Residential Home Inspections

What’s Covered In An Inspection?

The following are some of the systems and components (items) that are inspected and reported on during the course of the inspection. These items are examined for material defects that would significantly affect the value, desirability, or safety of the home. There are thousands of items that are observed and inspected. These findings will be documented for you, using plain language, in one of the most descriptive reports available.

• Foundations, basements and underfloor areas including but not limited to: foundations and support components; ventilation; insulation; access openings; wood separation from soil; drainage and sump pumps; seismic anchoring.
• Building exteriors including but not limited to: surface grade; landscaping; site drainage; wall coverings; doors and windows; attached decks and balconies.
• Roof coverings including but not limited to: roof coverings; flashing; vents; skylights; roof penetrations; and roof drainage.
• Attic areas and roof framing including but not limited to: framing and sheathing; access openings; insulation and ventilation.
• Plumbing systems including but not limited to: supply waste and vent piping; fixtures, faucets and drains; water heating equipment; functional flow of water supply and functional drainage at fixtures; gas piping and connectors.
• Electrical systems including but not limited to: service conductors; equipment and capacity; panels and over current protection devices; service and equipment ground wiring, switches, receptacles and light fixtures.
• Heating systems including but not limited to: heating equipment; venting systems; combustion and ventilating air; energy sources and connections; condensate drainage.
• Central cooling systems including but not limited to: distribution systems; energy sources and connections; condensate drainage.
• Fireplaces and chimneys including but not limited to: chimneys, flues and dampers; fireboxes, hearth extensions and accessories; solid-fuel and gas burning appliances.
• Building interiors including but not limited to: walls; ceilings and floors; security bars; ventilation; doors and widows; stairs; railings; cabinets and counters; safety glazing; appliances.

Attending the Inspection

It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended that you attend a final walkthrough with a Know Your Home inspector near the end. You will be able ask questions directly, as you will learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it.

Length of the Inspection

The average inspection takes about three to five hours depending on the size, conditional issues and age of the home & property.

Inspection Report

The complete inspection report is computer generated and easy to understand (narrative with photos). Enclosed in the report is a two to six page report summery, that highlights important findings by the inspector and/or general comments on the building systems. Included is detailed information about the building characteristics, utility services, exterior, foundation, basement, roof system, plumbing system, heating – air conditioning, electrical system, interior, garage – carport, kitchen – appliances – laundry, bathrooms and grounds. There are also many pictures included to point out important findings or to show a certain system of importance that might need immediate or future attention. Included in the report is the inspection contract. After the report is completed it will be e-mailed immediately that same day in the evening or in some cases the next day depending on the length of the inspection.