What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a thorough visual examination of the structure, systems and components of a home by experienced, objective professional home inspectors. Homebuyers now viewing  home inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. The goal of home inspectors is to provide the purchaser with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home. If there is any major defects, what repairs or improvements and maintenance may be needed. In many cases the information obtained from the inspection can save the homebuyer hundreds or thousands of dollars. After the inspection is completed, a written report is prepared for the homebuyer, documenting the results of the inspection about the construction, operation and maintenance of the home.

In most cases, home inspections are performed after the seller has accepted a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection. The home inspection can usually be scheduled within a couple days. The homebuyer is encouraged to attend the home inspection and follow the home inspector, so that he/she can see first hand the workings of the home, ask questions about any problems or defects that may be discovered or to discuss potential desired changes or improvements.

 The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, an environmental audit, or a homeowner's warranty.

A complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. At a minimum, an inspection should meet the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®). Master Home Inspections exceed the ASHI Standards of Practice.

A  home inspection includes a thorough visual examination of the house from top to bottom. During the inspection the following systems and components will be looked at closely:

Roof: Roof coverings, flashings, roof drainage systems, skylights, chimneys, plumbing vents and ventilation.

Exterior/Site: Exterior walls, siding, trim, windows, doors, porches, patios, decks, steps, stairs, garages, sidewalks, driveways and grading.

Attics: Framing, sheathing, insulation and ventilation.

 
Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, countertops, cabinets, stairs and fireplaces.

Plumbing: Water distribution piping and valves, gas distribution piping and valves, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and water heaters.

Electrical: Service entrance wires, main electrical panels, auxiliary electrical panels, distribution branch wiring, outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans.

Heating/Cooling: Heating systems, cooling systems, house fans, humidifiers and air filters/cleaners.

Structure: Foundations, basements and crawlspaces

At the end of the inspection all our findings are recorded in a comprehensive computer report that is written specifically for your home . The report is narrative in nature so that you can read, in plain English, the results of the home inspection. We also supply advice on logical discretionary improvements as well as home maintenance and safety information