Foundation / Structure - Concrete, Floor Framing, Piers, Ventilation, Sumps and More 

Roof System - Valleys, Flashing, Vents, Chimneys, Rain Caps, Skylights and More

Gutters - Pitch, Downspouts, Drainage and More

Exterior - Siding Material, Trim, Windows, Doors, Caulking, Stairs, Retaining Walls, Eaves, Soffits, Fascias, Drainage Driveways and More  

Attic / Crawl Space - Framing, Ventilation Insulation and More 

Plumbing System - Main Valve, Supply Pipes, Waste Pipes, Venting, Gas Pipes, Water Pressure, Traps, Showers, Tubs, Whirlpools, Hot Tubs, Sinks, Toilets, Fixtures, Water Meter, Gas Meter, Hose Faucets, Water Heaters, Sump Pumps, Ejector Pumps and More     

Electrical System - Service Wiring, Main Panels, Distribution Panels, Wiring, Outlets, GFCI's, AFCI's, Switches, Light Fixtures, Electric Meter, Exhaust Fans, Appliances, Dishwasher, Disposers and More  

Heating / Cooling  System (HVAC) - Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Boilers, Air Conditioning, Duct Work, Heat Exchangers, Venting, Registers, Radiators, Blowers, Fans, Filters and More

Garage - Vehicle Doors, Electric Door Openers, Door Springs, Framing, Fire Wall, Fire Door and More

Basement

Porches / Decks - Framing, Grade, Drainage, Stairs, Railing and More 

Interior - Walls, Ceiling, Floors, Stairs, Railings, Windows, Doors, Glass and More

Fireplaces - Flue, Hearth, Firebox, Vents, Damper and More

What To Expect

Your presence at the inspection is encouraged. The actual inspection should take place with you present. Try to attend the Home Inspection to ask the Inspector questions to better understand the condition of the house. An inspection can be a learning experience of great value.

The home inspection will at a minimum conform to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) Standards of Practice. The purpose of the inspection is to provide you with information about the condition of systems and components of the house at the time of the inspection, with a focus on defective conditions and safety issues.

The inspector arrives at the property, explains what will take place and asks about special conditions or requests. You are presented with an inspection agreement describing the scope of the services for your review and signature. While you review the agreement, the inspector makes a fast assessment of the property to determine the best sequence of the inspection.

A final assessment of the property is conducted and the inspector discusses any key findings and addresses questions. You will receive the report within 48 hours of the completion of the inspection.

Common Defects

Every house has problems.  Even the best maintained homes will have a few items in less than perfect condition. Below are some of the problems commonly found when inspecting a home:

Roofing: Weathered shingles are the single most common defect found. Usually it doesn't mean the roof needs replacement, simply that it is in need of maintenance or repair.  Weathering and aging are typical.  A larger concern should be missing shingles, significant loss of granulars and improper flashing.

Ceiling Stains: The stains can be caused by past or present leaks and are very common in homes.  Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether the stains are from leaks still present, or were caused by leaks which have since been repaired. I have moisture detection equipment that I use to determine if the leak is an active leak.

Electrical Hazards:  This is common in older homes, but is often found in newer homes as well. Electrical hazards come in many forms, from minor reversed polarity, ungrounded outlets, missing GFCI outlets and double tapped breakers to more concerning issues like overfusing, under sized wire, inadequate neutral wiring and improper wiring done by the homeowner.

Rotted Wood: This is caused by being wet for extended periods of time, most commonly found around tubs, showers and toilets inside, or roof eaves, roof valleys, windows,doors and trim outside.  I have moisture detection equipment that I use to help clients prevent rotted wood. 

Water Heater Installations: Many water heaters are not installed in full compliance with local plumbing code because they were installed by the homeowner.  My job is not to bring the home up to Building Code as much as it is to protect your safety.  Common problems include TPR overflow pipes missing, galvanic lectrolosis and calcification pinging.  Fortunately water heaters are not very expensive.

Gas Furnace: Most gas furnaces seem to be in need of routine maintenance such as new filters and cleaning/servicing. Many have other issues such as faulty operation or inadequate clearances.  I also see flame rollout (needs cleaning) and rusted heat exchangers.  The most serious problems include short cycling, gas leaks, rusted holes in flue pipes or a cracked heat exchanger.

Plumbing Defects: Plumbing issues commonly found include dripping faucets, leaking fixtures, slow drains etc... Even in brand new homes, it is common to identify minor plumbing defects.  More concerning are improperly plumbed ejector pumps, inoperative sump pumps, copper pipes connected directly to galvanized plumbing, missing drain traps or leaking/corrosion of the pipes that result in loss of pressure or damage.