WHAT IS INSPECTED

Areas of the home that will be inspected:

look up

The lot. 

The inspection begins by looking at the lot itself, including:

  • Topography, slope, grading, surface drainage
  • Landscaping, vegetation
  • Walkways, patios, and driveways
  • Retaining walls

I will pay close attention to how and where runoff water drains, and if any vegetation or trees are adversely affecting the integrity of the home.

Foundation and landscape. 

The foundation, walkways, driveways, and patios will be examined. I’ll be looking for cracks, movement, water damage, weakening or deterioration. Again, how water drains on the property can affect the home’s foundation and landscape, so I will also be looking at:

  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Evidence of pooling, standing, or seeping water

The Exterior. 

I will take a close look at the home’s exterior. This includes:

  • Wall coverings, flashings, and trim
  • Paint and caulking
  • Doors, windows, window and stair wells
  • Balconies, decks, patios, stoops, steps, porches and their railings
  • Eaves, soffits, fascias, and overhangs
  • Wall penetrations such as gas line and water taps

Typically most overdue maintenance can be found on the exterior of the home. Not keeping up with painting, caulking and other regular upkeep can lead to water damage, weathering, and other deterioration.

 The roof. 

I will evaluate the roof. I will note the materials used, as well as its current condition. I will further inspect:

  • Roof covering
  • Roof drainage systems and flashings
  • Chimneys, skylights, and roof penetrations

Garage, carport. 

Both the exterior and interior of your garage will be examined from roof to foundation, including fire walls and garage openers.

The interior. 

I will go through the home, room by room. While I won’t pay much attention to the cosmetic state of the home, like a shoddy paint job or peeling wall paper, I will be evaluating:

  • Walls, ceilings and floors for damage, movement, or evidence of leaks.
  • Steps, stairways, and railings
  • Other potential physical injury hazards
  • Doors and windows
  • Electrical outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures
  • Heat sources
  • Structural systems where accessible
  • Insulation and vapor retarders where accessible
  • Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances
  • Major appliances that stay with the home

Kitchens and bathrooms. 

While I go through the interior of the home, I will spend a good amount of time assessing the kitchen and bathrooms. These high traffic areas are prone to wear and tear and water and moisture issues, so I will evaluate:

  • Countertops and cabinets
  • Sinks, tubs, shower stalls, toilets, tile, flooring, caulking, ventilation and more
  • Fixtures and faucets
  • Evidence of leaks, water damage, moisture issues

Major systems. 

The inspection includes a thorough assessment of the home’s major systems. These systems include:

  • Electrical system
  • Plumbing system
  • Water heating system
  • Heating and air conditioning systems

Crawlspace, basement, attic, and eaves. 

Finally, the home’s crawlspace or basement, as well as the attic and any eaves that are accessible are examined. I will be looking for:

  • Structural integrity of the home
  • Insulation products, thickness and condition
  • vapor retarders
  • proper ventilation
  • evidence of leaks or deterioration

 

Flir camara

A thermal scan is included in all home inspections I do.

 

 

 

What is not Included?

A standard home inspection does have some limitations, as set forth in the CAHPI Standards of Practice and CAHPI_National Code of Ethics  as well as your CAHPI Inspection Agreement Please read these carefully, and adjust your expectations accordingly. Many of these limitations are obvious. For example, inspectors can not look underground, nor into inaccessible ceilings or crawl spaces, nor can they predict when a system or component will fail. Snow cover may make it impossible to see the roofing, and stored items, furniture or carpeting may block access to electrical outlets, portions of wall or flooring. A home inspection differs from a code inspection, and does not imply a warranty of any kind. Furthermore, your home inspector will not point out cosmetic flaws.