Appleseed Value

Our Level I and Level II Audits

Our Level I basic audits for residential new construction and major remodels are an inexpensive way for you to have the details of your plans reviewed for efficiency, suitability to your location, and the best and most important applications in building science being applied—reducing the likelihood of mold, corrosion, and other problems, and increasing the comfort and value of your home for many years to come. We are looking for these potential ways to improve both the plan itself and the anticipated construction methods provided to us. We then provide you with a list of specific recommendations for potential problems or improvements which you may consider for implementation and/or discuss with your contractor.

Current Flat Rates:

1,000 square feet or less - $138¹
1,001 - 2,000 sq. ft. - $178¹
2,001 - 3,000 sq. ft. - $218¹
3,001 - 4,000 sq. ft. - $258¹
4,001 - 5,500 sq. ft. - $298¹
5,501 sq. ft. or greater - contact us¹

Our Level I audit is an especially useful option for homeowners, contractors, lenders, and insurers when a project's plans were purchased online, if the home is owner-designed, or if a homeowner is purchasing a spec home in a housing development and is being asked to decide on any options. For custom homes, our basic audit can serve as an experienced, independent set of eyes on your plans apart from your architect and builder. While the worst kinds of design and construction errors are common enough to provide stories for an ongoing television show, your comfort and satisfaction with your project are more likely to be compromised by deficiencies in less obvious choices and problems that are inherent in a home's design or its construction that you then have to live with, or expensively remedy after construction has been completed.

Ask questions or place your order here.

(or give us a call or send an e-mail above)

We offer flat-rate pricing based on your square footage with a simple guarantee: Applying the recommendations from our audit will either save you more money in operational costs (not to mention discomfort) then our audit costs, recovered within the first 3 years of completed home operation, or the audit is free. Most of the time, the amount saved will be far greater than the amount paid.

¹ plus any applicable postal or shipping costs for plans, and any applicable tax. Subject to scheduling availability. For Level I audit purposes, all attached and covered spaces, including garages and covered porches, must be counted in the square footage for new construction. Don't forget to include them. Level I audits do not include any deck(s) or other outside space or structures but do include any manner in which they are attached to the house. For remodel projects, only the portion being remodeled or add-on, and adjacent enclosed rooms, must be included in the square footage count. Secure payments can be made via PayPal at the bottom of our contact page.

Level II on-site audits for residential new construction and major remodels provide an additional layer of oversight and protection for those who prefer to have their project regularly monitored in-person during the construction process to ensure that it will exceed minimum code standards and meet its performance objectives. Our checks include details like the final water ratio that actually gets used in any cement pour to ensure slow curing and maximum durability, whether framing is straight and/or level to avoid waves in wall and ceiling finished surfaces, whether the plan for water, air, and thermal barriers is carefully followed, and in general whether or not the home is being built according to plan. Depending on the size, complexity, and location of the project, we charge as little as $1.25 per square foot in total for this additional peace of mind.² Contact us for a specific quote on your project.

² plus any parking fees or other expenses unique to the location, and any applicable tax. The lowest $1.25-per-square-foot rate is currently only available for single-story home designs in Skagit, Snohomish, and north King counties in Washington including some areas of Seattle. Slightly higher rates apply to south King, Pierce, and Whatcom counties. Rates for other counties in WA, OR, ID, and MT available on request. Subject to scheduling availability. For Level II audit purposes, all attached spaces, including garages, porches, and decks are audited and must be counted in the square footage. Payment plan on new construction: 10% on contract signing, 1/3 of remaining balance when foundation is completed, 1/3 when house is enclosed, and 1/3 when final inspection is complete. Payment plan on remodels: 1/3 on signing and completion of first audit session (usually simultaneous), 1/3 when finish work begins, 1/3 when final inspection is complete. Secure payments can be made via PayPal at the bottom of our contact page.