What items are inspected on inspection day? Home inspection Checklist:
Home inspection Checklist
A home inspection is an evaluation of a property that a home buyer intends to buy. Your real estate agent will recommend that you have a home inspection performed. The home inspector will complete an onsite evaluation of the home and deliver a home inspection report back to the buyer. The report covers any defects that the home inspection evaluation uncovered.
Home inspectors find defects visually and test systems of a home. I start my home inspection process by walking the home and looking at or testing each of the home's systems. Experience has a good eye for finding defects. You must know what to look for and know general information and building codes for particular parts of a home. Home inspectors are investigators.
Will the foundation be evaluated?
Yes, the foundation will be evaluated visually at the exterior foundation and anywhere visible. and also by opening and closing doors and windows. The inspector is looking for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows or doors, Leaning walls, Bowed walls, cracks in drywall at walls, and ceilings, Cracks in tiles at floors and walls, Sloping floors, Separation at rafters and ridge boards. These are can be signs of foundation movement. I also take foundation measurements to aid in better evaluating the foundation.
Signs of foundation issues
Cracks observed in foundation
Sloping or uneven floors
Cracks in brick or stone veneer
Gaps around windows( wider at top or bottom)
Doors that rub at jamb or do not close
Doors that ghost open or closed.
The importance of proper drainage
grading and drainage?
During every home inspection, the grading and drainage of the home are inspected for proper slope away from the home's foundation. The grade of the home should slope 6" within the first 10' or swale should drain water away from the foundation to the street. Drainage issues around the home can cause foundation movement or failure. The inspector will note any areas where water may pond or drain towards the foundation. High soil can also be issue water can enter into a structure with an improper slope away from the home and high soil. High soil is also conducive to termites.
Gutters can be a great help in directing water away from your foundation.
I inspect the gutters for defects and how they deal with roof water run-off.
Gutters are great at directing water away from your home, but poorly installed or poorly maintain gutters can also be harmful to your home. Improper sloped gutters or gutters full of debris will cause gutters to overflow and cause soil erosion next to your home's foundation creating areas where water can pond. Maintaining gutters are always recommended.
Common drainage issues
Poor slope away from the structure.
erosion around the home.
water ponding at yard areas.
Deteriorated gutters, gutters full of debris, downspouts missing slash blocks or extenders to direct water away from home.
Roof Covering
Roofing materials are evaluated from the roof if safe to walk or can be done without damaging roofing materials. Roofing materials are evaluated for damage, defects, or just old age. If the materials have outlasted their expected life span I would recommend a roofing contractor give estimates for replacement cost.
The three-tab shingle fiberglass mat is embedded in asphalt and covered with ceramic-coated mineral granules.
Laminated fiberglass asphalt shingles are also called architectural or dimensional shingles. Laminated shingles are composed of multiple layers bonded together. fiberglass mat is embedded in asphalt and covered with ceramic-coated mineral granules.
Common roofing defects
Damaged shingles
Lifting headwall Flashing
Lifting Sidewall Flashing
Roof structure and Attic spaces
Roof structure and attics are evaluated from the roof (If safe to walk) and from the attic platform.
Common issues
Rafters are separated from ridge boards or completely detached from ridge boards.
Cracked roof rafters.
Saging rafters or the roof decking.
Missing purlin supports.
Missing Collar ties.
Freeze board separation.
Moisture damaged decking, rafters, facial boards, etc.
Missing insulation.
Interior and exterior walls are inspected
Minor issues
Hairline cracks in drywall.
nail holes or screw holes
Damaged drywall
Major issues
walls kicking out at bottom or top.
Step cracking in brick veneer can be caused by a faulty foundation.
Separating cracks in drywall.
Active moisture intrusion. Moisture in a home can contribute to mold growth. If there are mold-like stains, musty smells, and elevated moisture a mold inspection would be recommended.
Bowed walls.
Ceiling and Floors are evaluated.
Evaluating for signs of water damage, or material defects.
Active water damage at ceilings or floors.
Separating cracks in drywall.
Sagging drywall.
Holes in drywall.
Carpet stains.
Cracks in tile.
Carpet that needs to be stretched.
Doors are inspected
All accessible doors are open and closed looking for damage, material defects, doors that stick in jamb etc.
Common finds
Doors not square in jamb
Cracked doors
doors that ghost open or closed
Loose doorknobs
Doors that drag floors
Loose hinges
Missing self-closing hinges at interior garage door
The attached garage door is not fire-rated
Windows
All accessible windows are inspected and open and close if operational.
Defects found at windows.
Cracked glass.
Window chaulking separation
Broken window latches
Missing window latches
Moisture damaged window sills
Failed thermal seals
Missing screens
Torn screens
Stairways
Fireplace
Porches, Decks, Carports
Electrical Systems
Service Entrance and Electrical Panel
Branch Circuits
Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning
Heating Equipment
Cooling Equipmen.
Ducts and vents
Plumbing systems
Plumbing supply distribution
Drains, Wastes, and vents
Water Heating Equipment
Water heaters are inspected and tested at each fixture for hot water temperature.
Common water heater issues
Hydro- Message Therapy Equipment
Gas Distribution Systems
Appliances
Dishwashers
Disposer
Range Hood
Ranges, Cooktops, and Ovens
Microwave
Bath Fan
Garage Door
Garage doors and garage door opener are inspected for function and damage.
Dryer Vents
The importance of a residential property inspection.
An average home inspection can uncover major repairs or costly replacement items that can add extra cost for the home buyer. Knowing the current condition of the home before your inspection contingency expires is valuable to any home buyer. A Material defect can lead to future repairs. Make sure the residential property you are buying isn't in need of costly repairs schedule a professional service inspection service with Houston's Edge home inspections.
Inspecting Houston and surrounding areas one home at a time.
