Hello, I am Matt Fletcher of Matt Fletcher Home Inspections LLC. We perform home and commercial inspections all over the Detroit area.

My father was a contractor, and I grew up working on old houses. I put myself through college rehabbing homes. I graduated with honors from Macomb Community College with an AA Degree. Then received a BA degree from The University of Detroit with honors, and a Masters degree from Wayne State University and have been involved in renovation, construction education and inspection business for over 30 years.

Call 313 510 0284 InspectDetroit313@gmail.com

We have grown over the past 25 years completing thousands of inspections including residential homes, commercial, industrial buildings, apartment buildings, strip malls, large shopping malls, parking lots and parking structures, as well as City of Detroit facade inspections. We also do Property Condition Assessments (PCAs) for lenders and buyers all over the world, environmental testing such as radon, mold and lead, Phase 1 environmental site assessments for commercial mortgage lenders. I am currently a certified home inspector through Global Inspection School. I was past certified inspector through NAHI, InterNACHI, ASHI and AHIT and a FHA/HUD approved inspector (FHA ID H392). We offer structural analysis by a Structural Engineer with our findings sealed by a Michigan licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

Call 313 510 0284 InspectDetroit313@gmail.com

Before becoming a full-time inspector, I was a state certified construction teacher, and taught construction trades to high school students where we built a real house. I now own Matt Fletcher Home Inspections LLC. I am also a licensed builder, Certified Mold Inspector & Remediator, certified in radon measurement, certified in Lead Inspection, and certified in Attic ventilation.

I am also an experienced home rehabber and home repair expert. Having been a real estate investor for over 25 years and have been fortunate to be featured in a few books on the subject. This book by real estate attorney, Robert J. Hill (www.RealEstateStories.com), features stories about me and my partners on pages 30, 77 and 79.

I have also been a real estate investor and “flipper” and was also featured in Deals That Make Sense by Harvard MBA, John T. Reed (www.JohnTReed.com). There is a story about a rehab project I did on page 32 called “$80,000 Rehab Profit.” I was also featured in John T. Reed’s newsletter, “Real Estate Investors Monthly” October 1999 issue. So, if you are an investor I understand your concerns when buying a property.

Macomb County Home Inspection Video

Our Rates for single-family Clinton Twp. home inspections are as follows:

0,000 Sq Ft – 1,500 = $ 425.00

1,501 Sq Ft – 2,000 = $ 450.00

2,001 Sq Ft – 3,000 = $ 550.00

3,001 Sq Ft – 4,000 = $ 575.00

4,001 Sq Ft – 5,000 = $ 600.00

5,001 Sq Ft – 6,000 = $ 700.00

We have a sewer camera and can scope your sewer line for an additional $150. Sewer scopes are $150 during the time of the inspection, $275 as a standalone inspection. Testing for radon is generally $175 to $250. Call 313 510 0284 InspectDetroit313@gmail.com

Many homes in St. Clinton Township are on the water and built on crawlspaces. Crawlspaces should be entered and inspected if there is adequate access.

In the picture, I was able to push a screwdriver through a joist. The wood was rotten as well as having insect damage and mold. The clay soil in Clinton Township doesn’t drain well resulting in more moisture in crawlspaces. Very high humidity levels in the crawlspace as well as occasional flooding can cause this type of damage.

In the picture, one of my students and I are installing a drainage system in one of the houses we built near Clinton Twp.

Because Clinton Township is near the water, the water table in the soil is higher than other places.

There is almost always a drainage system under a house to carry water away from the basement or crawlspace. However, over time all drainage systems will fail. They fill with roots, minerals and soil which plugs the system. If there is access to the drainage system either through the sump pit or clean-out caps, the system can be hydro-jetted to remove debris and restore flow.

When we inspect a building, we do a visual assessment for mold. However, mold testing is not part of a standard inspection. We have done environmental testing in homes and commercial buildings all over the Clinton Twp area. Mold is a natural part of the environment and EVERY building we have tested, has contained mold. Typical molds in normal amounts are generally not harmful to healthy people and are not a concern. We restrict our mold business to testing only. We do not do any sort of mold remediation, removal or clean-up. Since we only do test, there is no conflict of interest, and we have no reason to try and scare customers into expensive clean-ups which they may not even need. Outdoor Detroit area mold testing reveals that mold levels are typical to the mid-west. The mold inside your building should equal to or less than the outdoor levels.

Effects of Clay Soil on Basements and Foundations

The Detroit area has areas of clay soil. Grosse Pointe, Harper Woods and St. Clair Shores are all areas with issues. Clay soil can significantly influence the stability and integrity of basements and foundations due to its unique properties. Below are some of the key effects:

1. Expansive Properties:
   • Clay has the ability to expand when wet and shrink upon drying. This cyclical expansion and contraction can exert pressure on foundations, potentially leading to cracks and structural damage. Some Detroit area foundation cracks are serious, and some are not.
2. Water Retention:
   • Clay soil has low permeability, meaning it retains water. This can lead to poor drainage around the foundation, increasing the risk of water infiltration in basements, which may cause dampness or flooding.
3. Settlement Issues:
   • As water levels fluctuate or when the soil dries out, clay can settle unevenly, causing foundation movement. This uneven settling can result in misalignment and cracks in walls and floors.
4. Increased Hydrostatic Pressure:
   • Accumulation of water in clay soil can create hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls. This pressure can lead to bowing walls and potential structural failure over time.
5. Soil Compaction:
   • Proper compaction of clay soil is crucial before construction. Inadequately compacted clay can settle, leading to foundation settling issues.
6. Insulation Challenges:
   • The moisture-retaining property of clay can also create challenges in insulating basements, increasing energy costs and potentially promoting mold growth.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the adverse effects of clay soil on basements and foundations, consider the following strategies:

• Proper Drainage Systems: Install proper drainage systems to redirect water away from the foundation. Extend downspouts at least ten feet from the foundation.
• Soil Stabilization: Use methods to stabilize clay soils, such as adding lime or using geo-grid materials.
• Foundation Design: Consider designing foundations that can accommodate soil movement, such as using deeper footings or pier systems.
• Moisture Control: Implement moisture control techniques to reduce the risk of excessive water retention around foundations. Every basement has a drainage system under the floor, and they all eventually fail and that results in leaks.
• By understanding these effects and taking appropriate measures, homeowners can protect their properties from the challenges posed by clay soil.