What Is a Home Inspector,
and What Do They Do?
Home inspectors are generalists with broad knowledge on many topics. A first-rate house inspector is well versed in all fields of residential construction and has good communication skills. The home inspector gives an overview of the condition of the property and reveals major defects visible on the day of the inspection.
The job of an inspector is to inspect the structure and major systems of the house and give a written report to the client describing the items checked and the defects observed. (See below a detail list of items inspected.) Inspectors do not enter or perform any procedure that may damage the property or its components or be dangerous to the home inspector or anyone else. Inspectors do not move personal property, debris, furniture equipment, and carpeting or like materials to inspect an item. A home inspection is a visual inspection and equipment and systems are not dismantled.
An inspector examines and reports on the conditions adversely affecting the following systems of the dwelling and attached garages or carports
Roof
roof materials, ventilation, attic, insulation, flashings, gutters, and downspouts, sofits and facias, skylights, and roof mounted equipment
Electrical
Exterior service and meter, main panel/sub panels/wiring, interior components, exterior components (receptacles, switches, light fixtures)
Heating and fireplace
type of fuel, equipment location, thermostat type, location & condition, warm air systems, hydronic systems, space heating, fireplace flue and chimney
Plumbing
main supply lines and shut off, interior plumbing line materials, water pressure and drainage flow, fixtures and faucets, hot water source and privates waste systems
Exterior
exterior siding materials, exterior trim, primary windows, exterior doors porches and/or decks, steps and/or rails, garages and/or carports, fire escapes, grading and drainage.
Materials of construction
foundation/basement or crawlspace, framing structure and materials, ventilation, interior drainage,
Air Conditioning
equipment location, type, thermostat type, location and condition, ductwork, registers and grills, filters
Insulation
type thickness, r-value, percentage insulated.
Interior
walls, ceilings, floors, cabinets and counter tops, interior doors and hardware, interior of windows, rails and stairs, kitchen appliances
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