What is a home inspection?

I will inspect permanently installed heating systems by normal operating controls.  I will inspect for the presence of a heat source in each room.   I will inspect fans, pumps, ducts and piping, insulation, air filters, registers, radiators, fan coil units, and convectors.  I will describe the energy source for the system as well as the heating system type.  When accessible, I will provide pictures of manufacturer's data plates containing make and model numbers.

I will inspect permanently installed cooling systems by normal operating controls.  I will inspect for the presence of a cooling source in each room.   I will inspect fans, pumps, ducts and piping, dampers, insulation, air filters, registers, fan-coil units.  I will describe the energy source for the system and the cooling system type.  When accessible, I will provide pictures of manufacturer's data plates containing make and model numbers.

I will inspect service entrance conductors, equipment, grounding, main overcurrent device, main and distribution panels;  amperage and voltage ratings;  branch circuit;  the operation of a representative number of installed ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles located inside the house, garage, and on the dwelling's exterior walls;  polarity and grounding of all receptacles within six feet of interior plumbing fixtures, and all receptacles in the garage or carport, and on the exterior of the structure; the operation of GFCI receptacles; the presence or absence of smoke detectors.

I will inspect the interior water supply and distribution system, including: piping; fixtures and faucets; functional flow; leaks and cross connections; traps; drain, waste, and vent piping; water heating equipment; chimneys, flues, and vents; and sump pumps.  I will describe the types of materials used for all components.

I will inspect structural components to include  the foundation; floors; walls; columns or piers;  ceilings; and roofs.  I will describe the types of materials used for all structural components.

I will inspect roof coverings; roof drainage systems; flashings; skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations; and signs of leaks or abnormal condensation on building components.  I will describe the type of roof material used along with remarks about flashing and water penetraction.  I will describe the types of materials used for all components.

I will inspect  Wall cladding, flashings, and trim; entryway doors and a representative number of windows; garage door operators; decks, balconies, stoops, steps, areaways, porches and applicable railings; eaves, soffits, and fascias; vegetation, grading, drainage, driveways, patios, walkways, and retaining walls with respect to their effect on the condition of the building.  I will describe the types of building materials used in each of the representative parts of the structure.

I will inspect walls, ceiling, and floors; steps, stairways, balconies, and railings; counters and a representative number of built-in cabinets; and a representative number of doors and windows.  Not all are required to be tested, especially those that are blocked.  One example would be a window above a bed's headboard.  I will describe the types of building materials used in these areas as well. 

I will inspect insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces; ventilation of attics and foundation areas; kitchen, bathroom, and laundry venting systems; and the operation of any readily accessible attic ventilation fan, and, when temperature permits, the operation of any readily accessible normal operating controls.  I will describe the types of building materials used in these areas as well. 

I will inspect and operate the basic functions of the following kitchen appliances: permanently installed dishwasher through a normal cycle; range, cook top, and permanently installed oven; trash compactor; garbage disposal; ventilation equipment or range hood; and permanently installed microwave oven.