The typical inspection takes 2-4 hours. Using a range of investigative tools.

 

Our Home Inspections include:

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 adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion. 

the foundation;

the basement;

the crawlspace; and

structural components

the heating system, using normal operating controls.

the roof-covering materials;

the gutters;

the downspouts;

the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and 

the cooling system, using normal operating controls

the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

the main water supply shut-off valve;

the main fuel supply shut-off valve;

the water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing;

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 drainage;

the drain, waste and vent system; and

drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.

the service drop;

the 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;

panelboards and over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses);

service grounding and bonding;

a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)-protected using the AFCI test button, where possible;

all ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible; and

for the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detector

readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys;

lintels above the fireplace openings;

damper doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable; and

cleanout doors and frames.

insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas;

ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas; and

mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area.

a representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them;

floors, walls and ceilings;

stairs, steps, landings, stairways and ramps;

railings, guards and handrails; and

garage vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal operating controls.

 

We also use FLIR infrared inspection cameras to detect leaks and insulation problems you can’t see with the naked eye.