Home Inspection Process

by | Sep 6, 2018 | Uncategorized

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

      • 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 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).

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