Components Covered in a Home Inspection
A professional home inspector makes a very studied and detailed evaluation of hundreds of components during the course of an inspection. Most of those elements belong to either the structural or mechanical aspects of the home inspection.
The structural inspection examines the elements that hold the house upright. Frame elements such as joists, rafters, beams, and floor sills are considered. The foundation is an important part of the structure, as is the roof. The exterior of the home is evaluated as well as the interior structures.
Frame and Roof
Whether you are a homebuyer or seller, you may like to know the condition of the home’s roof. The roof element of the structural inspection includes the exterior roof and features as well as the inside attic space.
A home inspector, no matter how experienced, is not required to climb up onto the roof. He or she may choose to do so when the conditions are safe and they can do so without damaging roofing materials. If they do not access the roof physically, they will visually inspect as many regions of the roof as they can from various vantage points and make detailed notes to that effect in their final report. A home inspector cannot be held responsible for something he was not able to see, so documenting his methods of observation is very important.
Types of roofing materials include wood, stone, metal, rubber and asphalt shingle. Each has a different lifespan. The home inspector will note type and visible condition of the various materials. Any defects are noted. Chimney flashing, vents, and drainage systems are observed for function and condition. Your home inspector may be able to roughly estimate the age of a roof, but this is not required. In the event he discovers defects, he may recommend a roofing specialist do a more in-depth evaluation of the roof.
Typical asphalt shingles—one of the most popular roofing materials—vary in lifespan depending on a number of variables. Environmental factors matter significantly.
Foundation and Basement
The foundation and basement are essential elements of the home’s structure. Not only does the foundation support the weight of the home, but it also likely provides the space for mechanical systems, such as the HVAC system, the plumbing and the electrical system.
Exterior
The exterior of a home can offer clues to the structural integrity of a home. The cladding or siding is made of various types of materials including wood, stone, brick, clapboard, vinyl and aluminum, or a combination of these. The condition of the cladding and any defects are evaluated. A sample selection of windows is tested for function. Doors are inspected. Any outside buildings are inspected as well. Often evidence of moisture around windows and doors may lead to clues regarding mold and mildew. Dry rotted or damaged wood elements may further indicate wood destroying insects. The general landscape is observed for proper drainage.
Interior
The interior structures of the home include floors, ceilings, walls, closets, stairs and banisters, railings or exposed beams, rafters or columns. Also kitchen cabinets and counters are evaluated. In an older home, a concern on the interior of a home is the presence of lead-based paint. Where paint is chipping and peeling a home inspector may recommend that the paint be tested for lead.
Electrical
The electrical system of a home is a vital part of any home inspection. This emphasis is due in large part to the potential safety and fire hazards that a defective or faulty electrical system poses. A home inspector is not an electrician so much of the inspection is limited to a visual evaluation of the various electrical elements.
The inspector first identifies whether the electrical supply is an overhead or underground system and locates its attachment or entry to the home. He will locate electrical meter and observe its condition. Inside he will locate the main circuit panel and the main disconnect nearby. The circuit panel should be accessible and a visual evaluation of main circuit wiring and panel condition is made.
During the interior inspection he will examine outlets and fixtures, especially locating GFCI, ground fault circuit interrupter, outlets near plumbing fixtures. Any defects discovered in the electrical system may indicate the need for further evaluation by a licensed electrician.
Plumbing
The plumbing system will be either a municipal supply or well. Many general home inspectors do not examine the physical components of a well. You might ask if this will be covered in your home inspection.
All pipes that can be visually evaluated are. A professional home inspector will note outdated plumbing materials, such as galvanized pipe. Any leaks will be evaluated and reported. The main water shut off is located as well.
During the interior inspection, the inspector will evaluate the flow and function of faucets, the operation of drains and the flush mechanisms of all toilets. Hot and cold configurations will be observed as well.
Most of the elements of a plumbing system lie behind walls and inside floors and ceilings, but a home inspector may be able to uncover clues that reveal the overall condition of a home’s plumbing system.
Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling systems are either centralized or localized. Most systems today are centralized, especially heating systems. The inspector will note the make and condition of the unit, as well as fuel source. In the case of a cooling system, he will inspect the unit for signs of coolant leaks and defects. A HVAC system’s main access panels should open and close easily.
Ductwork is usually metal and observed for integrity. Within the home, a heating and cooling source is located in each room and the various units may be turned on and checked for proper function.
Check It Out Home Inspections, LLC carefully inspects all your home’s components. I provide full-service home and commercial inspections and deliver a comprehensive, concise final inspection report. Check It Out Home Inspections, LLC serving the Northern Mississippi area.