Home Inspections in PA Resume

If you were one of the many home buyers during the start of the Coronavirus 2019 Disease (COVID-19) crisis, you are well aware of the difficulties in getting a home inspection completed.  As of May 1, 2020, Home Inspections in PA are permitted to resume.  Prior to this new guidance, home inspectors and businesses in the construction industry were ordered to cease operations due to the Coronavirus 2019 Disease (COVID-19).  This left many home buyers confused and stressed about the home they were about to purchase.

Before this updated order that came out this week, home inspectors were not allowed to perform home inspections.  The only exceptions were for clients that had an executed contract dated March 18, 2020, and prior.  Now, with this new guidance, all building, code, and home inspectors may resume their business operations but must still follow CDC guidelines and any orders from the PA Secretary of Health.

Guidance Requirements 

Taken from the Construction Industry Guidance Policy on the PA Governor’s website, “All residential construction projects including new construction, renovation, and repair are authorized to conduct in-person operations”  It continues “however, such projects may not permit more than four persons on the job site at any time inclusive of employees or both prime and sub contractors, but not inclusive of delivery persons, code inspectors, or similar persons who require temporary access to the site and are not directly engaged in the construction activity.”

The Department of Labor and Industry also confirmed that home inspectors may resume services in Pennsylvania.

Why a Home Inspection is Important

A home inspection reveals major material defects, significant safety concerns, and important health issues.  As a home inspector, I report on structural failures, leaking or damaged roofs, electrical and fire hazards, plumbing defects that can sicken occupants, improperly installed stucco, incomplete fire walls, insufficient means of egress, significant health issues such as asbestos, formaldehyde, radon gas, carbon monoxide, lead, and more.  In addition to the potential harm of defects found, there are sometimes significant financials costs for the potential buyer that they need to address prior to purchasing the home.   We work to protect the buyer and we’re happy that we can get back to doing our job!

Our Policy During COVID-19

ARTI Home Inspections LLC takes the COVID-19 crisis seriously and we will follow CDC Guidelines and orders from the PA Secretary of Health in order to prevent the spread of this contagious virus.  Our home inspector will adhere to the following:

  • Maintain 6 feet of social distancing at all times from clients, agents, home occupants, and other contractors who may be on-site;
  • Wear a fresh mask and gloves during the home inspection;
  • Recommend that home occupants leave the premises.  If they are unable to leave, the home inspector can “clear” a room so they may stay home safely;
  • Have a maximum of 3 people inside the home aside from the home inspector, but recommend fewer if possible;
  • Send all documents, such as the Pre-Inspection Agreement and Inspection Reports electronically so we can maintain social distance and avoid sharing pens and paper;

For any questions, feel free to contact us through our website artihomeinspections.com or call us at 610-220-1907.