Home Inspection Process

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).