A Home Inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

A Home Inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the prediction of future conditions.

A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.

A Material Defect is a condition of a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.

An Inspection report shall describe and identify in written format the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.

A quality Home Inspection usually takes 2 to 3 hours. You are invited to follow us for a step by step analysis of your home Your Inspection safety is paramount.

A Full Inspection Includes

As an InterNACHI member I m
ust adhere to InterNACHI's Standards of Practice. This means I will attempt to inspect all of the following (when accessible):

* Roof, vents, flashings, and trim,
* Gutters and downspouts,
* Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations,
* Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings,
* Eaves, soffit and fascia,
* Grading and drainage,
* Basement, foundation and crawlspace,
* Water penetration and foundation movement,
* Heating systems,
* Cooling systems,
* Main water shut off valves,
* Water heating system,
* Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets,
* Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats,
* Electrical service line and meter box,
* Main disconnect and service amperage,
* Electrical panels, breakers and fuses,
* Grounding and bonding,
* GFCIs and AFCIs,
* Fireplace damper door and hearth,
* Insulation and ventilation,
* Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers,
* And much more...

Review the InterNACHI Standards of Practice for complete details or contact me with any specific questions.

What Realy Matters

Buying a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes a written report, checklist, photographs, environmental reports and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself makes the experience even more overwhelming. What should you do?

Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

1. Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.
2. Things that lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leak, for example.
3. Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy or insure the home.
4. Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel.

Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).

Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure or nit-picky items.