Standard Home Inspection

A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a residential dwelling, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of the home.

It is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition of the home. The inspection is based on observations of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection, and not the prediction of future conditions.

A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.

Included in a Standard Inspection

We will inspect:

Exterior

• the siding, flashing and trim;
• the exterior doors, dects, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fasciae;
• the vegetation, surface drainage, and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure
• and report as in need of repair any spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles or rails for steps, stairways, balconies or railings that permit the passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter
• a representative number of windows;
• and descbribe the exterior wall covering

Roof

• the roof covering;
• the gutters;
• the downspouts;
• the vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations;
• the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs

Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace

• the basement;
• the foundation;
• the crawlspace;
• the visible structural components;
• any wood in contact with or near soil;
• and report on the location of the under-floor access openings;
• and report any present conditions of clear indications of active water penetration observed;
• and report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed, such as, but not limited to: sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames or floor slopes;
• and report on any cutting, notching or boring of framing members that may present a structural or safety concern

Interior

• the kitchen & components;
• the bathrooms;
• plumbing & fuel systems;
• interior rooms;
• presence of safety devices (fire, CO2 alarms, etc.)

Heating, Cooling & Ventilation

• the heating system, using normal operating controls, and describe the energy source and heating method;
• and report as in need of repair a heating system that does not operate;
• and report if the heating system is deemed inaccessible; and
• the central cooling equipment, using normal operating controls

Electrical Service

• existing wiring type and size
• panel size, type & visible defects