Home Inspection Basics

What will the home inspection include?

Your home inspection typically will include the following areas:

  • THE EXTERIOR COMPONENTS: site, driveways, walkways, patios, retaining walls, deck, balcony, porches, staircases, siding, doors, windows, garage.
  • THE ROOFING SYSTEM: coverings, flashings, roof drainage system, chimney.
  • THE ATTIC INSULATION COMPONENTS & VENTILATION SYSTEM: insulation, vapor barriers, ventilation, water penetration.
  • THE INTERIOR COMPONENTS: walls, ceilings, windows, floors, doors, stairs, appliances, fireplaces.
  • THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM: foundation material, structural integrity, water penetration, support beams, main beams, columns, floor joints, crawlspace, water seepage.
  • THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: exterior service entrance, capacity, main disconnect means, sub-panels, distribution circuitry, service grounding means, GFIC’s, switches, lighting fixtures, interior wiring, receptacles.
  • THE PLUMBING SYSTEM: source, supply piping, drain/waste piping, vent piping, well storage tanks, interior fixtures & faucets, adequate drainage, functional flow, domestic water heating system, gas service, evaluate above grade oil tanks and copper pipes, vent & fill pipes, sump pumps.
  • THE HEATING SYSTEM: type, manufacturer, age, fuel, controls, gas & oil burners, venting, operation, distribution means.
  • THE COOLING SYSTEM: type, manufacturer, age, capacity, power source, controls, compressor, condenser, evaporator, fan, filter, CDL, ductwork, distribution means.