What Is Involved In A Home Inspection?


Plumbing
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Drain, waste, and vent pipes
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Water distribution pipes
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The visible portion of the water main, which is the water supply pipe that brings water into the home
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Water heaters condition, components, and age
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Water heater vents if present
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Sinks and toilets
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Tubs/showers
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Gas lines
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Identify main gas and water valves locations
Roof Covering
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I walk all safely accessible roofs. Some limitations would be unsafe depending on weather conditions and slope of the roof and materials
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Gutters and roof drainage systems
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Flashing. Lack of kickout flashing is also typically reported
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Skylights, roof caps, roof vents, plumbing vents, and other roof penetrations are inspected
Electrical System
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Exterior electrical components, including the service drop, service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.
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The main panel and any subpanels. We remove panel covers to inspect the wiring inside
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Service grounding
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Interior electrical components, including outlets, switches, and light fixtures
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Test all GFCI and AFCI outlets/breakers
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Smoke and CO alarms are recommended when not present
Exterior Of Home
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Coverings/sidings materials and condition
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Doors and windows
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Decks, patios, porches, balconies, steps, and handrails/guardrails
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Drainage, vegetation, and grading around home
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Retaining walls
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Driveways and walkways
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Vent terminals and air intakes
Basement / Foundation / Structure
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Foundation walls
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Basement floor
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All accessible crawl spaces are entered for thorough inspections
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Sump pump systems, including the sump basket, sump pump, sump cover, and extension piping
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Floor structure (posts, beams, joists, etc.)
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Crawlspace ventilation and insulation
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Signs of any moisture / water intrusion
Heating
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Installed heating equipment - furnace/air handler
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Furnace filters are inspected
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Condition of ductwork
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Registers are all checked for operation
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Venting if present for gas appliances
Cooling
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Central and permanently installed cooling equipment
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Temperature difference testing is used to determine if cooling equipment is operational
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Condensate disposal
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Age of HVAC units
Chimney & Fireplaces
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Chimney crowns
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Chimney walls
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Chimney flashing
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Fuel-burning fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. This usually means wood burning fireplaces or gas fireplaces.
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Fuel-burning accessories installed in fireplaces, such as gas logs.
Interior
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Ceilings, walls, and flooring conditions
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Operation of doors and hardware
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Windows operation and condition
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Stairs, handrails, and guards
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Countertops and cabinets
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Kitchen appliances
Attic
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We access every safe attic entry to inspect them
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Roof/attic framing and structure
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Exhaust fans and ducts
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Proper ventilation and insulation conditions
Garage/Carport
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Garage door conditions
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Garage door operation and safety features
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Doors, stairs, walls, floor, electrical, etc.








