Inspect Before You Invest
You will know the type of foundation and the location of access to the under floor space. A report will indicate if wood is in contact with or near soil, any active water penetration, any indications of possile foundation movement such as sheet rock cracks, brick cracks, out of square door frames, and unlevel floors. Any cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may present a structural or safety concern.
Exterior
You will know the type of exterior wall covering materials. Wall covering materials, eaves, soffits, fascia, windows, doors, flashing and trim, the walkways, driveways, stairs, steps, stoops, stairways, ramps, potches, patios, decks, balconies, carports, railing, guards, handrails will be checked. Vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading will be noted where it may affect the structure adversely by allowing moisture intrusion.
Heating
You will know the location of thermostat/s for the heating system, the energy source and heating method. The heating system will be operated using the normal operating controls. Any heating system not operating or if the system was deemed inaccessible will be reported
Cooling
You will know the location of the thermostat for the cooling system and method of cooling. The cooling system will be inspected using the normal operating controls and any cooling system that did not operate or if the system is deemed inaccessible will be reported.
Plumbing
The inspection will include the main water supply shut off valve, the main fuel supply shut off valve, the water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting, connections, temperature/pressure relief(TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seimic bracing, interier water supply, including all fixtures and faucets by running the water, all toilets for proper operation by flushing, all sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage and the drain, waste and vent system and drainage sump pumps with accessible floats. The report will describe whether the water supply is public or private based upon observed evidence. the location of the main water supply shut off valve, the location of the main fuel supply shut off valve, the location of any observed fuel storage system and the capacity of the water heating equipment if labeled. The report will include if in need of correction: deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simutaneously, deficiencies in the installation of hot and cold water faucets, active plumbing water leaks that were observed during the inspection and toilets that were damaged, had loose connections to the floor, were leaking or had tank components that did not operate.
Electrical
The inspection will include the service drop, the overhead service conductors and attachment point, the service head, gooseneck and drip loops, the service mast, service conduit and raceway, the electric meter and base, service entrance conductors. the main service disconnect, panelboards and over current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses), service grounding and bonding, a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacle, including receptacles observe and deemed to be arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protected using the AFCI test button where possible, all ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester where possible and for the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The report will describe the main service disconnect’s amperage rating if labeled and the type of wiring observed. The report will include if in need of correction any deficiencies in the integrity of the service entrance conductors insulation drip-loop and vertical clearances from grade and roofs, any unused circuit breaker panel opening that was not filled, the presence of solid conductor aluminum brance circuit wiring if readily visible, any tested receptacle in which power was not present, polarity was incorrect, the cover was not in place, the GFCI devices were not properly installed or did not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat and where the receptacle was not grounded or was not secured to the wall and the absence of smoke and or carbon monoxide detectors.
Fireplace
Readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys, lintels above the fireplace openings, damper doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable; and cleanout doors and frames will be inspected. The type of fireplace will be described. Evidence of joint separation, damage or deterioration of the hearth, hearth extension or chambers, manually operated dampers that did not open and close, the lack of a smoke detector in the same room as the fireplace, the lack of a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the fireplace; and cleanouts not made of metal, pre-cast cement, or other non-combustible material will be reported to you as in need of correction.
Doors, Windows and Interior
The inspection will include a representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them, floors, wall, and ceilings, stairs, steps, landings, stairways and ramps, railings, guards, and handrails, garage vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal operating controls. The report will describe a garage vehicle door as manually operated or installed with a garage door opener. The report shall include if in need of correction, any improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails for steps, stairways, guards, railings, photo electric safety sensors that did not operate properly and any window that was obviously fogged or displayed other evidence of broken seals.
Attic, Insulation and Ventilation
Insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas, ventilation of unfinished spaces, and mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area will be inspected. The type of insulation observed; and the approximate average depth of insulation observed at the unfinished attic floor area or roof structure will be described.The general absence of insulation or ventilation in unfinished spaces will be reported.
Roof
The roof-covering materials, the gutters, the downspouts, the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs will be inspected. The type of roof-covering materials will be described. Any observed indications of active roof leaks will be reported.