What Does Your Inspection Include?
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ROOF
Includes a description of the roofing materials and any indication of active leaks; the gutters and downspouts; the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations; and the general roof structure from the readily accessible panels, doors, or stairs.
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EXTERIOR
Includes an inspection and description of the exterior wall-covering materials; the eaves, soffits and fascia; a representative number of windows; all exterior doors; flashing and trim; adjacent walkways and driveways; stairs, steps, stoops, stairways, and ramps; porches, patios, decks, balconies and carports; railings, guards and handrails; and vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property where they may may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion.
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BASEMENT, FOUNDATION, CRAWLSPACE & STRUCTURE,
Include an inspection of and a description of the foundation and its type; basement; crawlspace and the location of the access points; and structural components with observations of any corrections needed due to wood in contact with or near soil; active water penetration; indications of possible foundation movement; or any cutting, notching, or boring of framing members that may present a structural or safety concern.
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HEATING
Includes an inspection of the heating system using normal operating controls with a description of the location of the thermostat; heating source; and heating method.
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COOLING
Includes an inspection of the cooling system using normal operating controls with a description of the location of the thermostat; and cooling method.
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PLUMBING
Includes an inspection of the main water supply shut-off valve and location and whether the water supply is public or private; main fuel supply shut-off valve and location and location of any fuel-storage supply; water heating equipment and storage capacity if labeled; interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water; all toilets for proper operation by flushing; all sinks, tubs, and showers for functional damage; the drain, waste, and vent system; and the drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.
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ELECTRICAL
Includes an inspection of the service drop; overhead service conductors and attachment point; the service head, gooseneck, and drip loops; the service mast, service conduit and raceway; the electric meter and base; service-entrance conductors; the main service disconnect and amperage if labeled; panelboards and over-current protection devices; service grounding & bonding; a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures, and receptacles including AFCI and all GFCIs using a GFCI tester where possible; and the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
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FIREPLACE
Includes an inspection of the readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys and their type; lintels above the fireplace openings; readily accessible and manual operable damper doors by opening and closing them; cleanout doors and frames; evidence of joint separation or deterioration; lack of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the same room as the fireplace.
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ATTIC, INSULATION, & VENTILATION
Includes an inspection of the insulation and ventilation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas, and the type and approximate average depth of insulation; and the mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area.
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DOORS, WINDOWS, & INTERIOR
Includes an inspection of a representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them; floors, walls, and ceilings; stairs, steps, landings, stairways, and ramps; railings and guard and handrails; and garage vehicle doors and the operation of openers using normal operating controls.
Photo Credit:
Roof: https://www.iko.com/na/pro/building-professional-tools/learn-about-roofing/how-to-join-a-flat-roof-to-a-shingle-roof/
Exterior: https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/another-great-article-infographic-share-homeowners-social-media
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace, Structure: https://groundupfoundationrepair.com/what-to-expect-foundation-inspection/
Heating: https://www.reimerhvac.com/furnace-repair
Cooling: https://www.nachi.org/central-air-conditioning-system-inspection.htm
Plumbing: https://medium.com/@jinlinh/commercial-plumbing-checklist-7583adbf942c
Electrical: https://aahomeinspection.net/a-home-inspectors-role-series-the-electrical-inspection-of-a-home/
Fireplace: https://www.preclosinginspection.com/post/fireplace-and-chimney-inspection
Attic, Insulation, Ventilation: https://www.atticprojectscompany.com/top-5-reasons-to-have-the-attic-inspected-first-before-buying-that-house/
Doors, Windows, Interior: https://www.accuviewhomeinspections.com/2020/05/11/what-should-be-included-in-a-home-inspection/