Sample Home Inspection

Lets start by strongly encouraging you to participate in the home inspection. If it is at all possible, try to be present for the inspection. The inspection report you receive is very detailed and easy to understand, but it is always easier to understand when you have participated in the inspection yourself.

During the home inspection you will be encouraged to ask questions about the house and voice your concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem. You will learn about the house and its systems and controls, home safety, and maintenance needed.

Every inspection is different and takes into account your particular situation whether you're "handy" around the home or whether you're looking for a "no maintenance" house. Our inspector will also consider your family and any special safety issues that relate to children or the elderly.

Lets begin the inspection. Our inspections begin in the kitchen with the stove, dishwasher, disposal, cabinets, countertop, plumbing, all the accessible outlets, light fixtures, air vents and returns, windows, walls, floors, ceiling, and doors. All are checked and operated.

Every room in the house is inspected; all the windows are opened and closed, the glazing and locks are checked. All accessible electrical outlets are tested for correct polarity and proper grounding if applicable. All lights are operated, air vents and returns checked. The floors, walls, and ceilings are examined. Doors are operated, and closets inspected.

If you intend to use a computer in a particular room we can test for computer compatible grounding on the outlets.

The bathrooms are examined with particular attention paid to water leaks, the operation and attachment of the toilet and tank, sink or vanity units, bathtub, Jacuzzi tub, shower tray, faucets, and water flow. Tiling, grouting, caulking, ventilation fans as well as lighting and electrical outlets are all examined.

The washer and dryer hookups including the dryer vent and the laundry sink are inspected.

As each room is inspected the inspector will discuss various aspects of the construction with you, pointing out positive features as well as any problem areas. During the inspection you will learn useful maintenance tips and helpful suggestions or "how to’s" for doing home improvements.

The fireplace, damper, smoke chamber and chimney are inspected with particular attention being paid to safety.

The furnace is inspected and operated, along with the blower, burners, flue pipe, chimney, gas lines, electrical connections, shut off switches, and air filter(s).

A carbon monoxide and gas leak test is conducted on the oil or gas fired furnace or hot water heater, checking the piping, shutoff valves, flue pipes and air vents.

Note: This test is optional.

The air-conditioning unit is inspected, the temperature difference between the flow and return vents is monitored. The compressor, condenser, evaporator coil and fan are all examined. Freon lines, piping insulation, condensate drain checked, and condensate pump operated if applicable.

The hot water tank's operation is checked, the burner examined, the flue pipes condition and installation are noted. Gas lines or electrical connections are examined. Water temperatures are checked as well as the plumbing connections and shut off valves.

The load center; breaker panel or fuse box is opened, the cover is removed and the wiring is examined. The wiring is also checked for hazardous conditions.

The basement is inspected with particular attention being paid to the foundation walls and floor. Signs of cracking, bulging, bowing, damp, mildew, rot or other serious problems are investigated, discussed with you and noted. The sump pump is operated, water level monitored and the non-return valve checked.

The first floor joists are examined as well as all the wiring, plumbing, heating and cooling components in the ceiling.

The crawl space is entered and is inspected from end to end. This area is examined with particular attention being paid to ventilation, insulation, drainage, foundation, wiring, plumbing and health issues.

As the inspection proceeds the inspector will keep you up-to-date showing you what he sees and answering your questions.

The attic is then entered and examined in its entirety. The access ladder is checked for safe operation. If there is a whole house fan it is operated. Attic fans are operated and their cut in temperature settings are noted. All roof, soffit and cross vents are examined. The roofs decking is inspected for signs of rotting, leaks or serious structural failure. The trusses and rafters are inspected for signs of damage. All lighting, wiring and junction boxes are inspected. The chimney, vent pipes and insulation are also examined.

The smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms are tested as the inspector goes through the house. Ways of making your future home a safer place to live are discussed.

Then, it's on to the garage. The floor, walls, ceiling, outlets, lighting, and windows are all checked. The garage door seals and weather stripping are examined. The door opener is operated and the safety devices checked.

It is then time to inspect the exterior of the home. In this step, particular attention is paid to the exterior facades and the foundation area. The inspector looks for cracks, sagging, bowing or deflection that are possible signs of serious structural failure. The exterior of all windows and doors are examined and the condition of the caulking is observed.

As the inspector continues around the house, the grading, walkways, driveway, patio and deck are all inspected. Downspout positions, condition and drainage patterns are observed. Outside spigots and electrical outlets are all checked. The incoming electrical supply wiring is observed and any dangerous conditions noted.

The roof, facia, soffits, gutters and chimney are observed. The roof is examined from the ground looking for signs of deterioration, damage, wear, or failure. In some cases the inspector will walk the roof during the inspection, in other instances binoculars are used to observe the roof, or a combination of both.

Any infestation or pest problem observed by the inspector will be brought to your attention. This is not a substitute for a termite inspection.

At the conclusion of the inspection inspector will go over the complete report with you and walk you through the house discussing any concerns you may have.

And, finally, at the end of the inspection you receive the hard cover folder with the certified inspection report. A copy of the NAHI standards (explaining what we are required to inspect) is included along with a maintenance schedule and information on new home new home safety.

Note: If the inspection is for new home construction, a pre-listing inspection (for a home seller) or a homeowner as a general maintenance inspection, an additional punch list page is added to the report. This "Punch list", lists all the decorative or trim items that need to be repaired or replaced, these items are not included in a regular home inspection.

<Back to Home Inspections Page