What's included in a Home Inspection?

ASHI Standards of Practice include the following

Click here to read the Ashi Standard of Practice

1- Roof - Roof coverings, gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, roof penetrations and the general structure of the roof.

2- Attic, Insulation, Ventilation - Insulation and ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawl spaces, foundation areas and exhaust systems.

3- Exterior - Siding, windows, exterior doors, flashing & trim, walkways, driveways, stairs, patios & decks, and drainage.

4- Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace, Structure - Foundation movement, cracks, structural concerns, and indication of water penetration.

5- Cooling - Cooling system, location of thermostat, energy source and cooling method.

6- Heating - Heating system, location of thermostat, energy source and heating method.

7- Fireplace - Visible portions of the fireplace & chimneys, lintels, damper doors, and cleanout doors & frames.

8- Plumbing - Main water & fuel supply shut-off valves, water heater, interior water supply, toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, drain, waste and vent systems.

9- Electrical - Service drop, overhead service conductors, service head & mast, main service disconnect, panelboards, grounding, switches, light fixtures, receptacles deemed to be AFCI & GFCI, and the presence of smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors.

Why do I need a home inspection?

Lots of reasons!

If houses could talk… They could share how their roof has been leaking next to the chimney, that their subpar wiring poses a fire risk or that the plumbing is not draining properly.That’s where we come in! We are the voice of the house. Finding issues with a house is normal, every house has them, even brand new houses have problems. Let us help you learn about your home with our objective viewpoint so you can make decisions with confidence and knowledge on your side.

How long does a home inspection take?

You should never rush a home inspection!

Typically a home inspection will take between two and three hours. There are a lot of factors that contribute to the time including the size, age, weather, and additional features or services included.

We take the time that the house needs to share all of it’s information and turn it into a beautiful report for you.

Should I be there during the home inspection?

It's up to you!

You are not required to be present during the inspection. However, we love to meet our clients! Having time to ask questions and go over any concerns adds tremendous value to your inspection investment. This is best done after the inspection has been completed and the inspector can give you their full attention to answer any questions. So if you want to be there and meet us, the last half hour of the inspection time period is the perfect opportunity!

Can a house fail a home inspection?

Not really,

A home inspection is a thorough visual examination of the home’s current condition. It does not determine value (like an appraisal) or local code compliance so there is not a pass of fail at the end of the inspection. Instead it will shine a light on the current condition and any potential issues the home may have.

What happens if the home inspection reveals major problems?

First off, its ok.

If you are buying a home, the good news is that you don’t YET own the problems that go with it. These issues don’t have to be a deal breaker! A good real estate agent will help you determine what to do with the information from your home inspection report. Sometimes, major problems need further evaluation from other experts such as a structural engineer or licensed electrician to determine the severity and costs associated with those problems. This will give you the ability to make the best decision for your investment.

What are some common issues found during a home inspection?

Common Issues

Roofing/gutter issues including leaks, damage and drainage.
Improper wiring and electrical issues.
Poor drainage or grading around the home’s exterior.
Water intrusion around windows, siding and in basements etc.
Plumbing issues like leaks, clogged drains or improper flow.
Inadequate insulation or ventilation in attics and crawlspaces.
HVAC problems.
Common cosmetic wear and tear such as damaged flooring/carpet, cracked concrete, loose knobs/handles etc.

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