What does a home inspection include?

Home inspection requirements vary greatly from state to state and this Standards of Practice outlines minimum and uniform standards that you should expect from an inspection. Some of the areas inspected are:

• Structural elements: Construction of visible foundation, evidence of sagging or bowing of the structure, floors and floor framing, walls, ceilings, stairs, drainage systems and window alignment.
• Safety: Operating fire and carbon monoxide alarms, fire sprinklers, condition of stairs, hand and guardrails, and garage door openers.
• Grounds: Leaks from septic tank, proper drainage, and condition of the house’s driveways, fences and sidewalks.
• Roof: Condition of shingles, any repairs/patches to flat roofs, clear vents, damage to chimneys, and properly working gutters.
• Exterior surfaces: Correct clearance between ground and siding material, condition of exterior paint or siding and properly working lights and electrical outlets.
• Attic: Sufficient insulation, proper ventilation, and any sign of leaking or water damage
• Interior plumbing: No damaged or leaking pipes, proper hot water temperature, as well as functioning toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers.
• Electrical system: Up-to-code condition and type of visible wiring, and proper function of circuit breakers, outlets, light fixtures and fans.
• Appliances: Proper function of built-in and free standing appliances (stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, washer and dryer and all other appliances).
• Heating and cooling systems: Condition of furnace, air conditioning (temperature permitting), water heater, chimney and fireplace.
• Basement: Solid foundation, walls, and floors, with no signs of water intrusion or damage.
• Garage: Solid foundation, windows, ceiling, framing, roof condition, working garage door opener, up-to-code electrical system and proper functioning outlets.
• Insulation and ventilation: Insulation in unfinished attic and foundation areas, kitchen, bath, laundry venting systems and the presence of ventilation fans.

What is Not Inspected?

Below is a list of areas that are not typically covered by a home inspection. If you have any concerns in these areas, contact a certified specialist in that area.

• Pest control
• Swimming pools
• Asbestos
• Radon gas
• Venting equipment with household appliances
• Indoor air quality
• The presence of lead paint
• Toxic mold

What does a Structural Inspection include?

A structural inspection provides an assessment of a home’s structural safety and integrity. During a Structural Inspection, a Structural Engineer:

• Examines load-bearing elements—foundation, floor slabs, walls, trusses, beams columns/post, etc.
• Processes and Analyzes.
• Determines how severely the home has moved and any noticeable stressed elements.
• Reports the findings and recommends needed repairs.

The inspection is performed when a property owner/buyer has questions about the structural integrity of a building and/or has observed potential defects. This could entail an analysis of the whole structure or an examination of one specific component of the building. Some reasons to hire a structural engineer:

• Structural Movement, Settlement
• Ceiling or Wall Cracks
• Foundation, Bowing Walls, Cracks, Upheaval or Sinking
• Storm Damage
• Drainage Issues on a Property
• Alteration of weight-bearing components due to remodeling
• Accidental damage of structural components