My Typical Home Inspection Includes
A detailed inspection of the home includes the following inspection points as a base starting point, as they apply:
- 62 point grounds and exterior inspection
- 35 point roof covering inspection
- 26 point chimney inspection
- 15 point gutter and downspout inspection
- 38 point siding, doors and trim inspection
- 24 point inspection for each window
- 11 point exterior electrical inspection
- 37 point garage interior inspection
- 38 point kitchen inspection
- 12 point laundry area inspection
- 56 point inspection for each full bathroom
- 25 point inspection for each room
- 6 point inspection each fireplace
- 10 point inspection each set of stairs
- 10 point inspection for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- 34 point attic inspection
- 45 point basement inspection
- 4 point slab on grade inspection
- 35 point crawl space inspection
- 70 point plumbing system inspection
- 31 point heating system inspection
- 22 point cooling system inspection
- 25 point electrical inspection
I highly recommend you attend the inspection, if so the inspection also includes:
- You will get a great education about the home
- I will take time to answer your questions
- I will show you and go over any significant defects observed during the inspection
- I will recommend and explain important maintenance information
- If applicable I will explain to about significant repairs that may be needed
- I will recommend and explain energy saving improvements that may apply
Digital Photos
- Every Inspection includes digital photos
- I use a high quality cameras, high mega pixels and 30x telephoto lens
- I typically take 50 to 125 photos for notes and records
- The report will include an average of 40 to 60 photos
- Some photos are edited to include arrows, circles, and comments for descriptions
- Photos are included in the report sections where they are needed, not lumped together at end or put on a CD
Optional Ancillary Testing Services available at time of inspection:
- Radon testing
- Septic load and dye test
- Well flow and function test
- Water purity testing
- Mold testing
- Indoor Air Quality Testing (VOCs, allergens, hazardous materials)
- Lead in paint
- Lead in soil
- Lead in water
- Asbestos in building materials
- See full list of ancillary services
Professional detailed inspection takes time. To put the above into perspective the smallest size house would usually include at least a 650 point inspection, taking about 2 to 3 hours. An average inspection of a 1500 sq. ft. home would range from a 800 to 1200 point inspection and takes about 3 1/2 to 4-1/2 hours including extra time for questions and answers with client. A larger home, especially it it older that may include out buildings could take up to 5 hours or more.
The Custom Narrative Home Inspection Report:
- See my sample home inspection reports.
- IS NOT a check list and IS NOT hand written.
- IS NOT quickly filled out while supposedly doing the inspection.
- The report is usually delivered the same day and no more than 24 hours after the inspection.
- Is carefully written, edited and reviewed at the office.
- On average it take about as long to write the report as it does to inspect the house, 3-4 hours.
- Custom Narrative Home Inspection Report will average about 45 pages.
- A private download link delivered by email withing 24 hours of the inspection.
- Download link is active for 1 year, may be shared with anyone you choose.
- Report can be viewed online, mobile device or desktop and saved or printed as a PDF document.
- The report has an interactive table of contents for ease of navigation.
- The report contains hyperlinks that connect to additional detailed information if desired.
- The report contains the following tabbed report sections: Summary, Roofing, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Insulation, Plumbing, Interior and a Reference section.
- Additional tabbed sections that may be included if needed are: Radon, Well, Septic, Mold, Appendix and others as needed.
- The Summary outlines potentially significant issues from a cost or safety standpoint.
- The report includes detailed maintenance recommendations specific to your home.
- The report includes Potential Safety Hazards.
- The report includes energy improvement recommendations.
- The report includes the age of major components and indication if they are approaching their life expectancy or may require replacement or repair at any time in the next 5 years
- The report includes a current estimation of costs for 37 of the common remodeling and repair jobs.
- The reportĀ includes a Pre-Closing Checklist.
- A Final Walk Through Checklist.