Why Home Inspections Matter
A home inspection offers buyers an expert, unbiased evaluation of a property's current state. This vital assessment helps you avoid purchasing a home with concealed problems, safety hazards, or expensive repairs. It provides clarity on potential issues and future costs, ensuring you make an informed investment.
Navigating Your Home Inspection: Key Inclusions and Exclusions
Our home inspections adhere to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards of Practice. By following these thorough guidelines, we ensure that each inspection is meticulous, uniform, and aligns with top industry standards.
Do you have specific concerns about components not covered in a standard inspection? Let us know in advance, and we can explore additional inspection services tailored to your needs.
Areas We Examine in a Standard Inspection
Structural Components
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Foundation and basement
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Walls, ceilings, and floors
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Roof structure and attic
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Steps, stairways, and railings
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Porches and decks
Exterior
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Wall cladding, flashings, and trim
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Exterior doors
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Windows
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Decks, balconies, stoops, and steps
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Eaves, soffits, and fascia
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Vegetation, grading, and drainage affecting the building
Roofing
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Roof coverings
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Roof drainage systems
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Flashings
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Skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations
Plumbing
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Interior water supply and distribution systems
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Interior drain, waste, and vent systems
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Hot water systems
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Visible plumbing fixtures
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Fuel storage and distribution systems
Electrical
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Service entrance conductors
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Service equipment, grounding, and bonding
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Main disconnects
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Panelboards and breakers
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Service and branch circuit wiring
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Light fixtures, switches, and receptacles
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GFCI and AFCI protection
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
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Heating equipment
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Cooling equipment
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Distribution systems
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Chimneys, flues, and vents
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Operating controls
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Presence of installed heat and cooling sources
Interior
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Walls, ceilings, and floors
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Steps, stairways, and railings
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Countertops and cabinets
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Doors and windows
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Garage vehicle doors and operators
Insulation and Ventilation
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Insulation in unfinished spaces
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Ventilation of attic and foundation areas
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Kitchen, bathroom, and laundry venting systems
What Isn't Covered in a Standard Home Inspection
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Seasonal Constraints (Winter Inspections)
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Air Conditioning Systems – Cannot be tested when outdoor temperatures are below 65°F to avoid unit damage.
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Heat Pumps cannot be tested in summer.
Inaccessible Areas
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Areas behind walls or beneath floor coverings
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Areas requiring special equipment to access
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Areas posing property damage risk
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Dangerous to inspect areas
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Blocked or locked areas
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Areas obscured by furniture or stored items
Lets discuss some of the Tools we use that enhance our Home Inspection Service
Infrared Camera
The Importance of Infrared in Today's Home Inspections
Embarking on the journey of buying or selling a home is significant, with home inspections playing a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth process. A thorough inspection can prevent costly surprises, safeguard your investment, and provide peace of mind. But what if there's something concealed within the walls that even an experienced inspector might overlook?
This is where technology becomes invaluable. Advanced tools like infrared home inspections enhance traditional methods by revealing hidden issues before they escalate into major headaches. With an infrared camera-equipped inspection, you're not just ticking a box; you're gaining a comprehensive view of your home.
Uncover Common Issues with Infrared Technology
Infrared is especially effective at identifying common maintenance issues not visible in standard inspections:
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Moisture Intrusion: Detects roof leaks, plumbing failures, or water seepage in basements and walls.
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Insulation Gaps: Identifies missing insulation in attics, walls, or around doors and windows.
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Electrical Faults: Locates overheating circuit breakers, wires, and outlets.
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Pest Infestations: Detects activity from rodents or termites through localized temperature changes visible in thermal scans.
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Roof Issues: Identifies saturated roofing materials or subsurface leaks.
Aerial Drones
How Drones Enhance the Home Inspection
Comprehensive Visual Record:
Our drones, featuring high-resolution cameras, meticulously document roofs, facades, and all external structures to provide an all-encompassing perspective on your property’s current state.
Proactive Issue Identification:
Detecting potential issues such as cracks, water infiltration, loose shingles, or other structural vulnerabilities early on is pivotal.
Reaching Difficult Spots:
With the ability to maneuver through intricate architectural designs, our drones safely capture clear images of hard-to-reach areas that might require ladders or scaffoldings.
Crawlspace Robot
What is the Crawlspace inspection robot?
The crawlspace inspection robot is a remotely operated device designed specifically for crawlspace inspections. It is equipped with tank tracks for zero-degree turning and a 360-degree panning and tilting camera with enhanced lighting. This technology enables us to identify issues and provide you with photographic evidence during the inspection.
Advantages of Crawlspace Inspection Robot
Rapid Deployment: Scans crawlspaces immediately at speeds up to 85 feet per minute.
Exceptional Mobility: Zero-turn precision and high-traction tracks enable turning in place and traversing obstacles.
Low Clearance Access: Enters sub-floor spaces inaccessible to humans, enabling comprehensive structural documentation.
High-Definition Imaging: Provides real-time video and high-resolution images through a long-range digital transmission system.
Versatile Camera Angles: A 180-degree panning and tilting gimbal allows inspection of joists above and cracks below.
Powerful Illumination: LED lights up to 1,000 lumens ensure full visibility in dark foundations.
Moisture and Flood Detection: Identifies standing water, plumbing leaks, and compromised vapor barriers.
Pest Activity Detection: Identifies termite activity, rodent droppings, and damaged wiring.
Structural Deficiencies: Captures clear visual proof of sagging beams, wood rot, or cracked foundation walls.
Key Considerations
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Our inspection is visual and non-invasive; we do not predict future conditions or see through walls.
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It captures a momentary view of accessible and visible components.
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Weather may limit inspection aspects, such as roofing and HVAC evaluations.
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Specialized inspections may be advised based on the initial findings.
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Observations are grounded in the inspector's professional expertise.
We invite you to explore this overview of our standard home inspection's inclusions and exclusions. For a thorough understanding of the home inspection’s scope and limitations, delve into the complete InterNACHI Standards of Practice.
What To Expect
We make the inspection process simple — from scheduling to receiving your detailed report.
Confirm Your Appointment
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After securing your appointment with us, please review and sign the emailed inspection agreement. This essential step ensures your inspection is fully confirmed and ready to proceed.
Attend Your Inspection
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On the day of the inspection, we strongly encourage you to meet with our inspector. Should you have any questions about the process or need clarification regarding your home’s specifics, our inspector will guide you through and provide the necessary answers.
Receive your detailed report
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Following the inspection, we will send you a comprehensive report that highlights your property's condition. This report is accessible once the inspection fee has been paid in full.
