My home inspections usually start with a short introduction followed by some questions such as:
- Do you have any concerns about the home.
- Are there any questions you would like to ask me.
- Is there anything specific about a system you want me to give you information about.
After the initial meeting you will be asked to sign an inspection agreement which is required prior to the start of the inspection. At this point I will start my inspection of the home. I typically Start on the exterior of the house and my process is as follows:
- Roof: If the roof is accessible and safe to walk on I will walk to roof looking for damage, signs of age, proper instillation, excess debris and moss, condition of gutters and downspouts. Skylights and roof penetrations and chimney condition.
- Exterior: I will walk around the home identifying any issues with the siding, doors, windows, soffits, decks, porches, patios, grading and drainage, and retaining walls that may have an effect on the structure.
- Garage: The garage will be inspected for condition of fire barriers on walls and ceilings, slab or garage floor, garage car and man doors, safe operation of garage door openers.
- Electrical System: I will start by checking the panel for defects and open the panel to inspect for proper wiring, check plugs and switches for proper wiring or damage, test GFCI for proper operation and inspect lighting fixtures.
- Plumbing System: The plumbing system will be thoroughly checked for leaks and popper operation at fixtures, leaks and proper insulation at drain and supply lines in the crawl space, inspection of gas plumbing for leaks and inspection of water heating system to identify deficiencies and age.
- HVAC System: I will start at the thermostat to inspect for proper operation, determine components being operated by the thermostat and start the system for inspection. The Furnace, hydronic system and space heaters will be inspected for proper operation, safety issues and determine age.
- Fireplaces: I will determine the type of fireplace and check for proper operation, venting and installation.
- Interiors: The interiors will be inspected for major damage to floors, walls, ceilings, cabinetry, operation and condition of doors and windows and inspection of stairs and railings for safety. I will observe signs that may be linked to structural issues and stains that may indicate plumbing or roof leaks.
- Appliances: The appliances will be checked for proper operation and condition.
- Attic Space: I will inspect all accessible areas in the attic for signs of leaking, proper ventilation, fungi growth, damage to structural components, safety issues and inspect for proper insulation.
- Crawl Space: Upon inspection of safe conditions and accessibility the crawl space will be thoroughly inspected for signs of water intrusion, structural issues at foundation and footings, structural issues at under structure and supports, inspect for rodents and wood destroying insects, determine proper insulation and vapor barrier.
- Thermography: After a thorough visual inspection and mechanical inspection a thermal imager will be used to aid in identifying moisture intrusion from exterior or plumbing and check the thermal boundary for missing or lack of insulation in walls and inaccessible ceiling areas.
Throughout the inspection process I encourage you to ask questions. I will usually stop periodically to keep you informed on my findings. At the completion of the inspection I like to take time to go over any major issues and make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions in your home buying/selling process. I will also go over the report and how you will receive/view it and gather any other information I may need.
My reporting is done in part on a device that allows me to make comments and take pictures that I can upload to my main computer. This allows me to get reports out rather quickly. You will usually receive your report within 30min after the physical inspection. I will also make sure you have all my information in the event you have questions about your report once you receive it. I am always happy to answer questions my customers may have!
