A Home Inspection
"Home inspection" means the process by which a home inspector provides a nonintrusive, visual examination and written evaluation of the heating system, cooling system, plumbing system, electrical system, structural components, foundation, roof, masonry structure, and exterior and interior components of a residential building. The term does not include an examination of items that are concealed or not readily accessible or identification of concealed conditions or defects.
Following NACHI's Standards of Practice, I will attempt to inspect all of the following, when accessible:
- Roof, vents, flashings, and trim
- Gutters and downspouts
- Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations
- Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings
- Eaves, soffit and fascia
- Grading and drainage
- Basement, foundation and crawlspace
- Water penetration and foundation movement
- Heating systems
- Cooling systems
- Main water shut off valves
- Water heating system
- Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets
- Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats
- Electrical service line and meter box
- Main disconnect and service amperage
- Electrical panels, breakers and fuses
- Grounding and bonding
- GFCIs and AFCIs
- Fireplace damper door and hearth
- Insulation and ventilation
- Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers
- And much more...see Standards of Practice
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A Home Inspection Report
After the home inspection is completed, which averages 3-4 hours, I go home and prepare a Home Inspection Report based on my field notes. Your report will published Online and I'll email you a private link to your report, which you will be able to view and print out if you wish. View a Sample Home Inspection Report. If a client does not have a computer with Internet access I will print out the report and mail it.
Clients are welcome to accompany me while I do the inspection, and for a home buyer this can be an opportunity to become familliar with aspects of the home that you will want to be very familliar with. I do take pictures to include in the Home Inspection Report, so even if you don't attend the inspection, you'll have a good understanding of the physical condition of the home and of any significant safety conditions or potential hidden expenses. If you have any questions after reading the report, just call or email me, and we'll discuss the findings.
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Before the Inspection
Before the inspection takes place, the client is required to read and sign an Inspection Agreement. If you're nearby this can be done on site the day of the inspection or you can stop by my house beforehand. With clients that are out of town this can be done by mail or email ahead of time. See Inspection Agreement.
Payment can be made on the day of the inspection, escrow, or I can send a bill.
Please be aware that in order to assure that a thorough inspection is done the utilities must be turned on, including water, electricity and gas if that is used. Also be sure access is clear to electric panels, attic entrance, furnace, hot water heaters, and any other areas than need to be examined.
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