Building Inspection Services You Can Trust

 A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by the InterNACHI Standards of Practice.

The home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.  The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.

The inspection can be broken down into the following 10 systems but for a complete explanation of what is included and excluded please refer to the InterNACHI Standards of Practice.

A visual inspection of the roof will be performed including flashing, gutters, downspouts, skylights, and protrusions such as plumbing vents or chimneys.  With a roof inspection Safety is our number one priority.  Depending on the roof design, weather conditions, height, etc., it may not be possible to safely walk the roof.  In such cases we utilize methods such as using a ladder to look from the eves, binoculars, or drone video to see as much as we possibly can.

The Exterior Inspection is a visual inspection that includes wall coverings, eaves, soffits, and fascia, a representative number of windows, exterior doors, flashing and trim, adjacent walkways and driveways, stairs, stoops, ramps, patios, decks, balconies, handrails, and vegetation/grading that may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion.

A visual inspection of the foundation, basement, crawlspace, and structural components.  Depending on the home much of these areas can either be finished with drywall or full of storage items hindering our ability to conduct a through inspection.  Even in these cases we will do our best to look for signs of problems such as water stains or cracked drywall.

We will perform a visual inspection of the heating system as well as functional test using the thermostat to ensure it turns on and off and produces heat.  Some exceptions apply during hot summer days when some systems cannot be tested as it could damage the equipment.

We will perform a visual inspection of the cooling system as well as functional test using the thermostat to ensure it operates.  This test can only be performed in warm weather conditions to avoid damage to the equipment.

We will perform a visual inspection of the main shutoff valves and water heater.  All toilets will be flushed to check for normal operation.  Water supply and drains will be verified by running of fixtures/faucets.  Sump Pumps will be tested if accessible.

We will perform a visual inspection of the service drop, meter, main disconnect, panelboards, and grounding.  We will check a representative number of switches, lights, and receptacles.  GFCI's will be tested with GFCI tester and AFCI's with their test button.  We will also inspect for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Any low voltage systems such as alarms are not inspected.  Solar power systems or backup generators are not inspected.

This is not a WETT or NFPA inspection or certification.  We will perform a visual inspection of the readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplace and chimney including lintels, dampers, and clean-outs.

This includes an inspection of insulation in unfinished spaces such as attics and basements.  Ventilation checks include the attic, kitchen, bathrooms, and unfinished spaces.

We will visually inspect doors, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, handrails,  garage doors and their openers.

You will receive a report in pdf format with photos, comments, and recommendations regarding the major systems in the home.  You will find many of the findings were already discussed during the inspection but this gives you a proper record to refer back to.  The report will prioritize all recommendations to help highlight the difference between a cosmetic defect and a serious material defect.