Home inspection unveils a home’s secrets, from foundation to rooftop. Each crack, every wire, scrutinized under the home inspector’s keen eye. Home inspectors decipher the language of pipes, wires, and beams, translating into a narrative of safety and quality. Through meticulous examination, the home inspector offers piece of mind that within those walls lies not just a house, but a haven.

Exterior Home Inspection

• Exterior wall covering, flashing and trim
• Gutters and downspouts
• Attached decks, balconies, steps and porches
• Grading around the house
• Landscaping and vegetation issues
• Garage doors, closer(s) and safety issues in garage
• Driveways and walkways
• Exterior doors, windows and window wells
• Basement walk-outs and catch basin drain
• Pool security and safety checks

Roof System

• Flat roof covering – condition
• Sloped roof covering, valleys and wall flashing
• Roof vents and hydro mast and plumbing flashing
• Roof drainage and downspout systems
• Chimney and chimney flashing
• Skylights where practical

Structural System

• Accessible components of the foundation and structure
• Cracks in the foundation and upper walls
• Basement dampness, leakage and prior repairs
• Basement floor including cracks
• Wall, ceiling and floor joist structure
• Sloping floors
• Support beams and columns
• Roof structure, trusses and roof sheathing
• Fire rated separation party walls between adjoining townhouses

Electrical System

• Exterior hydro service
• Main hydro panel, wire connections and breakers
• Service amperage capacity and grounding
• Random test of electrical outlets
• Inspect light operation
• Inspect wiring to exterior as well as outbuildings
• Test ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) receptacles.
• Insurance issues, aluminum, and knob and tube wiring, less than 100 amps, proper fuse size

Plumbing System

• Main water meter shut-off location, size and type
• Water pressure/flow
• Distribution piping type (galvanised steel, copper and plastic)
• Hot water heater age, condition and venting
• Drainage piping type and inspect for leaks, P traps and drain flow
• Sump pump and sump pit where accessible
• Kitchen, bathroom, laundry, plumbing fixtures, and leaks
• Bathtubs/showers ceramic tile leaks

Heating System

• Furnace or boiler operation
• Type of fuel (gas, oil, electricity)
• Age, failure probability of furnace or boiler
• Inspect for condensate leaks and / or rust in cabinet
• Electric baseboard heaters, hot water radiators and in-floor radiant heating
• Vent system and flues
• Air filters, including maintenance
• Air supply duct system- Do all rooms have a heat vent?

Air Conditioning System

• Inspect outdoor air conditioning unit
• Run air conditioner in warm weather
• Inspect for condensate leaks
• Age, projected life expectancy and failure probability

Insulation

• Amount and type of insulation and condition
• Proper attic and crawl space ventilation
• Any vermiculite insulation – report possible asbestos
• Proper bathroom and kitchen exhaust fan venting
• Basement and crawl space insulation and moisture barriers
• Presence of soffit venting, and presence of roof venting
• Venting of bathroom fans to exterior
• Proper insulation / material of bathroom vent lines

Interior Home Inspection

• Walls, ceiling and floors
• Open and close random selection of doors and windows and inspect for failed window thermal seals, including skylights.
• Stairways, handrails and guardrails
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for age and presence
• Random selection of Kitchen cabinets and counters
• Gas fireplace – function / operation
• Inspect basements walls for leakage (where accessible )
• Visually inspect for visible mold-like substances, mildew and other indoor hazards such as asbestos
• Inspect for other safety issues – basement window egress ( safety in case of fire ),  dryer vent material, smoke alarms, CO detectors, etc.

Choose a Certified Home Inspector for Your Home Inspection Needs.

Make sure you choose an InterNACHI®-Certified Home Inspector to inspect your home. Buying a home is the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Inspect it once. Inspect it right.