The foundation, grounds, roof, exterior, interior, attic, substructure, electrical, plumbing, major appliances and heating and cooling systems.

No! Pre-listing inspections are an incredibly helpful tool for sellers preparing to list a property for sale. With the updated Property Condition Disclosure Act, a seller is required to provide full disclosure of the condition of their property. The best way to protect yourself as a seller is with a pre-listing inspection. We can help with that! For more information on the PCDA, consult your realtor. A copy of the Property Condition Disclosure Statement can be found on the New York State Website.

No! There is no such thing as pass/fail when it comes to a home inspection. A professional home inspection is an visual and objective assessment of the current condition of a house. We can’t predict what might happen in the future (bummer, I know) but we can describe a home’s current physical condition and indicate things that might need major repair or replacement.

Being present during the inspection allows the homebuyer to observe the inspector’s findings and ask questions as they arise. Interacting with the inspector during the inspection can provide homebuyers with invaluable information to help them make informed decisions about their investment. Plus, we’re fun to hang out with :)

This is like asking your spouse how long they need to get ready. A typical inspection takes between 2-3 hours but there are many factors that contribute to this such as: size and age of the home, number of systems, additional structures on the property, weather and accessibility. Your inspector will give you an estimated timeline based on the factors above. Unfortunately, you’re on your own with your spouse.

HMHI is based in Cochecton, NY and we serve most areas within a 2 hour drive. We’re not (yet) licensed in Pennsylvania or New Jersey but hope to expand to those markets as soon as we can!

So glad you asked! Handyma’am Home Inspections is led by licensed inspector, Katie Whitaker. With over 13 years in the home repair business, Katie recently moved into the home inspection field. Completing their training and education with American Home Inspector Training and passing the National Home Inspector Exam, Katie brings a world of knowledge and experience to the inspection industry. A home is the most exciting and important purchase most people will ever make. Handyma’am Home Inspections is here to make that process a little less intimidating. Our inspection reports are professional, detailed and easy to understand. We’ll walk you through your inspection report and make sure you completely understand the current condition of the property. No mansplaining, no gimmicks, just the information you need and the peace of mind you deserve!

Get in touch! Call, text or email us with any questions you might have. We're all ears and would love to connect with you.