Residential Home Inspection

 An examination of the exterior part of the house allows the home inspector to know what areas need to be covered to prevent water seepage. The garage door is checked for any damages; along with the glass windows for any broken seals, steps, decking, foundation for any deficiencies. 

• wall cladding
• soffits and trim
• entryway doors and windows
• garage door and operators
• decks
• balconies
• stoops
• steps
• walkways
• driveways
• porches and railings

This is the major component as a home inspector that I look for. I check foundations, attic spaces, or any water leaks and floor cracks. Walls are also checked for molds or leakage. 

• foundation
• floors
• walls
• columns
• ceilings
• attics
• roofs

 The roof should be closely examined for loose tiles and shingles, together with the flashing for any signs of tightness. Any tree limbs that can serve as pathways for rodents are also checked along with gutter debris. Skylights and chimneys are also examined for proper sealants, and drains checked for tight connections to the house. 

• roof coverings
• roof drainage systems
• flashings
• skylights
• chimneys and roof penetrations
• signs of leaks or abnormal condensation on building components in the attic

 Electrical components are also checked to make sure that they are functioning well, and for safety purposes.  

• service entrance conditions
• main and distribution panels
• amperage and voltage ratings of service
• grounding
• main shutoff
• branch circuit conductors and their over-current protection
• amperage and wiring compatibility
•  installed lighting fixtures
• switches and receptacles
• polarity and grounding of all receptacles in all rooms
• GFCI (Ground Fault Interrupt)
• installations on the exterior and in the garage
• kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room

 There is a necessity to test the home’s piping system like drains, vents, and waste systems. As a home inspector I also examine the water entry and exit systems, Interior fuel and water distributors, and the sump pump.

• piping materials
• main shutoffs
• leaks
• cross connections
• main drain clean-outs
• waste and vent systems
• water heaters

I check the entire air conditioning and heating system to know if these are working efficiently. The filters are also examined for accumulation of dirt and other unwanted residue. Supply pipes, chimneys, chimney frames are also examined for any cases of corrosion, accumulation, or damages. 

• normal operating controls
• heating/cooling temperatures
• air handling equipment
• installed heating/cooling source in each room
• chimneys
• flues and vents
• distribution system
• filtration
• attic insulation

• walls and ceilings
• floor coverings
• doors and windows
• counters and cabinets
• faucets and valves
• drains and piping
• functional flow
• bathtubs and showers
• toilets
• outlets and switches
• lighting
• kitchen appliance

• walls and ceilings
• floor coverings
• doors and windows
• closets
• firewalls and egress
• outlets and switches
• lighting
• smoke detectors  

• walls and ceilings
• floor coverings
• steps
• stairways
• balconies and railings
• doors and windows
• firewalls and egress
• outlets and switches
• lighting
• smoke detectors

• hallways
• kitchen
• laundry room
• basements
• walls and ceilings
• floor coverings
• doors and windows
• appliances
• controls
• ventilation
• counters and cabinets
• faucets and valves
• drains and piping
• functional flow
• outlets and switches
• lighting
• smoke detectors

Installation of:

• timers
• backflow valves
• manual shutoff valve
• actuator valves

• attic and roof penetrations
• firebox integrity
• hearth and mantel safety
• flue operation
• glass and screen door protection
• gas starters
• video flue inspection