What does an inspection cover?
A home or building inspection (consistent with the ASHI and InterNACHI Standards of Practice,) covers or assesses many areas of a building and property. It is important to consider that a building inspection is a visual, non-invasive, and non-destructive assessment of building. The inspection is not technically exhaustive and does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or insurance policy of any kind. Only conditions that are visible and readily accessible at the time of inspection are reported. Concealed, latent, or future defects are outside the scope of the inspection. This means that the readily accessible and visible areas are inspected. Holes or other means of access cannot be made in walls or ceilings. Wall to wall carpeting cannot be lifted or removed. Building components (trim, siding boards, etc.) that are permanently installed are not removed.
As of part the inspection, the following will be assessed:
• Roofing and Attics (including chimneys) – visually inspected from readily accessible areas for observable defects, material deterioration, signs of active leakage, improper installation, and ventilation concerns
• Exterior Components (siding, trim, windows, doors, flashing) – visually inspected for observable defects, deterioration, water intrusion, and installation deficiencies
• Structure and Foundation – visually inspected for observable cracking, movement, settlement, moisture intrusion, and other visible structural concerns
• Basements and Crawlspaces – inspected in accessible areas for observable moisture intrusion, pest activity, insulation deficiencies, ventilation concerns, and structural conditions
• Electrical Systems – inspected for visible safety hazards, improper installations, and observable defects in accessible components; no destructive testing or dismantling of equipment is performed
• Plumbing Systems and Fixtures – inspected for basic functional operation, visible leaks, drainage performance, and observable defects; concealed piping is not inspected
• Heating and Cooling Systems – inspected for basic functional operation using normal controls, observable defects, and visible safety concerns; internal components and heat exchangers are not dismantled
• Interior Components – visually inspected for observable defects in walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairways, and railings; cosmetic issues may not be reported
• Insulation and Ventilation – inspected in accessible areas only for presence, general adequacy, and observable installation concerns; concealed areas are not evaluated
• Installed Kitchen Appliances and Laundry Equipment – permanently installed kitchen appliances (including range/oven, cooktop, dishwasher, built-in microwave, and garbage disposers) and installed laundry equipment (washer and dryer) are operated using normal user controls to verify basic functional operation at the time of inspection. The inspection does not determine remaining life expectancy, internal component condition, manufacturer recalls, or long-term reliability. Appliances are not moved, dismantled, or tested beyond normal operating controls.
• Other Appliances – Non-permanently installed appliances (such as deep freezers, non-built-in refrigerators, or specialty appliances) are visually inspected for observable defects and may not be fully operated unless readily accessible and safely testable.
• Pest Activity – limited to visual observation of evidence of wood-destroying insects or other common pests in accessible areas; this is not a wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection unless separately contracted
• Mold / Suspected Microbial Growth – A home or building inspection is not a mold inspection. Mold can only be positively identified through appropriate laboratory testing. The inspection is limited to a visual assessment of readily accessible areas for patterns, staining, or discoloration that may resemble fungal growth. Conditions conducive to mold growth, such as elevated moisture or water intrusion, may also be noted. Any references to mold in this report are observational only and are not definitive identifications. Mold testing, air sampling, or surface sampling are not performed unless separately contracted.
(more information about mold inspections and testing are available on the mold page)*
• Fireplaces and Solid Fuel–Burning Appliances – visually inspected for observable defects and apparent safety concerns; this is not a Level II or Level III chimney inspection
• Chimneys – visually inspected from readily accessible areas for observable deterioration or safety concerns; concealed flue liners are not evaluated; this is not a Level II or Level III chimney inspection
• Decks and Porches – visually inspected for observable structural concerns, attachment deficiencies, rot, and insect damage in accessible components
• Garages and Outbuildings – inspected in accessible areas for observable structural and system defects; limited to visible components*
• Thermal Imaging – may be utilized as a diagnostic tool at the inspector’s discretion; it is not a guarantee of detecting all concealed defects. (A comprehensive thermal imaging survey is available as a separate service*)
• Docks – limited to a visual inspection of accessible, above-water components only; this is not an engineering or structural certification*
(*Additional charges may apply)
