The Home Inspection Process

The purpose of an inspection is to determine the condition of various systems and structures of the home, as well as to find and identify major defects in the home. Depending upon the size and condition of the house, the home inspection process may take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 4 hours to complete.

The home inspection process consists of the following:

(1) GROUNDS: This is usually the first part of the inspection process. It consists of inspecting the Driveway/Parking, Walks/Stoops/Steps, Fence/Wall, Retaining Wall, and the Landscape/Ground Slope conditions.

(2) EXTERIOR: This portion of the inspection consists of inspecting the Porches, Patios, Decks, Balconies, Hose Bibs Exterior Walls, Siding, Trim/Soffitt/Facia, Caulking, Windows, Storm Windows, Window Screens, Doors, Foundation, Chimneys, Guttering,and Downspouts. Also included are checks of the Electrical Service Entry, Exterior Outlets, Lighting, Heat Pump, Air Conditioning Unit, Door Bells, and Gas/Fuel Tanks/Meters.

(3) ROOF: This part of the inspection includes identifying the style of roof and roof type, (i.e. metal, shingle, rubber, etc.) and inspecting the condition of the Roof, Ventilation, Skylights, Vent Pipes, Chimneys, Exhaust Pipes, Chimney Flashings, and Wall Flashings.

(4) GARAGE: The garage inspection consists of examining the Roof, Siding, Gutters, Overhead Doors, Service Doors, Floor, Walls, Ceilings, Windows, and Electric.

(5) INTERIOR: