Brief Scope of Inspection Services...
STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS-
FOUNDATIONS
During the property Inspection the foundation will be checked for visible signs of settlement and abnormal defects through a thorough visual inspection of the foundation, home’s structure, exterior slab face, interior and exterior windows, doors and framing.
Identify the type of foundation and determine if the foundation is performing properly | Inspect the foundation, related structural components and slab surface where possible | Inspect the crawl space area of pier and beam construction to determine the general condition of the foundations structural components | Inspect the area on pier and beam homes for proper crawl space ventilation | Observe the site for conditions which may be adversely affecting the foundations performance, such as improper grading and drainage, plumbing leaks and or ponding
GRADING & DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Drainage Systems remove subsurface and surface water from property | Improper grading and drainage of the property can result in foundation problems and possible structural water penetration | Observing the grading and drainage situation of a home is critical in areas of expansive clay, such as Houston | Approximately 80% of foundation problems are caused by poor drainage, the property should slope and have swales cut so that water drains away from the structure
ROOFING INSPECTIONS-
An Inspection of accessible roof systems and surfaces is done | Roof surfaces are observed from ground level or from a ladder | If abnormalities in the roof surface are noticed the inspector may walk on some roof surfaces to better evaluate its condition
ROOF STRUCTURE & ATTIC
During the Home Inspection the Inspector will Inspect the roof structure and attic area, observing the following: Inspect the condition of the roof structure and sheathing | Observing for evidence of moisture penetration | Verify that there is proper bracing for the roof structure
in the attic area | Observe for the presence of adequate attic space ventilation | Identify that there is Fire stopping at the chimneys where necessary, in the attic breezeways between attached garages and between the units in townhouses and condominiums | Inspect for separations at the rafters and ridge that may have been caused by foundation settlement | Observe openings or gaps at the exterior of the roof structure that may allow small animal or insect infestation | Inspect for eve vent screens blocked by insulation or torn allowing Insect Infestation | Inspect the attic ladder to insure that it is properly secured and installed | Observe the presence and approximate depth of insulation
WALLS-
During the Home Inspection all interior and exterior walls will be inspected
CEILINGS & FLOORS
Some of the common problems found when Inspecting Ceilings and Floors are: Evidence of water penetration on ceilings and floors will be checked with a moisture meter to determine if the leak is active | Evidence of Insect Infestation | Not level or uneven flooring will be checked with a laser level to determine the severity of this condition | The safety and proper operation of the attic access ladder | Cracks in any of the sheet rock ceilings that may be indications of more than normal movement in the structure | Proper structural support of the ceilings and floors | Cracks in tiled floors
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DOORS
During the Inspection all doors, interior and exterior, are inspected. Common problems often found during the Inspection are: Doors that do not shut or latch properly | This can be a sign of structural movement of the home, Garage doors that are not fire rated | Reversed sliding glass doors | Exterior veneer and condition of wood | Deteriorated weather stripping | No spring on garage door | Screen door not installed on sliding glass doors
WINDOWS
During the Home Inspection all window will be inspected for the following: Broken glass panes | Evidence of water penetration at the window or windowsill | Windows that do not operate | Degraded or missing weather stripping | Broken window springs and latches | Inspect insulated double pane glass windows for fogging or other evidence of broken seals | Inspect burglar bars for functional egress in appropriate areas | Window screens that are missing or torn
Guess They Ran Out Of Bricks. No One Will Notice...
FIRE PLACES & CHIMNEYS
The following are common problems found in the fireplace and chimney area: Gaps in the bricks of the firebox | No fire stopping in the attic | Chimney cap missing or ineffective | Damper not operating properly | Gas leaks | "C" clamp missing | Full of soot | If needs to be cleaned
When the Construction Workers Take the Easy Route and Slide Your House Lumber off the Trailer.....
PORCHES, DECKS, STEPS, BALCONIES AND CARPORTS-
Attached porches, decks, carports, steps, and balconies are included in the Home Inspection, the Inspector will observe for the following: The general structural integrity of the structure is inspected | Items include; visible footings, joists, decking, railings and attachments points | Metal carports are
Inspected for excessive rust or deterioration of the building materials | The roofs and roof coverings are inspected also for any signs of water penetration or damage | The Inspector will also look for any signs of Insect Infestation (termites) or wood decay | The Inspector will observe for the presence of any earth to wood contact which can promote wood rot and Insect Infestation
ELECTRICAL SERVICES & SYSTEMS INSPECTIONS-
During the Inspection of the Electrical Service Entrance and panel box items inspected are:
Observe Service Entrance cables for integrity of insulation | Drip loop | Separation of Conductors at weather heads and the proper clearance of overhanging power lines
ELECTRICAL BRANCH CIRCUITS
The following are common problems found during the Inspection of Branch Circuits and connected fixtures and devices: Improperly spliced or terminated wires | Aluminum wiring and improper terminations | The presence of G.F.C.I. (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) Breakers where necessary | Electrical outlet face plates missing or damaged | Polarity problems | Fixtures that do not operate | Loose outlets
HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) INSPECTIONS-
HVAC Ducts & Vents Are Inspected for Functionality and System Issues
If the Construction Crew Forgot to Install Insulation in the Home, Just Imagine What Else They Forgot to do...
PLUMBING SYSTEMS INSPECTIONS-
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM & FIXTURES
During the Home Inspection the plumbing systems will be Inspected for the following items: Inspect for the type and condition of all accessible and visible water supply and waste-water and vent pipes | Inspect and operate all fixtures and faucets where the flow end of the faucet is not connected to an appliance | Observe for the presence of back-flow devices | Anti-siphon devices or air gaps | Observe water supply by viewing functional flow in two fixtures operating simultaneously to check water pressure levels | Observe functional drainage at accessible plumbing fixtures | Inspect installation of hot and cold faucets | Inspect mechanical drain stops if installed on sinks, laboratories and tubs | Inspect commodes for cracks in the ceramic material | Proper and secure mounting on the floor | Evidence of leaks and operation of the tank components | Inspect all supply and drain pipes for evidence of leaks | Observe existence of visible vent pipe system to the exterior of the structure and for proper routing and termination of the vent system | Inspect the shower pan for leaks | Operate and Inspect exterior faucets for the presence of back flow prevention and operation
It's hard for water to drain when the path is filled with debris...
WELL WATER SYSTEM & WATER TESTING
If equipped, the Home’s Water Well System is Inspected at an additional charge for system conditions and functionality
Water Testing is performed for an additional fee. A water sample is collected during the well inspection, delivered to the local county agency for proper well water testing. The results are generally delivered to the client within 36 hours.
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
During the Inspection of the Septic System (Individual Private Sewage System) the Inspector will Inspect the following: If equipped, the home’s Septic System is Inspected for an additional charge | Inspect the condition of the accessible or visible components of the system | Inspect and operate all plumbing fixtures to observe functional flow | Observe proximity, if known, to water wells, water supply lines and systems | Inspect the overall operation of the system | Inspect for visible access to tanks
DRAINS, WASTE & VENTS
During the Home Inspection the followings items will be Inspected: A performance test of all drains by running all faucets for a period of time to insure that they are functioning correctly and that there are no leaks | Check all drain connections for leaks where possible and if no access is provided to Inspect where necessary, it will be noted | Determine that drain vent stacks are properly sealed at the roof terminations where accessible for Inspection
WATER HEATING SYSTEMS (WATER HEATERS)
During the Home Inspection process the Inspector will Inspect the electric or gas water heaters in the home. The following items will be noted: Inspect the tank and fittings for leaks and corrosion | Observe the temperature and pressure relief valve piping for gravity drainage, size of drain pipe (no smaller than the outlet fitting), material, and termination | These conditions are recognized hazards, Inspect for broken or missing parts, covers or controls | Observe the condition of burner, flame and burner compartment if it is a gas water heater | For an electric water heater Inspect the operation of the heating elements and the condition of the electrical wiring | Observe and report materials used for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance | Inspect presence, location and accessibility of gas shut-off valve and for leaks at the valve | Inspect the type of vent pipe and its condition, draft, proximity to combustibles and its termination point | Observing for adequate combustion and draft air | Observe for the presence of a water-tight safety pan and drain line | Ensuring there is no debris or rust in the safety pan that could clog the drain line, which could cause the safety pan to overfill into the surrounding area | Ensure that the water heater is in a safe location and has been installed correctly | Inspect garage units or units which are located in rooms that open into the garage for protection from physical damage to the unit, and ignition sources are a minimum clearance of 18 inches above the garage floor, the absence of which is a recognized hazard
HYDRO-THERAPY EQUIPMENT
Thought the Idea of a New Tub Was to Feel Clean....