What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is 'a visual examination of the readily accessible components of a residential building for a client'. This means you visually look at and perform the basic operations of all the components of a home that are easily accessible and note any defects that you find.
For example, if you are inspecting a bathroom, you would:
- Check the bathroom door for proper operation
- Check the floor for major defects
- Check the shower visually for defects
- Operate the shower faucets and ensure it drains properly
- Operate the toilet and visually check the inside of the tank
- Check the toilet is secure to the floor and visually check for water leaks
- Operate the sink faucets and stopper
- Check under the sink for signs of leaks
- Operate the ceiling fan
- Test the outlet(s) with a simple outlet tester including the GFCI functions
Inspection areas included:
- Grounds and Drainage
- Downspout Drainage
- Trees and Shrubs
- Exterior Walks and Steps
- Porch / Deck
- Driveway
- Grade Drainage
- Exterior of Home
- Exterior Siding
- Exterior Trim / Fascia / Soffits
- Exterior Veneer
- Exterior Doors
- Outside Of Windows
- Garage and Carports
- Garage Inside Walls/Ceiling/Floor
- Garage Doors and Windows from Inside
- Garage Doors
- Garage Door Opener(s)
- Roof
- Roof Coverings
- Attic Ventilation from Outside
- Roof Flashing
- Chimneys
- Vent Stacks on Roof
- Gutter System
- Attic
- Attic Access
- Attic Framing
- Roof Sheathing From Attic
- Attic Insulation
- Attic Ventilation
- Plumbing Vents As Seen From Attic
- Chimney and Flues As Seen From Attic
- Interior
- Interior Walls and Ceiling
- Interior Flooring
- Interior Doors
- Windows From Interior
- Fireplace
- Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Interior Stairs, Balconies, Railings
- Interior Trim
- Interior Heating Vents: Acceptable
- Kitchen, Bath and Laundry
- Cabinets and Counters
- Refrigerator
- Range
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Range Exhaust Fan
- Dryer Vent
- Bathroom Ceiling Vent
- Tub / Showers
- Foundation / Basement
- Visible Exterior Foundation Walls
- Interior Foundation Walls
- Basement Floor
- Basement Insulation
- Basement Dryness
- Crawlspace Vapor Barrier
- Plumbing System
- Outside Faucets
- Kitchen Plumbing
- Kitchen Disposal
- Laundry Plumbing
- Bath Plumbing
- Water Flow/Pressure
- Water Heater
- Water Heater Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
- Sump Pump
- Electrical System
- Exterior Electric Service Cable
- Main Electric Service Panel
- Service Panel Grounding
- Exterior Electric
- Garage Electrical
- Kitchen Electrical
- Bathroom Electrical
- Interior Rooms Electrical
- Basement Electrical
- Attic Electrical Wiring
- Heating and Cooling Systems
- A\C
- Furnace
- Furnace Filter
- Furnace Exhaust Vents
- Thermostat
- Furnace Integrated Humidifier
The proper way to inspect all these items is included in our 80 Hour Pre-Licensing Course.