The MaxInspect™ Inspection System
WHAT Goes Into Kansas City’s Best Home Inspections?
WHAT Makes Kansas City Home Inspectors Different?
WHY Are Home Inspection Prices Different?
The MOST Complete
Home Inspection In Kansas City
What Is It?
As someone who knew almost nothing about construction (I spent my 20s on Navy ships), my methods started out alot like all the others.
But with experience, I realized the guidelines in place to protect homebuyers, sellers, investors, and real estate agents also caused alot of disappointment:
- Don’t move furniture
- Don’t move personal items
- Don’t move storage items
- In fact, try not to touch anything
- You don’t have to walk on the roof
- Or look inside the electrical panel
- It’s okay to check half the windows
- And check only half the outlets
- Don’t use the word ”mold’ even if it’s mold
- Don’t tell people what caused the problem
I mean, “I’m here to inspect the house and they knew I was coming, right?”
It was frustrating.
Then I started making minor improvements to ALL the ways I explored issues and delivered the results to you.
I call these techniques…
The MaxInspect™ System
What’s So Special?
The BEST home inspections take more than a flashlight and a ladder.
It takes knowing WHAT to expect – and HOW to find – the issues no matter the age, type, size, or location.
And each of these variations has its own unique complications.
For example, a newer home is vastly different than a historic home (50+ years old).
A historic home used different materials, was built differently, and used in different ways so it was laid out differently than homes from other eras.
Electric appliances like stoves and central a/c units weren’t common so electrical service size was usually smaller than today.
Sewer lines are buried and made from rigid materials that crack, break, and get clogged so plumbing issues are also a big concern.
Efficiency, consistency, and safety weren’t front and center, so today’s INSURANCE COMPANIES (and certain loan programs) sometimes need extra assurance that these things – and others – are up to snuff before you get a policy.
Now, put a historic home in the country where updates happen slowly and building codes might not even exist, and you’re taking on these issues in the wild west.
And that’s just ONE type of house.
Go from a basement to a crawlspace, throw in termites, add sewer line problems (or septic issues), mix in a little Radon gas, and hopefully you see what I mean.
It takes alot more than spouting construction terms, flipping switches, and poking around the attic to get a home inspection that WON’T make you want to pull your hair out after you move in.
It takes someone who anticipates the issues and knows which questions to ask to keep you from buying a money pit that could EASILY end up costing you thousands in gut wrenching repairs after you move in.
And after two decades and thousands of lessons, we’ve learned HOW, WHERE, AND WHEN to look for the different types of issues so we not only CATCH the things that are MISSING but also find the defects HIDING above ceilings, inside walls, and beneath floors.
MORE important than that, we make the results easy for you to understand so you can tell pretty quickly what to do about them. We’ll even help.
Who Is This For?
Our 2000-item 100% MaxInspect™ home inspection is for ANYONE who wants to know all the details in and around the home.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a home buyer, home seller, or real estate investor, our MaxInspect™ inspection helps you plan, budget, negotiate, and avoid inspection-related expenses down the road.
Here’s what goes into a COMPREHENSIVE Kansas City home inspection designed to uncover maximum defects for maximum return on your investment with minimum risk and confusion:
What We Inspect 👇🏽👇🏽
100% Inspection
This uncovers 85%-90% of the visible and readily available defects in and around a home.
While there are roughly 400 items the average home inspector must check, our 100% inspection averages 2,000 items in and around the home (depending on the home).
What we inspect
- Landscaping (drainage, driveway, porch, deck, and patios)
- Roof (soffits, fascias, rake boards, ventilation, shingles (including number of layers), flashings, and chimneys2.
- Every window1
- Every toilet1
- Every light and ceiling fan1
- Every switch1
- Every outlet1
- All appliances (that stay with the home)
- Operation and testing of entire plumbing system (inside the home)
- Operation and testing of HVAC system4
- Run water through all faucets for entire inspection3
- Exterior (siding, outlets, windows, window wells, foundation, and retaining walls)
- Attic (insulation, ventilation, ductwork, electrical wiring, roof deck, and rafters)1
- Every door1
- Every ceiling (including stains and cracks)
- Every floor (for waviness and unevenness)
- Every air vent1
- Every garage (including firewalls and openers)
- Foundation (for movement, cracking, and water seepage)
- Testing and inspection of entire electrical system (inside and out)
In a nutshell, we will report on 100% of the items we can test, touch, see, smell, and hear – WITHOUT exception.
1Must be accessible
2Must be safe
3When the home is vacant
4Cooling system when outside temp. >65°F
Gravity Flow™ Process
Movement and moisture cause more damage than we see on the surface.
And because gravity is CONSTANTLY pulling things down, we follow these problems as far as we can to help you understand how far they go and how concerned you should be.
Mystery Glitch™ Technique
Sometimes finding problems is MORE like a riddle than a home inspection.
You know the quirks you sometimes find in a home? That’s a MYSTERY GLITCH.
We track, isolate, and reveal those random – and sometimes annoying – peculiarities that require a little more finesse to find because they’re HIDDEN from plain sight.
Things like:
- A hallway light that doesn’t work until another switch is flipped
- A ceiling fan that’s controlled in another room
- A shower leak that trips a circuit breaker
- A garbage disposal that turns on the microwave
You get the picture. And there are dozens of situations like this.
It takes years to learn which things go wrong, where it could be, and how to troubleshoot.
Every home is DIFFERENT, so knowing what to expect is impossible.
But that’s a skill we bring to your home inspection.
10Key™ Comment Method
Finding the defects is only half the battle.
Once we find them, YOU need to understand WHERE it is and WHAT’S happening so you can make the right choice for yourself.
That’s why we answer 10 key questions about the defects we find:
- What happened?
- Where is it?
- What caused it?
- What will happen if it’s ignored?
- Any signs of past problems?
- Any signs of past repairs?
- Is it a major concern?
- What do I recommend?
- Has it affected anything else?
- Has it damaged any surrounding areas?
These are the 10 questions every report MUST answer if you hope to understand each defect and the impact it has on the home.
You’ll get them in plain English so they’re QUICK and EASY for you – or anyone else who reads it – to understand.
World-Class Digital Report
The home inspection report is glue the binds this whole things together.
In fact, your home inspection is only as good as your home inspection report.
It’s the tool you’ll use to NEGOTIATE with your sellers, decide your next steps, budget for maintenance and repairs, understand your home, and what your wife will use to make your honey-do list (don’t say I didn’t warn you) 🤷🏽♂️.
It’s also the only thing you keep when it’s over, the only shred of proof the home inspection took place, and the backbone of the entire process.
Which means the home inspection report is a BIG part of your investment.
That’s why we put SO MUCH effort into making it easy-to-understand, easy-to-navigate, and just as useful in 5 or 10 years as it is today:
- No clutter
- Easy to navigate
- Easy to forward
- Easy to download
- Easy to understand
- 10Key™ Comments
- Enhanced and labeled digital photos
- Summaries to put things in perspective
- Same-day delivery
30 Min. Home Inspection Checklist – Only $18.99
Would YOU Like To
Check The Bones
YOURSELF Before The Home Inspection?
13 Pages Fully Illustrated
Immediate PDF delivery + flipbook
Save time and hundreds (sometimes thousands) in wasted home inspection fees
By finding out for yourself if there are major issues hiding in plain sight BEFORE the home inspection
Sample Home Inspection Reports
We only use 10key™ comments inside our premium home inspection reports.
These are explanations that use conversational language to answer the most important questions every report should ask if you want to understand the full scope of each issue and the impact is has on the home.
The premium home inspection report also includes enhanced photos to help you – and anyone else – take a closer look at the details.
Plus, your premium home inspection report includes safety, major, and maintenance summaries that help you put things in perspective.
Sample Premium Inspection Report of 6-Year-Old Home
Sample Premium Inspection Report of 60-Year-Old Home
Sample Premium Inspection Report of 115-Year-Old Home
Compare Inspections
| Items | Full | 5-Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LANDSCAPING | YES | NO |
| 2. EXTERIOR | . | . |
| Foundation | YES | YES |
| 3. COOLING | . | . |
| Type of system | YES | YES |
| Refrigerant lines | YES | YES |
| Air distribution | YES | YES |
| Condenser unit | YES | YES |
| Evaporator unit | YES | YES |
| Operating controls | YES | YES |
| 4. ROOF | . | . |
| Gutters | YES | YES |
| Downspouts | YES | YES |
| Roof covering | YES | YES |
| Flashings | YES | YES |
| Soffits and fascias | YES | YES |
| Roof ventilation | YES | YES |
| Skylights | YES | YES |
| Chimneys | YES | YES |
| Penetrations | YES | YES |
| 5. CARPORT | YES | NO |
| 6. ATTIC | . | . |
| Roof structure | YES | YES |
| Attic access | YES | YES |
| Skylights | YES | YES |
| Chimneys | YES | YES |
| Penetrations | YES | YES |
| Insulation | YES | YES |
| Ventilation | YES | YES |
| Fans | YES | YES |
| Exhaust | YES | YES |
| Circuit wiring | YES | YES |
| 7. ALL ROOMS | YES | NO |
| 8. BATHROOMS | YES | NO |
| 9. HALLS/STAIRS | YES | NO |
| 10. KITCHEN | YES | NO |
| 11. FIREPLACES | YES | NO |
| 12. GARAGE | YES | NO |
| 13. BASEMENT | . | . |
| Foundation | YES | YES |
| Walls | YES | YES |
| Rim joists | YES | YES |
| Floor joists | YES | YES |
| Smoke detector | YES | YES |
| Floor | YES | YES |
| Ceiling | YES | YES |
| Sub-floor | YES | YES |
| Columns | YES | YES |
| Beams | YES | YES |
| Posts | YES | YES |
| Circuit wiring | YES | YES |
| 14. LAUNDRY | YES | NO |
| 15. HEATING | . | . |
| Energy source | YES | YES |
| Operating controls | YES | YES |
| Flues and vents | YES | YES |
| Heat in living spaces | YES | YES |
| Furnace enclosure | YES | YES |
| Heating equipment | YES | YES |
| Safety controls | YES | YES |
| Heat distribution | YES | YES |
| CO detector in space | YES | YES |
| 16. PLUMBING | . | . |
| Water supply | YES | YES |
| Interior drains | YES | YES |
| Interior waste | YES | YES |
| Interior vents | YES | YES |
| Water heater | YES | YES |
| Water main valve | YES | YES |
| Water lines | YES | YES |
| Gas lines | YES | YES |
| Sump pumps | YES | YES |
| Run water (vacant) | YES | YES |
| 17. ELECTRICAL | . | . |
| Service entrance | YES | YES |
| Sub-panel | YES | YES |
| Circuit wiring | YES | YES |
| Distribution panel | YES | YES |
| Grounding | YES | YES |
Click here for the full unabbreviated list of comparison items
FULL HOME INSPECTION + TERMITE
BETTER
$445*
FULL HOME INSPECTION + TERMITE +RADON
BETTER +
$570*
FULL HOME INSPECTION + TERMITE +SEWER
BETTER +
$645*
FULL HOME INSPECTION +TERMITE +RADON +SEWER
BEST
$770*
5-POINT MAJOR ITEMS INSPECTION
GOOD
$395*
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Free Gifts With Every Home Inspection
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Cost Estimates Guide – New for 2023
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Home Maintenance for Dummies – 2nd Edition
You might be a little cuckoo if you don’t crack this open when it’s time to make repairs around the house. – $17 value
Home-Wizard™ Monthly E-newsletter
The AI inside this newsletter will make running your home feel like a well-oiled high-performance machine. –
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Customer Reviews
“My favorite part was the way that he explained the results…”
“I am a real estate agent and Steve at Bulldog was so great to work with! He was extremely professional and his inspection was thorough. My favorite part was the way that he explainted the results to the buyer and me. He was great at explaining and focusing on the things that he saw as actual issues and did not waste time or scare anyone with minor issues. His report was thorough and easy to read and understand. I will definitely be using Bulldog again!”
“Steve with Bulldog Inspections is AMAZING!”
“Always can rely on him to give my clients the best information about their new home, but also deliver it in a way that doesn’t scare them. He makes the most important items priority to talk over with clients at time of the inspection, as well as letting them know they can contact him with any questions post-inspections. Would definitely recommend and use again! Thanks Steve!”
“…no stone left unturned and no surprises.”
Prompt, thorough, and professional services. Focused. Detail-oriented. Personable. Helps customers understand the purpsoe of the inspections and every detail. While the written report came quickly, what preceded it was a personal, face-to-face explanation of what would be going into the report, beginning with high priority and big ticket items so there is no stone left unturned and no surprises. I’d recommend this company AND individual for your home inspections.”
“It was easy to undestand.”
“I am pleased with the overall quality of the inspection process and report. Inspection report was delivered next day early morning. It was easy to undestand. Steve is professional and answered all my questions. I highly recommend Steve for home inspection.”
FREE – The Ultimate Consumer Guide To Home Inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
When you’re NOT concerned about defects in other areas or the home is in REALLY rough condition.
Yes, always. As long as there is safe access and the pitch is not too steep (usually 8-12 or greater).
Good question. There are alot of differences, but too many to list here.
No.
Many real estate investors do not want a termite inspection, so it’s NOT included.
Not at all.
It takes years to master this craft.
Less experienced operators won’t have the same knowledge, experience, and intuition as someone who’s seen something a thousand times before.
This is important.
Your home is an engineering feat and you’re about to take full responsibility for it.
1. Have questions.
It’s best to ask before the inspection and again at the end.
2. Attend the inspection.
But try not to distract the inspector with chitchat. He’s trying to build a story that will help you buy the home. Feel free to observe, take measurements, jot down notes, and be there for the summary and discussion when it’s over.
