Roof | Exterior | Interior | Structural Components | Plumbing | Electrical | HVAC | Insulation | Appliances
The goal of the inspection process is to identify, discuss, and document any issues or deficiencies that may exist with a home. We will address any safety or liability issues, and answer questions you may have regarding the operation and maintenance of your new home.
Depending on many variables (property size, accessibility, etc.) an inspection can take up to 3 to 4 hours. We are often asked if it is possible for the home purchaser to accompany us during the inspection. The answer is yes- we highly recommended that you set aside the time to be present and involved with the inspection. This is your best opportunity to ask questions and learn firsthand about your new home.
That said, don’t worry about keeping track of the details. You will receive a paperless (PDF) inspection report via email the same day of the inspection that will describe and illustrate the home and its issues, with plenty of notes and photographs.
Areas that are not easily accessible, such as the roof and crawlspace are extremely important. We make an effort to walk every roof and explore every crawlspace, the good old-fashioned way, provided that conditions safely allow.
Below you will see the categories and areas that are inspected. Beside the categories in bold you will find a brief list of possible details that can be inspected. If your home has a feature that you do not see here, that does not mean we will not inspect it.
ROOF
Your roof is extremely important part your home and thus crucial to the inspection process. We make an effort to walk every roof the good old-fashioned way, provided that conditions safely allow. We will examine roof coverings, flashings, roof penetrations, roof drainage systems, chimney(s) and any additional features.
EXTERIOR
These areas include exterior wall coverings, such as; siding, trim, eaves, soffits, and fascias. It also includes doors and windows, decks, balconies, porches, patios, drainage, gutters, driveways, and radon mitigation system. We inspect all aspects of the home’s exterior, looking for leaks, damages, and other wear and tear that may effect the home.
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INTERIOR
Inside your home, we will cover ceilings, walls and trim, floors, stairs, balconies and railings, counters, doors, windows/skylights, bathrooms, etc.
Structural Components
The importance of your home’s structural integrity cannot be overstated. When safety permits, we enter crawlspaces and attics in order to thoroughly observe foundations, basements, crawlspaces, walls, floors, ceilings, roof and attic structures, etc.
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Plumbing System
We check the functions and efficiency of the home’s plumbing drain, waste, and vent systems, toilets, water supply and distribution systems an fixtures, hot water systems, etc. We will also locate and describe helpful devices such as main water shut-off, any additional shut-off valves, and sump pump.
Electrical System
This includes service entrance conductors, location of main and distribution panels, service and grounding equipment, branch circuit conductors, overcurrent devices, and the compatibility of their amperage and voltage, devices and fixtures, polarity and grounding of receptacles, operation of GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters), smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, etc.
Heating/Central Air Conditioning
This includes permanently installed heating and cooling systems/equipment, normal operating controls, distribution systems, chimneys, flues, and vents, cooling and air handler equipment, etc.
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Insulation and Ventilation
These items are observed when readily visible; insulation in attic, insulation under floor system, insulation at exterior walls, vapor retarders (on ground in crawlspace or basement), ventilation of attic and foundation areas, interior venting systems, etc.
Built-in Appliances
These include dishwasher, ranges/stoves/cooktops, food waste disposer, microwave, refrigerator, and laundry appliances.