What’s Covered in a Home Inspection?

What’s Covered in a Home Inspection?

STRUCTURAL INSPECTION 

A full visual inspection of the complete dwelling, attics, and crawl spaces or basements. This also includes any attached garages. All findings are reported.

 

DRAINAGE AND GRADING INSPECTION 

We evaluate the slope of the grounds to determine if the slope of the grade is adequately draining water away from the house. The inspector will also examine the discharge points of the rain gutter downspouts to see if this water is properly managed. All findings are reported.

 

ROOF INSPECTION 

We identify the type of roof and the present condition; all findings are reported. We note flashing condition and any areas of concern. Gutters and downspouts are observed and inoperable or poor conditions are noted.

 

FOUNDATIONS, BASEMENT AND CRAWL SPACE INSPECTION

Both on the exterior and the interior of the visible foundation elements are inspected. We examine for cracks, settlement, deterioration, evidence of water problems, pests, microorganism growth, rodent entry, etc. All findings are reported.

 

EXTERIOR SIDING AND TRIM INSPECTION

We identify the type of material used for the siding and trim, inspect for condition, and note findings.

 

DRIVEWAY AND SIDEWALKS INSPECTION

We inspect for drainage condition and note any deterioration. We report the overall condition, giving special attention to problem areas like encroaching tree roots. Driveways and sidewalks that are severely cracked, damaged and/or lifting can be a tripping hazard and are noted. All findings are reported.

 

PATIO AND DECKS INSPECTION

All patios and decks are inspected as to condition. Safety items such as stair construction, attachment to the home, structural worthiness, and fall protections are inspected and noted. All findings are reported.

 

ATTIC AND SKYLIGHTS INSPECTION

The attic and any skylights will be inspected, with a careful eye toward finding evidence of poor material condition or water penetration. Attics are inspected with safety in mind, meaning the inspector will not walk on framing members, only on any available service flooring. Some attic conditions may curtail the magnitude of the inspection, at the inspector’s discretion. All findings are reported.

 

INSULATION AND VENTILATION INSPECTION

We inspect the insulation, vapor barriers, and ventilation in all attics and unfinished areas. If necessary, we will report insufficiencies and recommend supplemental insulation or vapor barriers as needed. All findings are reported.

 

FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY INSPECTION

The fireplace, flue, and chimney are visually inspected, if accessible. All findings are reported.

 

HVAC INSPECTION

We operate the heating and/or central air units and evaluate the furnace, duct work and/or any other type of delivery system. We also inspect the room registers, radiators, baseboard elements, and the like. We inspect the overall condition of the systems, and report all findings.

 

PLUMBING SYSTEM INSPECTION

We identify the type of plumbing material, inspect for leaks, corrosion, drainage, water flow, and other concerns. Every toilet, bathtub, shower, and sink in the house will be tested and inspected, unless it is not accessible, in which case this is noted. All findings are reported.

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSPECTION

We identify and evaluate the type and size of electrical supply cabling used in the house. We test all accessible outlets and light switches. We report any visually electrical problems and/or safety hazards which are found.

 

WALLS – FLOORS – CEILINGS INSPECTION

Walls, floors, ceilings are inspected and the types of building material used are noted. We inspect and report on the general/overall condition of these areas, and note any findings of concern.

 

WINDOWS AND DOORS INSPECTION

Windows and doors are inspected for function and condition. Although careful detail is paid to dual pane windows, we can only report visual evidence that may indicate if any of the seals are leaking, such as window fogging between the panes.

 

BATHROOM INSPECTION

All the fixtures, plumbing, toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, shower doors, electrical devices and GFCI locations are inspected. We test the fixtures for adequate water flow.

 

KITCHEN INSPECTION

Every accessible cabinet door, drawer, and countertop is inspected, as are the sink, sink plumbing, all electrical outlets, the walls, the floor, and the ceiling.

 

APPLIANCES INSPECTION

The range/oven/cooktop, dishwasher, and any permanently installed ice maker, microwave, refrigerator, or the like are inspected.

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