Walk Thru Inspection
Understanding what we do......
Our sample "Walk Through" Home Inspection
gives you a feel for the Inspection we will be performing for you.
Are you ready?
Lets start by suggesting that you attend your Home Inspection.
The Inspection report is self explanatory and reader friendly with each room individually reported; however, it is even easier to understand when you have followed the Inspector throughout the Inspection.
During the Inspection you will be encouraged to ask questions about the house and voice your concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem. This is your opportunity to learn about your house, it's systems and controls, as well as home safety and maintenance.
Every Inspection is unique and takes into account your particular requirements and home maintenance skills. For example: Are you "handy" around the home? Or would you prefer a 'low' or 'no' maintenance house? Our Inspector will also consider your family dynamic and any particular safety issues that may relate to children or the elderly that concern you.
Let's Begin the Inspection . . . see you in the kitchen!
The Inspector begins by explaining the Inspection process and how the Inspection will progress through the house as a brief overview of what the inspection entails.
The Kitchen,
Starting with the stove, vent hood, dishwasher, garbage disposal, cabinets, counter top, plumbing, all the accessible outlets, light fixtures, air vents and returns, windows, walls, floors, ceiling, and doors. All are thoroughly Inspected and operated by the Inspector.
The report will include the brand names, equipment types and descriptions of the appliances. Descriptions of the cabinets, counter tops, sink, faucet type as well as floor and wall coverings. Ceiling finish, electrical outlets and / or lighting, window types and HVAC source are all noted.
Every Room 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 using a computer in a particular room we can test those outlets for computer compatible grounding.
The report will describe the wall and floor coverings as well as ceiling type. If there is a closet. The door and window types, if the room has outlets and lighting circuits or just outlets, and the type of HVAC supply.
In the Laundry Room
The washing machine hook up is examined. The clothes dryer connections and vent pipe inspected. The dryer vent pipe length and termination is checked. The laundry sink, faucets and drain are inspected.
Washing machine and dryer hook ups are all described in detail. If gas for the dryer is available and the type of dryer outlet (three of four prong) is noted. Laundry sink and drain type is described.The walls, ceiling, floors, doors and windows are described. Electrical and HVAC types noted.
And the Inspection continues . . .
The Inspector will discuss various aspects of the room with you, pointing out the positive features as well as any immediate or potential problems. During the inspection you will be learning useful maintenance tips and helpful hints for future home improvements.
Fireplace/ Stove,
Hearth, damper, smoke chamber and chimney are inspected with particular attention paid to safety. Blower operation and power source determined.
Log stoves are checked for clearances, cracks in the casing, door gaskets and adequacy of hearth. Flue pipe connections to chimney.
Location, construction, fuel, flue and damper type all noted. Hearth and insert are described.
The Heating System
The system is operated. The furnace or boiler along with the blower, burners, flue pipe, draft control, chimney, fuel lines, electrical connections, shut off switches, and air filter are all examined. Boiler pumps, pressure settings, and expansion tank are inspected.
The location of the system, brand name, capacity (BTU's) and fuel type along with approximate age and a description of the area served is noted. Distribution, flue pipe type, thermostat type and additional devices are noted.
Air-conditioning
Units are 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 electrical supply and overload protection devices checked.
Manufacturer, type of cooling, location, area served, fuel, and temp differential (delta-T), refrigerant lines, along with the type of electrical disconnect, condensate removal, thermostat, and condition of the coil and condenser are noted.
Plumbing Components,
All the water, drain and vent pipes are inspected for damage, leaks, or deterioration.
The report describes in detail the types of piping used for the water main, interior water lines, drain and vent pipes. Location of the main water shutoff is noted. Water softener operation recorded.
The Water Heater's condition and operation is checked, burner examined, and the flue pipes condition and installation are noted. Gas lines or electrical connections are examined. Water temperature (approx) and pressure relief valve are checked as well as the plumbing connections and shut off valves.
It's location, operation, manufacturer, fuel type, approximate age, capacity and area served are noted in the report, along with the type of flue pipe and info on the TPR valve and pipe.
Now we are really making progress!
The Load Center
Breaker panel or fuse box is opened, the cover removed and the wiring examined. The wiring is checked for hazardous conditions (over fusing, double taps, scorching etc). For your information the incoming service size, amperage, and wire type, along with info on GFCI's, grounding, and smoke detectors are noted.
The electric panel - it's location, manufacturer, maximum capacity, size of main over current protector, description of breakers or fuses, and bonding. All sub panels are fully described.
Basement
Particular attention is 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, sill plate and band board are examined as well as all the wiring, plumbing, heating and cooling components in the ceiling.
Ceiling, floor, walls, doors, windows, stairs and electrical components are all described. Floor drains, sump pumps, insulation and ventilation are noted in detail.
Crawl Space
Is entered and inspected from end to end. The access type and location noted. The interior area is examined with particular attention being paid to the structural members, piers, posts, main supporting beams, floor joists and sub floor. The ventilation, insulation, drainage, wiring, plumbing are all examined.
Ceiling, floor, walls, electrical components, sump pump, insulation, ventilation and HVAC are all described in detail.
As the Home Inspection continues
The Inspector will continue to point out any problems
and answer your questions.
Attic
Entered and examined in its entirety. The access ladder is checked for safe operation. Whole house fan and attic fans are operated and the cut in temperature checked. 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, modification or incorrectly made repairs. All lighting, wiring and junction boxes are inspected. Bathroom vent fan discharge pipes and their discharge point observed. The chimney, plumbing vent pipes and insulation are examined.
Roof framing and sheeting types are identified. Ventilation and insulation type and depth recorded.
All Smoke and Fire
Alarms are tested as the Inspector goes through the house.
Ways of making your future home a safer place to live in are discussed.
The report describes the type of alarms in the home.
Now, it's out to the Garage
Where the floor, walls, ceiling, outlets, lighting, and windows are all inspected. The garage door seals and weather stripping are examined. The door opener is operated and the safety devices checked. Location, type of structure, and number of car spaces are noted. Garage door type and operation, as well as door opener information are recorded.
If detached the roof, gutters, downspouts, leaders, structure, service door, walls, floor, ceiling and windows are inspected and information noted.
Descriptions of hose bibs, lighting, outlets and heating are entered in the report. The inside is complete!
It's time to go outside
Are you still following.....
The Exterior
Is given a thorough going over, this is one of the most important areas of the house.. In this phase, 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 all the trim work and caulking is observed. The type of exterior finish and trim types are described. Soffit and fascia types (trims) are noted.
The front door and patio door types described. The types of windows, storms and screens are noted. Outside hose bibs and electrical outlets are all checked.
Roof and Components
The roofing material is examined from the ground looking for signs of deterioration, damage, wear, or failure. the roof is probably the most important area of the house. 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. Gutters and chimney are observed.
The report reflects how the roof is Inspected, the material, type of roof, as well as approximate age. Types of flashing, valleys and skylights.
Chimney locations, type of flue, cap/crown and flashing as well as the plumbing vents, gutter, downspout and leaders are all identified.
Grounds & Grading
The area around the house is described. Type of driveway, patio, porch, walkways, decks and retaining walls are included. their overall condition is observed. Drainage and grading issues identified.
Comments are made about trees and bushes that appear to be too close to the structure.
Any Pest or infestation problem observed by the Inspector will be brought to your attention and recommendations made.
*This is not a substitute for a termite inspection.
At the conclusion of the Inspection
You receive your Inspection report.
Bound in a hard cover folder, the certified Inspection report, summary pages and a copy of the summary pages for your real estate agent.
Also included are the Inspection standards (explaining the protocol the Inspector used to base his observations on), along with a home maintenance schedule and information on safety in your "new" home.
If you have any questions that this walk through did not answer please call us with your queries or concerns.
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, additional punch list items are added to the report.
This lists all the decorative or trim items that need to be repaired or replaced, these items are not included in a regular home Inspection.
