THE BEST HOME INSPECTIONS

Roof  Inspection

• the roof covering (asphalt, slate, metal, etc.)
• the gutters  and their condition
• the vents, flashings, skylights,
• the chimney, plumbing vents, and other roof penetrations
• the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

Exterior of the Home

• the siding, flashing and trim
• all exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fascias
• report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter
• a representative number of windows
• the vegetation, surface drainage, and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure
• describe condition of the exterior wall covering.

Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace

• the basement;
• the foundation;
• the crawlspace (if present);
• the visible structural components;
• report on the location of under-floor access openings;
• report any present conditions or clear indications of active water penetration observed by the inspector;
• report wood in contact or near soil;
• report any general indications of foundation movement or issues that are observed by the home inspector, such as, but not limited to: gypsum board cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, or floor slopes;
• report on any cutting, notching and boring of framing members which may present a structural or safety concern.

Structural Home Inspection

• Inspect the overall structure of the home
• Inspect the roof structure 
• Inspect the piers, posts, and other support members
• Inspect the main and secondary bearing beams 
• Inspect the foundation, framing and methods, bearing walls and other components of the structure

Electrical Home Inspection

• the service entry point;
• the meter socket enclosures;
• the means for disconnecting the service main;
• describe the service disconnect amperage rating, if labeled;
• panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses);
• report on any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled;
• the service grounding and bonding;
• a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures, and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be AFCI-protected during the inspection using the AFCI test button, where possible;
• test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs during the inspection using a GFCI tester, where possible;
• report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring, if readily accessible;

Heating System Inspection

• operate and observe the heating systems using normal operating controls, and describe the energy source and heating method;

Cooling System Home Inspection

• operate and observe the cooling system using normal operating controls, and describe the energy source and cooling method;

Plumbing Home Inspection

• inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private;
• verify the presence of and condition of the the main water shut-off valve;
• inspect the water heating equipment, including venting, connections, energy source supply system and verify the presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves;
• flush and operate toilets;
• water-test sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage;
• inspect the interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets;
• inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures;
• describe any accessible fuel storage systems;