..:: Major Items of an Inspection ::..
..:: Structure ::..
including but not limited to: foundations and support components; ventilation; insulation; access openings; wood separation from soil; drainage and sump pumps; seismic anchoring and bracing.
..:: Exteriors ::..
including but not limited to: surface grade; hardscaping; site drainage; wall coverings; doors and windows; attached appurtenances (decks, balconies, porches, stairs, railings and walkways, etc.).
..:: Roofing ::..
including but not limited to: roof coverings; flashings; vents; skylights; roof penetrations; roof drainage.
..:: Plumbing ::..
including but not limited to: supply, waste and vent piping; plumbing fixtures, faucets and drains; water heating equipment; functional flow of water supply; functional drainage at fixtures; gas piping and connectors.
..:: Electrical ::..
including but not limited to: service conductors, service equipment and capacity; panels and overcurrent protection devices; service and equipment grounding; wiring; switches: receptacles and light fixtures.
..:: Heating ::..
including but not limited to: heating equipment; venting systems; combustion and ventilating air; energy sources and connections; distribution systems.
..:: Air Conditioning ::..
including but not limited to: cooling equipment; distribution systems; energy sources and connections; condensate drainage.
..:: Interiors ::..
including but not limited to: walls, ceilings and floors; security bars; ventilation; doors and windows; stairs; railings; cabinets and counters; safety glazing; smoke detector placement; laundry provisions; built-in appliances.
..:: Fireplace ::..
including but not limited to: chimneys; flues and dampers; fireboxes, hearth extensions and accessories; solid-fuel and gas-burning appliances.
Handy Man Wiring Safety Issues
Possible Furnace Recalls, Heat Exchanger Problems, Carbon Monoxide Testing
Air Pressure Testing (Bank Owned Property)
*Water does not need to be turned on*
Siding and Roof Storm Damage
Shock Hazards Tested
Electrical Fire Hazards
Additional Services Available: Contact Me for Pricing
($25 Coupon Does Not Apply To The Following Services)
Electronic Radon Testing; Results within 48 Hours
Septic Testing by Licensed Certified Inspector
Water Testing done by Certified Lab
Pressure Testing on Plumbing and Water Systems (Good for bank owned properties)
On-site Lead Base Paint Testing for homes 1978 and older.
Possible Furnace Recalls, Heat Exchanger Problems, Carbon Monoxide Testing
Air Pressure Testing (Bank Owned Property)
*Water does not need to be turned on*
Siding and Roof Storm Damage
Shock Hazards Tested
Electrical Fire Hazards
Additional Services Available: Contact Me for Pricing
($25 Coupon Does Not Apply To The Following Services)
Electronic Radon Testing; Results within 48 Hours
Septic Testing by Licensed Certified Inspector
Water Testing done by Certified Lab
Pressure Testing on Plumbing and Water Systems (Good for bank owned properties)
On-site Lead Base Paint Testing for homes 1978 and older.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Home Inspection?
It is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend further evaluation. Before you close, you need to consider whether or not repairs are needed now and who's going to pay for them.
Why is a home inspection important?
Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out all the problems possible with the home before moving in. Once your inspection is performed, do not wait on the agent to assist you. Review the inspection and make a list of items you think the seller should address and present them to the agent in a timely manner. While the inspection is not meant to be a tool for re-negotiations, many times it becomes one. Don't let your brother or uncle or a friend do it. You are not saving any money by letting a friend look. Even if he is a contractor, it does not mean that he is a good inspector. You need a qualified unbiased inspection so when the inspector does find problems, they won't be easily minimized by the other parties because your uncle or friend did the inspection.
What if the report reveals problems?
All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price. If the inspector recommends further inspection by a qualified person, this means that you need to get an opinion by a qualified person before your inspection time period runs out on your real estate contract.
What does a home inspection include?
A home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Many inspectors will also offer additional services not included in a typical home inspection, such as mold, radon testing, water testing, thermal imagery and heat/air loss inspections typically known as energy audits without the diagnostics.
Should I attend the home inspection?
It is often helpful to be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found. But be sure to give the home inspector time and space to concentrate and focus so he can do the best job possible for you.
What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?
A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air conditioners and heat systems can and will break down. A home inspection attempts to reveal the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. For protection from future failure you may want to consider a home warranty.
A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.
A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks "Safety" not "Code" when performing a home inspection.
It is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend further evaluation. Before you close, you need to consider whether or not repairs are needed now and who's going to pay for them.
Why is a home inspection important?
Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out all the problems possible with the home before moving in. Once your inspection is performed, do not wait on the agent to assist you. Review the inspection and make a list of items you think the seller should address and present them to the agent in a timely manner. While the inspection is not meant to be a tool for re-negotiations, many times it becomes one. Don't let your brother or uncle or a friend do it. You are not saving any money by letting a friend look. Even if he is a contractor, it does not mean that he is a good inspector. You need a qualified unbiased inspection so when the inspector does find problems, they won't be easily minimized by the other parties because your uncle or friend did the inspection.
What if the report reveals problems?
All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price. If the inspector recommends further inspection by a qualified person, this means that you need to get an opinion by a qualified person before your inspection time period runs out on your real estate contract.
What does a home inspection include?
A home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Many inspectors will also offer additional services not included in a typical home inspection, such as mold, radon testing, water testing, thermal imagery and heat/air loss inspections typically known as energy audits without the diagnostics.
Should I attend the home inspection?
It is often helpful to be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found. But be sure to give the home inspector time and space to concentrate and focus so he can do the best job possible for you.
What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?
A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air conditioners and heat systems can and will break down. A home inspection attempts to reveal the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. For protection from future failure you may want to consider a home warranty.
A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.
A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks "Safety" not "Code" when performing a home inspection.