The purpose of a home inspection is to report significant visible defects from a practical standpoint, not as they relate to codes and regulations. The home inspector is a generalist who identifies visually accessible material defects in a home's systems, structures, and components. The subsequent report that will be issued will describe the findings and any material defects. In this instance, a material defect is a condition that significantly affects the value, desirability, habitability, or safety of the home. Style and aesthetics are not taken into consideration. It is important to note that only those defects that are visible will be reported on. For example, inspectors are restricted by engineering standards and do not inspect for termites and other wood-destroying organisms. In addition, the seller is not usually expected to repair minor defects that may be reported.

Though there are some limitations to the report as just noted, the inspection report is still an excellent way to become informed about the operation systems of a house and can prevent needless questions and misunderstandings down the line. It also is a good way to learn the current condition of the systems, how to operate your systems, and assist with future maintenance scheduling. These benefits far outweigh the limitations. When preparing for a home inspection, be sure to retain the services of a qualified and professional inspector who is certified by a nationally recognized association such as InterNACHI.

This is what we inspect:

Exterior:  Grading and drainage, house wall finish, exterior components
Structural: Structural elements, foundations, crawl spaces
Roof: Age, material, flashings, skylights, gutters and drainage
Chimney: Weather cap-spark arrestor, crown or termination cap, flashings, flue, chase, fireblock, fireplace, damper, log starter, glass doors, hearth, mantle
Plumbing: Supply pipes, gas components, water heaters, fire supression system, waste and drainage system
Electrical: Service entrance, size and location, main panel, subpanels, wiring, circuit breakers, grounding
Heat-A/C-Evaporative Cooler: Systems, furnace, vent pipe, circulating fan, gas valve and connector, combustion air vents, return air compartment, evaporator coil, condensation drain pipe, drip pan, condensing coil, refrigant lines, thermostats, registers, ducting
Living Area: Doors, flooring, walls and ceiling, windows, closets, lights, outlets
Kitchen: Doors, flooring, walls and ceiling, windows, sinks and countertops, cabinets, valves and connectors, faucets, trap and drain, garbage disposal, gas/electric ranges, dishwasher, exhaust fan, microwave, lights, outlets
Hallway: Doors, flooring, walls and ceiling, windows, closets and cabinets, lights, outlets, smoke/CO detector
Stairs: Clearances, treads and risers, walls and ceilings, handrails and guardrails, windows, closets and cabinets, lights, outlets, smoke detector
Attic: Access, framing, ventilation, electrical, heat/plumbing vents, exhaust ducts, water pipes, insulation
Bedrooms: Doors, flooring, walls and ceiling, windows, closets, lights, outlets
Bathrooms: Doors, flooring, walls and ceiling, windows, cabinets, sink and countertops, sink faucet valves and connectors, trap and drain, toilet, heater, exhaust fan, lights, outlets
Laundry: Doors, flooring, walls and ceiling, windows, cabinets, closets, exhaust fan, sink faucet valves and connectors, trap and drain, gas valve and connector, 220 receptacle, dryer vent, lights, outlets
Garage: Conversion, parking space, slab floor, walls and ceiling, windows, vent ports, firewall separation, house entry door, side door, garage door and hardware, automatic opener, lights, outlets, fire extinguishers

Fees are based on several features and conditions of your home.  Although location, type of components, age and size are factors, many others need consideration.  Please call us today to receive a FREE, no obligation quote for an unparalleled professional inspection.