What does a home inspector check?

The ten major things a home inspector checks are the Grounds, Structure, Roof, Exterior, Windows, Doors & Trim, Electrical, Plumbing, Kitchen, Bathroom & Interior Rooms. A home inspection is a limited, visual examination of the condition of a home. A home inspection provides a thorough assessment of the home’s safety and condition. It can give you a great idea of how much general upkeep has been taken care of and give a snapshot in time of the home in question.

 

What are the Grounds of a home?

When inspecting a home, a home inspector typically examines the drainage around the foundation to ensure that water is flowing away from the structure. They will examine areas such as walkways, driveways, stairs, patios, decks, balconies, fences, retaining walls, trees, and landscaping to look for any potential issues.

What is included in the Structure of a home?

A home’s structure is constantly under pressure from gravity, wind, water, and seismic activity. The foundation, floor, walls, ceiling, and roof are the key structural components that must be able to withstand these forces and provide a safe living environment for the long term.

What is included in the Roof of a home?

The roof of a home serves multiple purposes: it keeps the interior protected, vents out heat to prevent moisture buildup, and maintains the structural integrity of the building. It must be able to withstand the forces of gravity, wind, water, seismic activity, and flying debris. Proper flashing and drainage are essential to ensure that excess water is directed away from the foundation and does not cause damage.

What is the Exterior of a home?

The exterior of a home serves two main purposes: protecting the interior from water damage and providing an aesthetic appearance. During a home inspection, the inspector will check various exterior components, such as roof coverings and flashing, wall coverings, trim, gutters and downspouts, and roof drainage systems to ensure they are functioning properly and protecting the home.

What is included in Windows, Doors & Trim of a home?

Windows and doors are openings in walls that are not meant to bear weight when properly constructed. They play an important role in allowing air flow and maintaining proper pressure inside the home. Poor seals around windows, doors, or trim can lead to significant problems inside the home, including damage from exposure to the elements. During a home inspection, the condition and proper function of windows and doors are closely examined to ensure they are not causing any issues for the interior of the home.

What parts of the Electrical are inspected?

From the perspective of a home inspection, the electrical system refers to the high voltage system, which typically operates at 120/240 volts. The electrical components that are inspected include the service drop or lateral, service entrance conductors, service equipment, panelboards, overcurrent protection devices, grounding and bonding, branch circuit and feeder conductors and conduit, ground fault and arc fault devices, outdoor electrical equipment, lights, switches, and receptacles. The inspector will typically check a representative sample of each type of component to ensure that they are functioning properly.

What is inspected with the Plumbing?

The plumbing system in a house includes the water supply system, the drainage, waste and vent system, plumbing fixtures, and any plumbing appliances. The water supply system brings potable water from a public or private source into the house through the service pipe. The water is then distributed to appliances and fixtures through water distribution pipes. Once used, the water is discharged into the drainage, waste, and vent system and conveyed to a public or private sewage system.

 

What is an inspector checking in the Kitchen?

During a home inspection, the kitchen is closely examined to check for proper function and safety. Inspectors will look at key areas such as the exhaust system, drainage, waste and vent system, dishwasher connection, garbage disposal, oven/stove, built-in microwave, cabinets and shelves. Refrigerator and freezer, as well as trash compactor, are typically not included in the scope of the inspection.

What is inspected in a Bathroom?

During a home inspection, most of the areas in the bathroom that are examined pertain to the plumbing system. The inspector will check the bathtub/shower, faucets or valves, under sinks, toilets, exhaust, and any other fixtures. Some inspectors exclude spa tubs with jets from the inspection due to difficulty in properly assessing them. Any access panels for water connections to the shower or tub are removed to inspect the pipes. The exhaust must be vented to the exterior of the home to prevent moisture from entering the attic and causing damage to the sheathing of the roof or mold and rot.

What in the Interior Rooms are inspected?

Interior rooms refer to the enclosed spaces within a home that are separated by walls and doors or openings in the walls. These include living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, sunrooms, dens, foyers, dining rooms, closets, and utility rooms, if they are located inside the house. Sometimes, the exterior of a home may be in poor condition, but the interior rooms have been recently renovated. During a home inspection, the inspector will examine various aspects of the interior rooms such as receptacles, switches, lights, flooring, walls, doors, the inside of windows and doors, and the ceiling. Many issues that have been identified during the inspection may also be visible in these areas of the home.

Obtaining a professional home inspection from a licensed inspector is an important step in the home buying and selling process. For sellers, having a pre-listing inspection can help identify any issues that need to be addressed before putting the home on the market, potentially speeding up the sale process. For buyers, a home inspection is essential to ensure that any potential issues or defects are identified and addressed before closing on the home. A good inspector will thoroughly examine all aspects of the home, as if it were their own.