Residential Inspections
What You Can Expect From A Home Inspection:
Electrical:
- Report on grounding
- Report on panel, service size and presence of over-current protection
- Inspect condition of visible wiring
- Evaluate existing ground fault circuit interrupters
- Report on the presence of aluminum branch wiring
- Observe condition of electric panel and components
- Evaluate receptacle polarity
Double tapped circuit breaker with undersized wire.
Open spliced wires and bathroom vent terminating into the attic.
Open spliced wires in attic.
Open junction box in attic. Fire concern.
Ground wire attached to gas line. Safety concern.
Inadequate clearance for service drop over roof. There needs to be a 3' clearance over the roof.
Missing breaker or fuse at quick disconnect panel for air conditioner.
Old knob and tube wiring in attic.
Missing knock outs in main electrical panel.
Heating/Cooling:
- Report on overall visible condition of ductwork or hydronic lines
- Observe condition of venting
- Observe condition of boiler and combustion chamber
- Inspect accessible burner
- Operate thermostat
- Report on fuel supply
- Inspect heat pump and air conditioner
- Observe overflow pan and drain
- Evaluate condition of condensation drain
- Report presence and condition of filter
Dryer vent terminating into crawlspace. Moisture concern.
Dryer vent terminating into attic. Moisture concern.
Rodent damage to heating/cooling duct in crawlspace.
Kitchen exhaust vent terminating into crawlspace of newly-constructed home. It was not installed properly during construction.
Substandard installation of dryer vent. Fire concern.
Crushed main plastic flex heating/cooling duct in crawlspace.
Plumbing:
- Report any visible leaks
- Inspect water heater and presence of temperature pressure relief valve
- Observe supply line and main shut-off
- Check for proper venting
- Operate outdoor hose bibs
- Check traps for leaks, improper venting, and corrosion
- Inspect visible supply, drain, and waste components
- Evaluate function flow and drainage
- Report on any visible polybutylene
Missing drain connection for soaker tub under master bedroom of a 4-year-old house.
Illegal sprinkler line tie in to main water supply line.
Capped off drain line that had never been connected to master shower of a 5-year-old house.
Improper location of drain waste lines along side of house.
Leak beneath water softener.
Leak beneath water softener. Notice the corrosion of the copper lines where they have turned green.
Drain waste vent blocked by plumbers cap.
Damaged drum trap under bathtub.
Exterior:
- Report on overall condition of windows and doors
- Inspect condition of exterior caulking, protective paints, stains, and sealants
- Inspect condition of weather stripping
- Inspect locking mechanisms for proper operation
- Report on the presence of any Exterior Insulated Finishing Systems (EIFS)
- Report on material and overall condition of exterior surfaces and components
Damage to brick planter wall due to overgrown tree.
Missing foundation vent. Open to crawlspace.
Damaged vinyl siding and trim.
Roof/Eaves:
- Report on substandard repairs
- Report missing shingles and signs of wear
- Inspect condition of flashings, valleys, skylights, vents, and roof penetrations
- Report on presence and condition of FRT Plywood
- Report on overall structural condition of visible framing components
- Evaluate attic for ventilation
- Inspect overhangs and eaves
Vinyl siding has contact with roof and is melted in various places.
Open ridge cap to attic.
"Do It Yourself" repair to a leaky skylight.
Carpenter ant damage to a shake roof.
Improper material used for patio roof.
Cracked/deteriorated plastic air flow box vent.
Microbial growth (blackened area) at underside of roof sheathing in attic.
Ice on underside of roof sheathing due to bathroom vents terminating in attic and attic vents that are blocked due to high insulation.
Grounds:
- Evaluate grading immediate to house
- Note areas where siding is improperly in contact with grade
- Report on visible damage to house caused by trees and shrubs
- Inspect condition of retaining walls adjacent to house
- Report on signs of soil erosion
- Observe drainage around house
- Inspect condition of stoop and stairs
Standing water around exterior of foundation. Poor drainage.
Over settling at front entry.
Chimney/Fireplace:
- Report visible loose or cracking bricks
- Report signs of deteriorating mortar
- Report any visible heavy creosote build-up
- Observe condition of chimney, crown, and cap
- Report on condition of firebox
- Inspect flashing for overall condition
- Inspect damper for proper operation
- Operate blower when present
Missing brick chimney. Open to attic and prone to water infiltration.
Top section of brick chimney is cracked and deteriorated.
Excessive soot buildup, cracked liner. Fire concern.
Excessive soot buildup inside of chimney.
Loose bricks at chimney.
Foundation/Structure:
- Inspect condition of framing and structure, and report any visible defects
- Check floors for severe settlement
- Inspect for previous termite or insect treatment
- Inspect all exposed materials
- Inspect exposed areas or slab or floor for signs of visible water infiltration
- Inspect any accessible crawl space of basement for visible signs of moisture
- Inspect condition of parge or stucco coat
- Report condition of mortar joints for visible cracking or deterioration
4 x 8 support beam was notched for plumbing. Inadequate support.
Powder post beetle damage to structural floor joist.
Inadequate support block.
Siding has buckled due to settling of the house.
Inadequate support post in crawlspace. No footing or pier block.
Inadequate structural support in crawlspace.
You'll receive our comprehensive inspection report:
Our electronic reporting system provides invaluable information you will need to make a more informed purchasing decision about your new home. Our report covers everything from the roof to the crawlspace in an easy-to-read format. Your report will include a summary page with the highest-priority concerns.
