Taking the “Walk Through” will give you a better understanding for what we do, the detail we go into and how we would perform an Inspection for you.
Are You Ready?
Let’s start by suggesting that you attend your Home Inspection.
The Inspection report is self explanatory and reader friendly with each room individually reported; however, it is even easier to understand when you have followed the Inspector throughout the Inspection.
During the Inspection you will be encouraged to ask questions about the house and voice your concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem. This is your opportunity to learn about your house, it’s systems and controls, as well as home safety and maintenance.
Every Inspection is unique and can take into account your particular requirements and home maintenance skills. For example: Are you “handy” around the home, or would you prefer a “low” or “no-maintenance” house? Our Inspector can also consider your family dynamic and any particular safety issues that may be of concern to you relating to children or the elderly.
Let’s Begin the Inspection…
See You in the Kitchen!
Our Inspector will begin by explaining the Home Inspection process and how the Inspection will progress through the house as a brief overview of what the Inspection entails.
The Kitchen
Starting with the stove, vent hood, dishwasher, garbage disposal, cabinets, counter top, plumbing, all the accessible outlets, light fixtures, air vents and returns, windows, walls, floors, ceiling, and doors. All are thoroughly inspected and operated by the inspector.
The report includes the brand names, equipment types and descriptions of the appliances. Descriptions of the cabinets, counter tops, sink, faucet type as well as floor and wall coverings. Ceiling finish, electrical receptacles and/or lighting, window types and HVAC source are all noted.
Every Room is Inspected
All the windows are opened and closed, the glazing and locks are checked. All accessible receptacles are tested for correct polarity and proper grounding if applicable. All lights are operated, air vents and returns checked for air flow. The floors, walls, and ceilings are examined for water stains, cracks or settling that may affect the structure. Doors are operated, and closets Inspected.
The report will describe the wall and floor coverings as well as ceiling type. If there is a closet. The door and window types, if the room has receptacles and lighting circuits or just receptacles, and the type of HVAC supply.
Bathrooms
The sink, faucet tub and shower operated and checked for leaks or damage and hot and cold positions correctly installed, the toilet operated and wax ring connection observed for leaks. Jetted tubs operated along with their components and wiring being Inspected.
Ventilation and GFCI receptacles all checked for safe operation.
The report will describe the wall and floor coverings as well as ceiling type. If there is a closet. The door and window types, if the room has receptacles and lighting circuits or just receptacles, and the type of HVAC supply.
In the Laundry Room
The washing machine hook up is examined. The clothes dryer connections and vent pipe Inspected. The dryer vent pipe length and termination is checked. The laundry sink, faucets and drain are Inspected.
Washing machine and dryer hook ups are all described in detail. If gas for the dryer is available and the type of dryer receptacle (three of four prong) is noted. Laundry sink and drain type is described.The walls, ceiling, floors, doors and windows are described. Electrical and HVAC types noted.
And the Inspection continues…
The Inspector will discuss various aspects of the room with you, pointing out the positive features as well as any immediate or potential problems. During the Inspection you will learn useful maintenance tips and helpful hints for future home improvements.
Fireplace/Stove
Hearth, damper, smoke chamber and chimney are Inspected with particular attention paid to safety. Blower operation and power source determined.
Log stoves are checked for clearances, cracks in the casing, door gaskets and adequacy of hearth. Flue pipe connections to chimney.
Location, construction, fuel, flue and damper type all noted. Hearth and insert are described.
The Heating System
The system is operated. The furnace or boiler along with the blower, burners, flue pipe, draft control, chimney, fuel lines, electrical connections, shut off switches, and air filter are all examined. Boiler pumps, pressure settings, and expansion tank are inspected.
The location of the system, brand name, capacity (BTU’s) and fuel type along with approximate age and a description of the area served is noted. Distribution, flue pipe type, thermostat type and additional devices are noted.
Air-Conditioning
Units are inspected, the temperature difference between the flow and return vents is monitored. The compressor, condenser, evaporator coil and fan are all examined. Refrigerant lines, piping insulation, condensate drain checked, and condensate pump operated if applicable. The electrical supply and overload protection devices checked.
Manufacturer, type of cooling, location, area served, fuel, and temp differential (delta-T), refrigerant lines, along with the type of electrical disconnect, condensate removal, thermostat, and condition of the coil and condenser are noted.
Plumbing Components
All the water lines, drains and vent pipes are Inspected for damage, leaks, or deterioration.
The report describes in detail the types of piping used for the water main, interior water lines, drain and vent pipes. Location of the main water shutoff is noted. Water softener operation recorded.
The water heater’s condition and operation is checked, burner examined, the condition and installation of the flue pipe is noted. Gas lines or electrical connections are examined. Water temperature (approximate) and pressure relief valve are checked as well as the plumbing connections and shut off valves.
It’s location, operation, manufacturer, fuel type, approximate age, capacity and area served are noted in the report, along with the type of flue pipe and info on the TPR valve, pipe and installation of a pan.
There is a lot to look at!
The Electrical Load Center
Breaker panel or fuse box is opened, the cover removed and the wiring examined. The wiring is checked for hazardous conditions (over fusing, double taps, scorching etc on the connections to the breakers and on the neutral and ground buss bars, use of anti oxidant on connections, common trips)
For your information the incoming service type, size, amperage is determined. The homes wire type, along with info on GFCI’s, grounding and bonding as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are observed and noted. The existence and operation of GFCI fault protection and AFCI’s
The electric panel – it’s location, manufacturer, maximum capacity, size of main over current protector, description of breakers or fuses, and bonding. All sub panels are fully described.
Basement
Particular attention is paid to the foundation walls and floor. Signs of cracking, bulging, bowing, damp, mildew, rot or other serious problems are investigated, discussed with you and noted. The sump pump is operated, water level monitored and the non-return valve checked. The first floor joists, sill plate and band board are examined as well as all the wiring, plumbing, heating and cooling components in the ceiling.
Ceiling, floor, walls, doors, windows, stairs and electrical components are all described. Floor drains, sump pumps, insulation and ventilation are noted in detail. Every room is individually reported for easy reference.
Crawl Space
Is entered and inspected from end to end. The access type and location noted. The interior area is examined with particular attention being paid to the structural members, sill plate, band board, piers, posts, main supporting beams, floor joists and sub floor. The ventilation, insulation, drainage, wiring, plumbing are all examined.
Ceiling, floor, walls, electrical components, sump pump, insulation, ventilation and HVAC are all described in detail.
As the Inspection continues…
The Inspector will continue to point out any problems and answer your questions.
Attic
Entered and examined in its entirety. The access ladder is checked for safe operation. Whole house fan and attic fans are operated and the cut in temperature checked. All roof, soffit and cross vents are examined. The roofs decking is inspected for signs of rotting, leaks or serious structural failure.
The trusses and rafters are inspected for signs of damage, modification or incorrectly made repairs. All lighting, wiring and junction boxes are inspected. Bathroom vent fan discharge pipes and their discharge point observed. The chimney, plumbing vent pipes and insulation are examined.
Roof framing and sheeting types are identified. Ventilation and insulation type and depth recorded.
Smoke and Fire Alarms
All smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms are tested as the Inspector goes through the house. Ways of making your future home a safer place to live in are discussed
The report describes the type of alarms in the home and makes suggestions for adding alarms if necessary and what types of alarm should be installed.
Now, It’s on to the Garage
Where the floor, walls, ceiling, receptacles, lighting, and windows are all inspected. The garage door seals and weather stripping are examined. The door opener is operated and the safety devices checked. Location, type of structure, and number of car spaces are all noted. Garage door type and operation, as well as door opener information are recorded.
If detached the roof, gutters, downspouts, leaders, structure, service door, walls, floor, ceiling and windows are Inspected and information noted.
Descriptions of hose bibs, lighting, receptacles and heating are entered in the report.
The inside is complete!
It’s Time to Go Outside…
The Exterior
Is given a thorough going over, this is one of the most important areas of the house.. In this phase, particular attention is paid to the exterior facades and the foundation area.
The Inspector looks for cracks, sagging, bowing or deflection that are possible signs of serious structural failure. The exterior of all windows and doors are examined and the condition of all the trim work and caulking is observed. The type of exterior finish and trim types are described. Soffit and fascia types (trims) are included.
The front door and patio door types Inspected and described. The types of windows, storms and screens are noted. Outside hose bibs and electrical outlets are all checked.
Roof and Components
The roofing material is inspected and examined for signs of deterioration, damage, wear, or failure. The roof is probably the most important area of the house. Where possible the Inspector will walk the roof, if the roof is steep or inaccessible, binoculars will be used, or a combination of both.
Gutters and chimney are scrutinized.
The report reflects how the roof is Inspected, the material, type of roof, number of layers as well as approximate age. Types of flashing, valleys and skylights.
Chimney locations, type of flue, cap/crown and flashing as well as the plumbing vents, gutter, downspout and leaders are all identified.
Grounds and Grading
The area around the house is described. Type of driveway, patio, porch, walkways, decks and retaining walls are included. Their overall condition is observed. Drainage and grading issues identified.
Comments are made about trees and bushes that appear to be too close to the structure or main drains.
Any pest or infestation problem observed by the Inspector will be brought to your attention and recommendations made.
*This is not a substitute for a termite inspection.
At the Conclusion of the Inspection
You Receive Your Inspection Report
The Certified Inspection report with summary pages of the items or areas requiring repair is generated on site at the end of the inspection and immediately emailed to you. We can also send a copy to your real estate agent if you wish.
If you have questions that this “walk through” did not address, please call us with your queries or concerns. We are happy to talk with you, to discuss and explain any facet of our Inspection and its process or customize to meet your needs
NOTE: If the Inspection is for new construction, a pre-listing Inspection (for a home seller) or a homeowner as a general maintenance Inspection, additional punch list items can be added to the report. This inspects all the decorative or trim items that need to be repaired or replaced, these items are not included in a standard Home Inspection.
