What is a Home Inspection?
A Home Inspection is visual inspection assessing the current condition of the structure along with its major systems and components that can be readily observed at the time of the inspection. The Inspector will report any issues or concerns that, in their opinion, may be defective, be safety related, or be maintenance items that should be addressed. It is important to note that inspections are noninvasive and an inspector can only report on the things that can be seen at the time of inspection.
What is inspected during a Home Inspection?
Here is a list of some of the things inspected. It is not meant to be all inclusive but to give you a better understanding of the inspection process:
Structure
Foundation- checking for irregularities such as cracking and water intrusion.
Walls - looking at the condition of the wall is the wall leaning or damaged?
Floors- looking to see if the floor is properly supported and for rot or damage to floor joists.
Roof- signs of stress on the roof structure and the condition of the sheathing and supports under the roofing.
Exterior
Roofing- look at the roof covering for overall condition, damages and proper installation and check for flashing around chimneys, skylights, exhaust vents, etc.
Siding Flashing & Trim-is inspected for defects, damage and proper installation around windows and doors.
Gutters- checked for condition and functionality
Doors- checked for condition and functionality
Driveway and Walkways- the overall condition, trip hazards drainage away from structure
Decks and Porches and Steps- defects with the frame of a deck, support, attachment, railing condition, baluster spacing etc.
Landscaping- check the grading, and vegetation for issues that may be of concern
Basement
Finished, unfinished or Crawlspace- check interior foundation, floor joists and bracing, proper construction of visible systems, signs of moisture intrusion, etc.
Heating & Air Conditioning
Equipment- check the condition, maintenance and age of the heating system and air conditioning systems using normal operating controls, and use a combustion analyzer to check how safely and efficiently the furnace is operating
Distribution- check the distribution system for proper connections and insulation where necessary
Vents Flue and Chimney
Exhaust vents– check for pitch, proper connection and the overall condition.
Chimneys- Look for signs of defects or corrosion on the chimney and the visible section of flue liner
Plumbing
Supply-check the type and condition of water distribution, functionality of faucets, drains and toilets
Water Heater- look at the age, condition and ventilation of the system
Sump pumps- examine sump and pit
Fuel
Storage- inspect and examine fuel storage tank and distribution
Electrical
Service- check the condition and size of the wiring of the service drop and entrance
Panels-looking for corrosion on the panel and any holes not covered to the inside, proper bonding, grounding, wire and breaker size
Wiring- check the type and distribution of the wiring.
Fixtures, switches, and receptacles- check for functionality and proper insulation
GFCI outlets- check to see if GFCI outlets are installed in the appropriate places and test them
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors- check to make sure they are present
Attic
Insulation- check for the type, presence and coverage of insulation
Ventilation- check attic ventilation system
Exhaust systems- check that exhaust systems vent to the outside
Interior
Windows & Doors- looking to see if they open, close and lock properly, installed correctly and are functioning in the matter they were intended
Floors, Walls and Ceilings- inspectors typically do not report cosmetic issues on interior surfaces, we will check for signs of structural problems or water intrusions
Steps and stairs- Check the handrail, railings, balusters, and the rise and run of the stairs.
Countertops and cabinets- check to make sure they are secure
Appliances
Dishwasher- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Refrigerator- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Range/Oven- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Garbage Disposal- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Washer & Dryer- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Microwave- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
What is inspected during a Home Inspection?
Here is a list of some of the things inspected. It is not meant to be all inclusive but to give you a better understanding of the inspection process:
Structure
Foundation- checking for irregularities such as cracking and water intrusion.
Walls - looking at the condition of the wall is the wall leaning or damaged?
Floors- looking to see if the floor is properly supported and for rot or damage to floor joists.
Roof- signs of stress on the roof structure and the condition of the sheathing and supports under the roofing.
Exterior
Roofing- look at the roof covering for overall condition, damages and proper installation and check for flashing around chimneys, skylights, exhaust vents, etc.
Siding Flashing & Trim-is inspected for defects, damage and proper installation around windows and doors.
Gutters- checked for condition and functionality
Doors- checked for condition and functionality
Driveway and Walkways- the overall condition, trip hazards drainage away from structure
Decks and Porches and Steps- defects with the frame of a deck, support, attachment, railing condition, baluster spacing etc.
Landscaping- check the grading, and vegetation for issues that may be of concern
Basement
Finished, unfinished or Crawlspace- check interior foundation, floor joists and bracing, proper construction of visible systems, signs of moisture intrusion, etc.
Heating & Air Conditioning
Equipment- check the condition, maintenance and age of the heating system and air conditioning systems using normal operating controls, and use a combustion analyzer to check how safely and efficiently the furnace is operating
Distribution- check the distribution system for proper connections and insulation where necessary
Vents Flue and Chimney
Exhaust vents– check for pitch, proper connection and the overall condition.
Chimneys- Look for signs of defects or corrosion on the chimney and the visible section of flue liner
Plumbing
Supply-check the type and condition of water distribution, functionality of faucets, drains and toilets
Water Heater- look at the age, condition and ventilation of the system
Sump pumps- examine sump and pit
Fuel
Storage- inspect and examine fuel storage tank and distribution
Electrical
Service- check the condition and size of the wiring of the service drop and entrance
Panels-looking for corrosion on the panel and any holes not covered to the inside, proper bonding, grounding, wire and breaker size
Wiring- check the type and distribution of the wiring.
Fixtures, switches, and receptacles- check for functionality and proper insulation
GFCI outlets- check to see if GFCI outlets are installed in the appropriate places and test them
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors- check to make sure they are present
Attic
Insulation- check for the type, presence and coverage of insulation
Ventilation- check attic ventilation system
Exhaust systems- check that exhaust systems vent to the outside
Interior
Windows & Doors- looking to see if they open, close and lock properly, installed correctly and are functioning in the matter they were intended
Floors, Walls and Ceilings- inspectors typically do not report cosmetic issues on interior surfaces, we will check for signs of structural problems or water intrusions
Steps and stairs- Check the handrail, railings, balusters, and the rise and run of the stairs.
Countertops and cabinets- check to make sure they are secure
Appliances
Dishwasher- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Refrigerator- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Range/Oven- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Garbage Disposal- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Washer & Dryer- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls
Microwave- make sure it’s installed correctly, working, and if there any recalls