What Is Involved In A Home Inspection?

Plumbing 

• Drain, waste, and vent pipes

• Water distribution pipes

• The visible portion of the water main, which is the water supply pipe that brings water into the home

• Water heaters condition, components, and age

• Water heater vents if present

• Sinks and toilets

• Tubs/showers

• Gas lines

• Identify main gas and water valves locations

Roof Covering

• I walk all safely accessible roofs. Some limitations would be unsafe depending on weather conditions and slope of the roof and materials

• Gutters and roof drainage systems 

• Flashing. Lack of kickout flashing is also typically reported

• Skylights, roof caps, roof vents, plumbing vents, and other roof penetrations are inspected

Electrical System

• Exterior electrical components, including the service drop, service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.

• The main panel and any subpanels. We remove panel covers to inspect the wiring inside

• Service grounding

• Interior electrical components, including outlets, switches, and light fixtures

• Test all GFCI and AFCI outlets/breakers

• Smoke and CO alarms are recommended when not present​

Exterior Of Home

• Coverings/sidings materials and condition

• Doors and windows

• Decks, patios, porches, balconies, steps, and handrails/guardrails

• Drainage, vegetation, and grading around home

• Retaining walls

• Driveways and walkways

• Vent terminals and air intakes

Basement / Foundation / Structure

• Foundation walls

• Basement floor

• All accessible crawl spaces are entered for thorough inspections

• Sump pump systems, including the sump basket, sump pump, sump cover, and extension piping

• Floor structure (posts, beams, joists, etc.)

• Crawlspace ventilation and insulation

• Signs of any moisture / water intrusion ​​

Heating

• Installed heating equipment - furnace/air handler

• Furnace filters are inspected 

• Condition of ductwork

• Registers are all checked for operation

• Venting if present for gas appliances 

Cooling

• Central and permanently installed cooling equipment

• Temperature difference testing is used to determine if cooling equipment is operational

• Condensate disposal

• Age of HVAC units 

Chimney & Fireplaces

• Chimney crowns

• Chimney walls

• Chimney flashing

• Fuel-burning fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. This usually means wood burning fireplaces or gas fireplaces.

• Fuel-burning accessories installed in fireplaces, such as gas logs.

Interior

• Ceilings, walls, and flooring conditions

• Operation of doors and hardware

• Windows operation and condition

• Stairs, handrails, and guards

• Countertops and cabinets

• Kitchen appliances

Attic

• We access every safe attic entry to inspect them

• Roof/attic framing and structure 

• Exhaust fans and ducts

• Proper ventilation and insulation conditions 

Garage/Carport

• Garage door conditions

• Garage door operation and safety features

• Doors, stairs, walls, floor, electrical, etc.