A good question to ask a Home Inspector is what do you look for when Inspecting a home?
Here is a basic breakdown of what I look for when doing a home inspection:
I do a visual check of all areas of the home, including:
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
by doing a thorough visual inspection to ensure the furnace, heat pump, air conditioner, ducts, and thermostat are all functioning properly. Testing heating during the winter and air conditioning during the summer.
Electrical
I check inside and outside wiring, safety and usability. as well as light fixtures and switches
Basic Plumbing
toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks, waterlines, pipes, and any other areas of the home where water runs through. I will test the flappers, filler mechanisms, and levels in all toilets to ensure they work properly. Also the temperatures of pipes in all water heaters.
Attic
If the attic is accessible I check the insulation in the attic,as well as the attic’s ventilation. Look for any signs of water stains, damaged insulation, or any other signs of leaks to ensure water damage is not present. If the furnace is in the attic, I check for rust around the furnace as that is a sign of water damage. Also look for any visible signs of fire damage such as scorched wood or soot. From the attic’s interior I can also do a visual assessment of the roof and overall framing of the home,
Roof
If access to the roof and weather is safe, I inspect the roof, check the gutters, flashing, and will look for any warped or missing shingles.
Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
I check the walls, ceilings, and floors for any discoloration, mold, or water damage. Sagging ceilings or cracks and other structural damage in the walls. Also I look for uneven baseboards in the flooring or bulging areas in the walls. It is important to note that I do not place negative marks on cosmetic items, only structural damage or areas in need of repair due to safety hazards.
Doors and windows
I check all windows and doors to ensure they open and close properly. They will indicate the window type that is used in each room and will ensure that each bedroom has at least one operating window that can be used to exit the home in the event of an emergency.
Foundation
Beginning on the outside of the home and working my way in I check for signs of a faulty foundation
Basement
Basements are also thoroughly inspected. As with other parts of the house, I look for signs of water damage, foundation issues, mold etc. Also the areas around the basement doors and windows to ensure that water can’t enter.
After the home inspection is complete, If the buyer is there we discuss my findings and I send a detailed report within 24 hours with my findings. Follow up phone calls are available as well to discuss findings.
- Matt Shell
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