A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home.
We inspect the following items during the typical comprehensive Baltimore home inspection:
(Note: this is only a condensed version of what we actually inspect.)
What is Covered with aHome Inspection?
Your home inspection includes a thorough checklist covering the following:
- Foundations (Structurally Sound)
- Floors, Walls & Ceilings (Structurally Sound)
- Roofs
- Garages
- Exteriors
- Grade
- Drainage
- Central Heating & Cooling Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Interior Plumbing & Drain Systems
- Attic Insulation
- Attic Ventilation
- Kitchen & Bath Ventilation
- Windows & Doors
- Finished Floors, Walls & Ceilings
- Sump Pumps
- Water Heaters
- Fireplaces & Woodburners
- Harmful Gases from Furnace
- Harmful Gases from Water Heater
- Smoke Alarms & CO Detectors
- Built-in Appliances
The Roof
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- The roof is selectively walked (if the roof appears safe to walk on):
- checking the condition of the roof covering
- checking the condition of flashings
- We inspect around the roof from the ground checking for evidence of leaks and additional roof problems.
- The roof is selectively walked (if the roof appears safe to walk on):
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The Structure
- The attic space is entered and partially crawled through when accessible. We are:
- checking the condition of the roof structure;
- checking for roof leaks;
- checking the condition of the insulation, a/c & heating ducts, visible electric wiring & conduit, and plumbing pipes.
- Underfloor crawlspace (if present) is entered and partially crawled through if it appears safe and accessible.
- checking the condition of the foundation walls and the floor structure above;
- checking for drainage and ventilation;
- checking the condition of (if present): insulation, a/c & heating ducts, visible electric wiring & conduit, and plumbing pipes.
- Other structural items observed for structural concerns are:
- exterior walls
- foundation walls
- interior walls
- doors and windows
The Electrical System
- Some of the items checked are:
- electric service coming to the house
- main electric disconnects
- main panels & sub panles
- We selectively check electric receptacle outlets & lights throughout the house.
The Plumbing System
- Some of the plumbing items checked are:
- traps under lavatories & sinks; the lavatories & sinks, water closets (toilets) & bidets, tubs & showers, and other plumbing fixtures for condition and leaks.
- water heater
The Air Conditioning System
- The condenser unit (outside unit) & air handler unit (inside unit) are operated using the thermostat and checked while in operation for:
- excess noise
- vibration
- that they meet minimum acceptable operating limits
- their physical condition
The Heating System
- The heating unit is operated using the thermostat and checked while in operation for:
- excess noise
- vibration
- that it meets minimum acceptable operating limits
- its physical condition
The Interior
- We check the interior of the home for:
- evidence of water leaks
- window and door operation
- evidence of structural problems
The Exterior
- We check the exterior around the home for:
- evidence of poor drainage which may affect the home
- condition of the drive, walks, decks, patios, etc.
- evidence of structural problems
The Sprinkler System
- sprinkler system checked for operation through the different zones
The Swimming Pool / Spa
- The swimming pool / spa is checked for:
- operation of the equipment
- connection of electrical equipment
- condition of the interior pool / spa surface
- the pool / spa shell is visually checked, from above the water, for cracks in the interior surface
- visual indication of line and pump leaks (air bubbles where they should not be).