A general home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property (as delineated below), performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by the standards below that are both observed and deemed material by our inspector. 

 

The general home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.  The general home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.  
 

 

A material defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people.  The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.  
 

 

A general home inspection report shall identify, in digital written format using State of the Art Software, defects within specific systems and components defined by the standards below that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector and may include additional comments and recommendations and photographs.
 

GENERAL INSPECTION CRITERIA

1. We will inspect readily accessible, visually observable, installed systems and components listed in this Standard.

2. We will provide the client with a written report, using a format and medium selected by the inspector, that states:

   • those systems and components inspected that, in the professional judgment of the inspector, are not functioning properly, significantly deficient, unsafe, or are near the end of their service lives, 

   • recommendations to correct, or monitor for future correction, the deficiencies reported, or items needing further evaluation (we will NOT determine methods, materials, or costs of corrections.)

   • reasoning or explanation as to the nature of the deficiencies reported in that are not self-evident, 

   • those systems and components designated for inspection that were present at the time of the home inspection but were not inspected and the reason(s) they were not inspected.

3. We will adhere to the InterNACHI and ASHI® Code of Ethics for the Home Inspection Profession.

STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
 

1. We will inspect structural components including the foundation and framing.

 

EXTERIOR

1. We will inspect:

   • wall coverings, flashing, and trim, exterior doors.

   • attached and adjacent decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings.

   • eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from the ground level.

   • vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls that are likely to adversely affect the building.

   • adjacent and entryway walkways, patios, and driveways.
      

 

ROOFING

1. We will inspect from ground level or the eaves: 

   • roofing materials. 

   • roof drainage systems. 

   • flashing. 

   • skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
      

 

PLUMBING

1. We will inspect: 

   • interior water supply and distribution systems  heating equipment and hot water supply  systems.

   • interior drain, waste, and vent systems including fixtures. 

   • water heating equipment and hot water supply  systems.

   • vent systems, flues, and chimneys. 

   • fuel storage and fuel distribution systems. 

   • sewage ejectors, sump pumps, and related piping.

 

ELECTRICAL

1. We will inspect: 

   • service drop. 

   • service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways. 

   • service equipment and main disconnects. 

   • service grounding. 

   • interior components of service panels and subpanels. 

   • conductors. 

   • overcurrent protection devices. 

   • a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles. 

   • ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters.
      

 

HEATING

1. We will:

   1. open readily openable access panels.

   2. inspect fully