Home Inspection Restoration Services

Exterior & Structure Our inspection of the Exterior grounds includes the surface drainage, grading, some fencing, gates, sidewalks, patios, driveways, and retaining walls adjacent to the structure. The inspection of the exterior of the building includes the cladding, trim, eaves, fascias, decks, porches, downspouts, railings, doors, windows and flashings.

Roof Components The inspection of the roof system includes a visual examination of the surface materials, connections, penetrations and roof drainage systems. We examine the roofing material for damage and deterioration. We examine the roof system for possible leaks, damage and conditions that suggest limited remaining service life. We may offer opinions concerning repair and/or replacement if warranted. All roofmg systems require annual maintenance. Failure to perform routine maintenance will usually result in leaks and accelerated deterioration of the roof covering and flashings. When provided, our estimates of the roofs life expectancy are based on the assumption that the roof will be properly maintained during that period. We suggest that an annual inspection of the Attic area be performed.

Plumbing System Our Inspection of the plumbing system includes a visual examination of the exposed portions of the domestic water supply, drain waste, vent, gas lines, faucets, fixtures, valves, drains, traps, exposed pipes and fittings. These items are examined for proper function, excessive or unusual wear, leakage and general state of repair. The hidden nature of piping prevents inspection of every pipe and joint connection, especially in walls, floors and ceiling voids. A sewer lateral test is necessary to determine the condition of the underground sewer lines. This type of test is beyond the scope of this inspection. Our review of the plumbing system does not include landscape irrigation systems, water wells, on site and/or private water supply systems, off site community water supply systems, or private (septic) waste disposal systems unless specifically noted.Our inspection of the water heater includes a visual examination of the accessible portions of the tank, gas, electrical and/or water connections, venting and safety valves. These items are examined for proper function, excessive or unusual wear, leakage and general state of repair.

Interior Our inspection of the Interior includes a visual inspection of the readily accessible portions of the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, cabinetry, countertops, steps, stairways, balconies and railings. Please note that a representative sample of the accessible windows and electrical receptacles are inspected. These features are examined for proper function, excessive wear and general state of repair. In some cases, all or portions of these components may not be visible because of furnishings and personal items. In these cases some of the items may not be inspected. The condition of walls behind wall coverings, paneling and furnishings cannot be judged. Only the general condition of visible portions of floors is included in this inspection. As a general rule, cosmetic deficiencies are considered normal wear and tear and are not reported. Determining the source of odors or like conditions is not a part of this inspection. Floor covering damage or stains may be hidden by furniture. The condition of floors under flying floor coverings is not inspected. Determining the condition of insulated glass windows is not always possible due to temperature, weather and lighting conditions. Check with owners for further information. All fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis to make sure that no cracks have developed. Large fires in the firebox can overheat the firebox and flue liners, sometimes resulting in internal damage.

Kitchen Inspection of standalone refrigerators, freezers and built-in icemakers are outside the scope of the inspection. No opinion is offered as to the adequacy of dishwasher operation. Ovens, self or continuous cleaning operations, cooking functions, clocks, timing devices, lights and thermostat accuracy are not tested during this inspection. Appliances are not moved during the inspection to inspect below or behind them. Portable dishwashers are not inspected, as they require connection to facilitate testing and are sometimes not left with the home.

Bathrooms Our inspection of the bathrooms included a visual examination of the readily accessible portions of the floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, countertops and plumbing fixtures. Bathrooms are inspected for water drainage, damage, deterioration to floor and walls, proper function of components, active leakage, unusual wear and general state of repair. Bathroom fixtures are run simultaneously to check for adequate water flow and pressure. Fixtures are tested using normal operating controls. Vent fans and their ductwork are tested for their proper operation and examined where visible. Shower pans are visually checked for leakage, but leaks often do not show except when the shower is in actual use. Determining whether shower pans, tub/shower surrounds are watertight is beyond the scope of this inspection. It is very important to maintain all grout and caulking in the bath areas. Very or imperfections can allow water to get into the wall or floor areas and cause damage. Proper ongoing maintenance will be requir ed in the future.

Electric Our examination of the electrical system includes a visual examination of the exposed and accessible branch circuits, wiring, service panel, over current protection devices, lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles. Service equipment, proper grounding, wiring methods and bonding are focal points. We inspect for adverse conditions such as lack of grounding and bonding, over-fusing, exposed wiring, open-air wire splices, reverse polarity and defective GFCI's. The hidden nature of the electrical wiring prevents inspection of every length of wire or their connections. Telephone, video, cable, audio, security systems and other low voltage systems were not included in this inspection unless specifically noted. We recommend you have the seller or a specialist demonstrate the serviceability or locations of these systems to you if necessary. Any electrical repairs attempted by anyone other than a licensed electrician should be approached with caution. The power to the entire house should be turned off prior to beginning any repair efforts, no matter how trivial the repair may seem. Aluminum wiring requires periodic inspection and maintenance by a licensed electrician. Operation of time clock motors is not verified. Inoperative light fixtures often lack bulbs or have dead bulbs installed. Light bulbs are not changed during the inspection, due to time constraints. Smoke Alarms should be installed within 15 feet of all Bedroom doors and in Bedrooms. These units should be tested monthly

Heating Our examination of the heating system includes a visual examination of the exposed and accessible heating equipment, thermostat, safety controls, venting and the means of air distribution. Our inspection of the heating system includes activating the heating system via the thermostat and a visual examination of the accessible components listed below. These items are examined for proper function, excessive or unusual wear and general state of repair. Heat exchangers are inaccessible by design, and are not part of the ASHI standards of practice. They must be completely removed from the furnace to be fully evaluated. Our inspection does not include disassembly of the furnace. The inspector cannot light pilot lights due to the liability. The inspector does not test safety devices. To obtain maximum efficiency and reliability from your heating system, we recommend annual servicing and inspections by a qualified heating specialist. Determining the condition of oil tanks, whether exposed or buried, is beyond the scope of this inspection. Leaking oil tanks represent an environmental hazard, which is sometimes a costly condition to address.

Air Conditioning This is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the following conditions: - Window and/or wall mounted air conditioning units are not inspected. - The cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance are not inspected. - Pressure tests on coolant systems are not within the scope of this inspection; therefore no representation is made regarding coolant charge or line integrity. - Judgment of system efficiency or capacity is not within the scope of this inspection. - Cooling systems are not dismantled in any way. Secured access covers are not removed. - The interior components of evaporators, condensers and heat pumps are not viewed. - The interior conditions of cooling components are not evaluated. - The presence of leaking refrigerant lines, heat pump oil, etc., is outside the scope of this inspection.