Home Inspection Tour
Our inspectors have worked in the field for many years. The inspectors are remodeling contractors, builders and mold remediators.
It is recommended that the prospective buyer be at the home inspection. Even though the written report is very comprehensive, it is a good idea to attend your home inspection and hear the information first hand. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and “pick” the inspectors brain.
| Upon arrival we will walk around the home a few times to get better acquainted with the home. We are initially looking for the obvious things: rotted wood, missing railings, hanging gutters, roofing and chimney condition, deck condition, foundation cracks, overgrown shrubs etc. Whenever possible the inspector will climb on the roof for a closer inspection of the roof, skylights, chimney and flashings. The inspector is also looking at the electrical service, (including drip loop and meter attachment) yard grading and runoff, downspout attachment and extensions, storm windows, siding and trim, garage doors, driveway and walkway, and water faucets. We will also inspect porches, patios, windows and doors, and air conditioning compressors, and presence or absence of ridge and soffit vents. The inspector will determine if the correct type of roofing material is installed for the pitch of the roof. |
| We inspect the kitchen next. Here we check appliances for basic operation. We will run the dishwasher, garbage disposal and faucets, and check pipes for corrosion and leakage. We check the refrigerator, stove, oven and microwave, countertop, cabinets and kitchen floor. The inspector will also check the outlets for ground fault protection. |
| Next are the bathrooms. We check the operation of sinks, tubs, Jacuzzi, and toilets. We are looking at the seal around the tub, mold issues, caulking and grout issues, loose or leaking toilet, missing or non-working sink stoppers, condition of vanity, water leaks, “S” traps (improper plumbing vent) and condition of flooring. We look for an exhaust fan to be installed and properly vented outside. The inspector will also check the outlets for ground fault protection. We check the drainage to make sure it is not slow. A slow drain could mean improper plumbing vents, or an obstruction. |
| Here, we are looking at the general condition of the walls, ceilings, and floors, door fit, plaster cracks, fit and finish of trim work and window condition and operation. We also check for water stains, proper operation of the fireplace damper, flue condition (where accessible) firebox and clearances. We check the stairs for tread width and even riser heights, and safety of the railings and stair lighting. The windows, skylights, and doors are checked for operation, failed seals, and locking mechanisms. The inspector will check a representative number of outlets and switches to be sure there are no wiring defects. A representative number of outlets are checked for polarity and grounding. |
| We check the attic pull down staircase (if any), attic staircase cover, insulation thickness, type, and installation, insulation vent chutes, ridge vent, and mold or water intrusion issues. We will also note evidence, if any of pests, (bats, birds, squirrels, mice etc.) We will check the bathroom fan vent for proper connection and exhausting as well as any plumbing, electrical, heating or air-conditioning problems. The inspector will check the condition of the roof rafters (or trusses) and ceiling joists, the installation of collar ties, and condition and type of roof sheathing. |
| If the structure has problems, the house will have problems. This is where the inspector will determine the condition and type of the foundation walls, cracks, if any, the main beam, sills, sill seal, floor joist type, size and span, improper alterations, under design, and proper placement and type of column support. The inspector will also check for wood boring insect infestation such as termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, deathwatch beetles etc., and mold, and water intrusion. The inspector will check the operation of the sump pump, and basement humidity. The inspector will check the basement entry, door and seal, and entry staircase. We will also note the thickness and type of any insulation. |
| After running all the plumbing upstairs, we check for plumbing leaks in the basement. The inspector will check for dissimilar plastic pipe connections, drain slope, supply and waste piping condition and type, and water service, as well as presence or absence of sewer traps. If there is a gas service, the gas supply pipes and connections will be tested for gas leaks. |
| The inspector will remove the electrical panel cover and sub-panel covers and check for proper wiring, over-currents, AFCI and GFCI breakers, presence of aluminum wiring and grounding, moisture and corrosion, missing knockouts or grommets and the plumbing bond. We will check the water service for a grounding jumper, and the panel for main ground connection. The inspector will check the wire routing, junction boxes, missing covers, wire types, fuses and size and capacity of the panel and location of the main breaker. The inspector will note the type of electrical service. |
| The inspector will determine the type and condition of the heating system, and will determine if heat is being distributed to all habitable areas of the home. The inspector will determine if there are any safety issues, and will check for carbon monoxide or flue gas leakage and/or odors, and will recommend servicing of the unit if necessary. We will note the size and type of filter. Any asbestos on the system or pipes will be noted. The air conditioning compressor, coil or fans, ducts, and refrigerant lines will be checked. The inspector will check for the absence or presence of condensate drain lines and pans. The dryer vent will be inspected. The inspector will note the condition of the oil tank and any buried oil lines. |
| The inspector will note the size and age of the hot water heater. The inspector will also note any missing safety devices. |
| The inspector will check the stop force resistance of the garage door opener and any infrared devices. The inspector will check for safety cables in the garage door springs. The inspector will note the condition of the door. We will determine if fire code sheetrock is installed on the living space side of the garage wall. We will note the presence or absence of a fire door between the garage and living space. We will note the presence or absence of a safety berm and if there is a floor drain. We will note the slope of the floor, and if there are any floor cracks. |
| The inspector can also check for radon, well water quantity and quality and mold. |
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