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A 3-D home inspection is an objective, visual look at the physical structure and systems of a house. The inspection covers the home from foundation to roof. Read on to learn about the components of a typical inspection
Exterior Inspection
The outside of a house often has noticeable defects. An exterior home inspection typically includes looking for:
- Cracks or other damage to siding
- Stained or peeling paint
- Inadequate clearance between siding and the ground
- Poorly installed or maintained windows and doors
- Exterior walls that aren’t straight, bow or sag
Roof Inspection
The roof is a major player in the integrity of a house. What we inspect on the roof includes:
- Type and condition of shingles
- Proper use and maintenance of flashing
- Installation and condition of gutters and downspouts
- Obvious soft spots or missing shingles
- Straight and level ridge and fascia board
Attic Inspection
Your attic can harbor all kinds of defects. Attic items we typically inspect in a home inspection include:
- Quality and quantity of insulation
- Framing and sheathing
- Staining and water spotting
- Presence of moisture
- Proper ventilation
Foundation Inspection
From slabs to full basements, foundations are an important part of making sure a house is safe and sound. Some of what we inspect for foundations includes:
- Cracks or other damage to foundation walls and basement or crawlspace floors
- Signs of water intrusion
- Signs that the house is not affixed properly to the foundation
Grounds Inspection
A good home inspector looks for issues and concerns beyond the house itself. The outdoor environment can contain issues like:
- Poor drainage
- Standing water
- Ground sloped toward the house
- Cracked or shifting driveways and sidewalks
- Trees or bushes that threaten the structure
Interior Inspection
Unless your home is new construction, you’re bound to find normal wear and tear. In a home inspection, we look for some or all of these items:
- Walls are in good condition, free from stains and properly insulated
- Windows and exterior doors latch, open and close properly and are sealed against the elements
- Interior doors open and close properly
- Floors are level and free of soft spots or moisture
Electrical Inspection
Electrical systems can cause dangerous and costly problems for homeowners. Our home inspection includes looking at these components:
- All light switches work properly
- GFCI outlets present where a water source is nearby
- All visibleAll wall outlets are intact and working
- Wiring is in good condition and properly secured
- House has functioning smoke and CO alarms
HVAC Inspection
Most homes in our area have central heat and air conditioning. Here’s some of what we inspect in HVAC systems:
- Make sure furnace and air conditioner are working properly
- All flues should slope up to the chimney
- Ductwork should be intact and not too old
- There should be no odor from gas
- All vents are clear and units are properly ventilated
Plumbing Inspection
When the plumbing in your house fails, it can cause many other problems, including water damage. We inspect a home’s plumbing to make sure you know the risks. We’ll check to see whether
- Visible pipes are free of cracks or signs of leaking
- Toilets are securely fastened and dry at the base
- Water heater is the right size, installed correctly and running properly
- Faucets work and clear water runs through them
- Drains are clear and drain at a reasonable rate
Chimney & Fireplace Inspection
Whether you have a fireplace of not, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a chimney to your home’s safety and soundness. What we inspect with chimneys and fireplaces includes:
- Condition of the bricks and mortar
- Chimney flashing condition
- Fireplace inserts
- Operation and condition of gas feed to fireplace logs or starters
Garage Inspection
Home inspectors often find issues in garages. Many homeowners are unaware of hazards in their garages. Often those hazards have always been there, so they’re easy to overlook. Here’s what we include in our home inspections:
- Condition of the garage door
- Garage door operation and safety features
- Ensuring the automatic garage door opener has a functioning auto-reverse feature
- Check condition and operation of.all systems present in the garage
Porch & Deck Inspection
Porches and decks are constantly exposed to the elements. Because of this, they are prone to defects and can even be unsafe. Here’s what we look for with porches and decks:
- Structural integrity
- Condition of wood and concrete elements
- Safe and sturdy railings
- Safe and sturdy steps with properly designed hand rails
- Damage from termites or other insects
- Peeling paint or stain