Property Inspection
Learn the intimate details of your next home.
We understand the stress of buying a home. Our experienced, friendly inspectors take great pride in relieving your stress by meticulously inspecting your home. Our inspection reports are comprehensive and we're always available to answer questions. Rest assured, you will become intimate with your new home, but most importantly, confident in taking the next step.
Our Inspection Process
We start with the Exterior
Gain a solid understanding of the overall condition of the exterior including the cladding, doors, windows, decks, walkways and driveways. Most importantly, our inspection identifies areas of concern, including cracking, damage, rot, grading and potential moisture penetration.
Need a new roof? We will tell you.
A trained and unbiased assessment of the condition of the roof condition is vital. Our multi-point roof inspection will provide you with a clear picture of actual condition of the roof because nobody wants a leaky roof!
Does Your House Have Good Bones?
We have experience with stone foundations from the 1700's to contemporary concrete form construction and everything in between. Our inspectors identify potential structural issues including the foundation and framing, and signs of cracking, bowing and damage. Don't let unnoticed crack joists, pocket rot, foundation cracking, floor sag or bowing walls go unnoticed.
Interior Spaces
Our proprietary software ensures every interior space is rigorously inspected and nothing is overlooked. We pay extra close attention to the ceilings, walls, floors and windows for signs of moisture intrusion, damage and cracking. Defects and safety issues are clearly documented to ensure you know what needs to be repaired and when!
Electrical Inspection
Proper assessment of the electrical inspection is crucial to your family's safety, so we methodically inspect each major electrical component. A detailed multi-point inspection is performed at the service drop, service cables, main and all sub panels. Additionally, all accessible wiring, switches, receptacles and lights are inspected. And we'll provide safety and upgrade advice to protect your home and family.
Plumbing
Can you imagine flushing over 200,000+ toilets? We can and have. Plumbing issues can be expensive and are often overlooked by homeowners so a home inspection by an inexperienced inspector could end up costing you thousands.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Your home inspector will confirm if your home's heating and cooling systems are operating safely and efficiently. And you'll understand how each system operates, along with recommended maintenance.
Appliances
We inspect installed appliances so you can be sure they're in working condition before move-in day.
What we Inspect
Exterior
Roof
Roofing System
Multi-point inspection includes an unbiased assessment of the condition of the roof, roofing materials and expected service life. Evidence of deferred maintenance, cracking, damage, ponding and open seams are documented and photographed.
Roof Structure
Visible roof structure is inspected including the roof sheathing, rafters and joists. Signs of cracking, damage and moisture intrusion are often defects which are not discovered until the home inspection.
Flashings
Flashings are particularly vulnerable to leakage. We ensure that the flashings appear to have been properly installed and are free from visible defect.
Gutters and Downspouts
Inspection of gutters and downspouts are crucial to proper water management away from the property. Damaged, disconnected downspouts, improperly attached, full of debris, and improper pitch are just some of the common issues observed during a home inspection.
Skylights
Skylights are great, but like all roof penetrations they are particularly vulnerable to leakage. We pay close attention to the condition, flashing and signs of moisture intrusion. Both while inspecting the roof and at the interior.
Chimney
The chimney inspection includes clearance issues, deterioration, damage, cracking, pointing, improper termination, crown damage and spark arrestor.
Exterior
Cladding
There are pros and cons to every type of exterior cladding. We pay particular attention to known issues, so it doesn't matter if you home is brick, stone, vinyl, stucco or composite, we have experience with all of them. As a result, cracking, staining, warping, bowing or damage will be identified and a proper course of action recommended.
Exterior
Windows & Doors
Windows
Windows are inspected to ensure they are performing and operating as designed. We look for damage, rot and signs of moisture penetration.
Doors
Doors are inspected to ensure they are performing and operating as designed. We are on the look out for damage, rot, and signs of moisture penetration.
Garage Door
Garage vehicle doors can be extremely unsafe if not properly installed, missing safety features, or in poor condition so we inspect the door opener, safety entrapment features, door and installation.
Exterior
Electrical
Electrical Service
Inspection of the electrical service includes the service drop, meter, and service entrance wire. Your inspector will identify the amperage of the system, inspect the service for installation defects, clearance concerns, safety issues and inspect the service entrance wire for defects.
Exterior
Surrounding Area
Walkways and Driveways
Walkways and driveways are inspected for cracking, damage and potential fall hazards.
Landscaping and Hardscaping
Inspection of patios, retaining walls, fencing, exterior stairs, landscaping and hardscaping is inspected.
Decks / Porches
Inspection of the deck is based on what is visible and accessible at the time of the inspection. Close attention is to ensure the deck is properly secured to the structure, that proper hardware is present and installed, and for potential safety concerns.
Interior
Foundation
Structure
Structural components including visible foundations, floor structures, wall structure, ceiling structure and the roof structure are inspected.
Interior
Plumbing
Water Heater
We perform a multi-point inspection of the water heater to ensure the unit is in serviceable condition along with including identify the age and typical life span you can expect.
Drain and Waste
Accessible drain and waste piping is inspected. We identify drainage concerns, defects, and leaks.
Fixtures
All operable fixtures at kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms etc are inspected. We make sure they function as designed, hot and cold water are correctly installed, identify leaks and other defects which may result in improper function and/or leakage.
Gas Piping and Connections
Inspection of gas piping is inspected for proper installation, bonding, deterioration and of course gas leaks!
Interior
Sections
Stairs
Properly installed and functioning stairs are imperative so we identify the presence and proper installation of handrails and guardrails. We also report on the condition of the treads, risers and stringers, attachments, signs of failure, unprofessional installation and electrical requirements.
Ceiling / Walls / Floors
The ceilings, walls and floors are inspected for cracking, damage, and signs of moisture damage.
Interior
Electrical
Wiring, Lights, Receptacles
To ensure your safety, we methodically inspect each major electrical component including all accessible wiring, switches, receptacles and lights. Additionally, your inspector will provide safety and upgrade advice to protect your home and family.
Electrical Panel
A detailed multi-point inspection is performed on main and all sub panels. We identify the service size of the system, ensure the panels are properly installed and sized, and look for signs of corrosion
Interior
Installed Appliances
Refrigerators, dishwashers, oven, ranges and more are inspected..
We check installed appliances for basic operation because there is nothing worse than a leaking washing machine or a dishwasher not working after unpacking all your dishes.
Interior
Roof
Insulation & Ventilation
Inspection includes insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces and the ventilation of attics and foundations areas, kitchen, bathroom, laundry exhaust systems and clothes dryer exhaust systems.
Interior
Heating / AC
Cooling Systems
It's important that the cooling system is operating correctly so we inspect all available components (condenser, air handler, coolant lines and electrical connection). We'll also identify the age of the system.
Heating System
Know your heating system is properly functioning and safely installed. Heating equipment (furnaces, boilers etc.) are inspected for proper operation including vent systems and flues. Gain a better understanding of how to operate the system, maintenance suggestions, and have an understand of expected service life.
