What is Involved in a Home Inspection?

I follow the InterNational Association of Certified Home Inspectors Standards of Practice on each inspection. To view these standards click here.

What is Involved in a Home Inspection?

Homes Cannot Pass or Fail a Home Inspection

A home cannot fail or pass an inspection. A professional home inspection gives you an independent, unbiased view of any problems and their solutions, so that you will have all the facts you need to make a sound, informed decision.

Depending on the size and condition of the home, a thorough home inspection will take no more than four hours, usually between two and three hours. Ideally, you will accompany me during the inspection, so that you will have visual reinforcement of your written report.

I take my inspection reports seriously. Every inspection is a complete and thorough analysis of all the major systems and components in the home. The report includes a clear description of what I found with any problem areas noted and digital pictures are taken, so you can easily identify them. The computer generated reports are typically delivered within 24 hours via email after the physical inspection. Hard copies are available upon request. I also provide a free telephone consultation after your inspection.

A thorough home inspection will include the following:

ROOFING - I will walk every roof if possible. In some instances roofs cannot be walked for safety reasons (ie: steepness, weather, poor roof materials) The following items are checked: shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof related items.

Attics - I will inspect the attic fully as long as there is adequate room to enter the access hatch. I will inspect the insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists and collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, and other visible related items.

Water Pressure Check - Over 80psi Too High

Plumbing and Fixtures - I inspecst water pressure, water distribution systems, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, bath/showers and toilets, water heaters, sanitary system, and other visble plumbing system components.

Interior Inspection - Stains On Wall Tested Positive for Active Moisture

Interior - On the inside I will inspect doors, windows, floors and ceilings, walls, stairs (if applicable) and banisters, finishes, sinks, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, smoke detectors and safety-related items, and other visible interior-related components.

Heating Inspection - Access Panel Blocked by Improperly Run Duct

Heating and Cooling Systems - I will inspect the furnace, air cleaning parts, visible ductwork, electronic monoxide testing, electric gas sniffer testing, air conditioner and lines, and other visible related HVAC components.

Electrical Inspection - Improper Wire & Outlet Being Used Outside

Electrical Systems - I will inspect the service entry and clearances, service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system, and other related electrical components.

Foundation Inspection - Movement & Major Cracks

Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Foundation - I will enter and inspect crawlspaces as long as there is adequate access and the area is safe. I will inspect the insulation, ventilation, posts, vapor barriers, utility attachment, structural items, floors and walls, and columns.

Exterior Inspection - Bubbled Siding

Exterior - On the outside I inspect siding materials, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and other visible exterior related components.