Home Inspection

Outline of a Typical Home Inspection:

A typical home inspection consist of an educational tour of the property. You are most welcome and indeed encouraged to accompany the inspector to gain valuable “show & tell” information, to ask questions and to gain knowledge regarding the true condition of the property. Our inspector will follow a practiced, efficient and comprehensive methodology to examine the entire home. The inspector will use an earnest effort to disclose the visual problems of importance and to document those observations in a final narrative report that you can read and understand in order to make intelligent decisions. The inspection process begins with a tour of the exterior of the home including the roof, and then progresses into the basement and then upwards finishing in the attic. During the inspection, the inspector will disclose the condition of each component, educate you regarding the operation & maintenance of the home and offer free advice for improving it. Outside, the inspector will observe such things as the drainage grade on the property, vegetation, driveways & walks, entrances, porches, decks, foundation above grade, siding, doors & windows, soffit, garage, roof, gutters and chimneys. While not required, an effort is made to climb on the roof to inspect it from above unless the height, pitch and weather conditions put the inspector’s safety at risk. When climbing on the roof is not possible, the roof is examined by binoculars, or from a sub-roof or by a ladder at the eaves. While in the basement, the inspector will observe the condition and function of each of the mechanical systems including: heating system, electrical system, plumbing system, hot water heater and central air conditioning system. Also while in the basement, the inspector will observe the condition of the structure including: foundation, columns and floor frame. Special efforts are made to disclose any evidence of decay or water infiltration. Progressing upwards, the inspector next examines the kitchen. He checks the function of the sink and all plumbing connections and briefly operates the appliances. Each bathroom fixture is examined and the functional condition is evaluated. Within the living spaces, walls, floors, ceilings and staircases are all examined along with a representative sample of windows, outlets, switches & lights. The inspector will even stick his head inside the fireplace. While in the attic, the inspector will examine the accessible parts of the roof structure. He will also alert you regarding signs of previous roof or flashing leaks and potential leakage points. The attic insulation, vapor barrier and means of ventilation are also inspected. At the conclusion of the actual inspection of the property a full verbal report will be given to you. The inspector will then return to the office where a full reference library is available to the inspector so any additional facts can be copied and made available to you, something a on the spot report cannot do. We spend on average 1-1/2  hours after the inspection  prepare a very comprehensive narrative final report. The report will document all of the observations made at the time of inspection and will advise you to contact other qualified experts when major repairs are anticipated. The report is then delivered to you in a form that can be easily read and understood. After the inspection process has been completed we will always provide as much free Phone consultation as needed.