Services

All inspections will include these main systems within a home:

Here's a breakdown by major system:

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I. Structural Components:

* Foundation * Basement * Crawlspace * Floors * Walls * Ceilings * Roof structure (framing)

II. Exterior:

* Exterior wall-covering materials (siding, stucco, brick, etc.) * Flashing and trim * All exterior doors * A representative number of windows (operability, condition of glazing) * Attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings * Eaves, soffits, and fascia (where readily accessible) * Adjacent walkways and driveways * Grading and drainage around the foundation * Vegetation and trees near the foundation that may affect it

III. Roof: * Roof-covering materials (shingles, tile, metal, etc.) * Gutters and downspouts * Vents, flashing, skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations * General structure of the roof (from readily accessible panels, doors, or stairs in the attic/crawlspace) * Note: Inspectors are typically not required to walk on roof surfaces if it's unsafe or might cause damage.

IV. Plumbing: * Main water shut-off valve * Water heating equipment (type, capacity, visible condition, TPR valve) * Interior water supply and distribution system, including pipes, fixtures, and faucets (representative number) * Drain, waste, and vent systems (visible portions) * Sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers (functionality, leaks) * Sump pumps (if installed)

V. Electrical: * Service drop (from pole to house) * Service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways * Service equipment and main disconnects * Service grounding and bonding * Interior components of service panels and subpanels (covers removed, unless unsafe) * Conductors (wiring methods) * Overcurrent protection devices (breakers, fuses) * A representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles (testing for operation and proper wiring, including GFCI/AFCI where required) * Amperage and voltage rating of the service

VI. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): * Installed heating equipment (furnace, boiler, heat pump - operate with normal controls) * Cooling equipment (AC, heat pump - operate with normal controls, when ambient conditions allow) * Ductwork, registers, and grilles * Ventilation of unfinished spaces (attics, crawlspaces) * Mechanical exhaust systems (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry) * Visible portion of flues and chimneys related to HVAC

VII. Interior: * A representative number of doors and windows (operability) * Floors, walls, and ceilings (visible condition, signs of moisture/damage) * Stairs, steps, landings, stairways, and ramps * Railings, guards, and handrails * Garage vehicle doors and garage door openers (including auto-reverse safety features) * Installed cabinetry (kitchen, bathrooms) * Counters * Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors (visual inspection, testing if accessible and safe)

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VIII. Insulation and Ventilation: * Insulation in unfinished spaces (attics, crawlspaces, foundation areas) * Ventilation of unfinished spaces (attics, crawlspaces, foundation areas)

IX. Fireplaces and Chimneys: * Readily accessible and visible portions of fireplaces and chimneys * Lintels above fireplace openings * Damper doors (open and close if readily accessible and manually operable) * Cleanout doors and frames

X. Appliances (Typically Limited to Permanently Installed): * Kitchen appliances (range, oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave if built-in) * Water heater * Laundry hookups *

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Each inspection is different and can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 5 hours depending on the property and questions you have.

- I encourage the home owner to participate in the inspection but can come and go as they please.