What Is Inspected

Contents

General Home Inspection
Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys
HVAC System
Attic, Insulation, Ventilation & Interior
Exterior
Deck Inspection
Residential Electrical Inspection
Residential Roof Inspection
Residential Plumbing
Structural Issues
Foundation Inspection
Moisture Intrusion
Mold Inspection
Radon Inspection

The General Home Inspection

The home Inspection is a complete “snap-shot” of the condition of the building, and all of its components that are visible to the home inspector, from the shingles on the roof, to the basement floor. The inspection takes an average of two (2) to three (3) hours, or more, to complete, depending on the size of the building, and the complexity of it’s layout, structure, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems. It starts with the introduction between the client and the inspector, the thorough understanding, and signing of an “Inspection Agreement”, which is the “contract” between the client and the inspector, outlining conditions, terms and payment, and ends with the inspector providing a complete and detailed report as to the buildings condition, at the time of the inspection. This gives the client the information that is needed to help make a decision as to the next appropriate steps, in the buying, selling, or general maintenance of the building.
There are other types of inspections that home inspectors may be qualified to perform, and are done as ancillary, or “extra” inspections, which may be negotiated at the time of the home inspection, or as independent inspections. These include: radon sampling and testing, IAQ (indoor air quality) sampling and testing, mold sampling and testing, well sampling and testing, septic system inspections, infrared imaging (thermo-imaging), structural evaluations (performed by licensed structural engineers), termite and wood destroying insect inspections, EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finished Systems) inspections, inspection of other buildings on the property such as barns, detached garages, and sheds, pre-listing inspections, where you and the inspector go over items that may need attention before you list your property, and some home inspectors may have extra experience in inspections of mobile and manufactured homes and log homes.
Whatever your inspection needs may be, if I can’t perform them, I will help you find a trusted and qualified professional that can.

Types of Inspections

A proper home inspection can save home buyers time and money. But there are many types of inspections, from a full general home inspection to specific inspections related to moisture, mold, chimneys, HVAC systems and so on. Our company provides you with complete or custom home inspection packages, and you can feel free to choose the one you need. We are also bringing you the most affordable price for any home inspection type you choose as well, and our company has an InterNACHI certification, which clearly shows that our business is fully certified to perform every type of home inspection!

Full General Home Inspection

Our team uses a whole house approach to analyze every system and component from the foundation, exterior, fireplace, HVAC systems, deck to the roof and attick. You can see a detailed list of all inspected systems below!

Major systems and Components

Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys

We will inspect the readily accessible and visible portions of the chimney, stove, and fireplace, the lintels above any openings, the damper doors, cleanout doors and frames as well. The report will include any evidence of damage or separation, if there’s any lack of carbon monoxide detection or a smoke detector or if any cleanouts are not made out of metal.

HVAC Systems

We will make sure that your HVAC system has no structural damage. We will also check and see if there are any leaks as well. Our focus is on making sure that the HVAC system works adequately and without any failures!

Attic, Insulation, Ventilation & Interior

For this service, we will check for insulation and ventilation in the unfinished spaces such as your attic, foundation or any crawl spaces. We also study the mechanical exhaust system in the laundry, bathroom, and kitchen as well. In our report, you will find information regarding the type of insulation that’s used for that property as well as any average depth of insulation that you can find at the unfinished attic floor area. Of course, any lack of insulation or ventilation in these areas will be included in the report as well.

Exterior

This type of inspection will require a focus on things like the wall-covering materials, fascia, soffits, eaves, windows, exterior doors, flashing and trim, the driveway and walkaway structure and durability and so on. We will also study the carports, decks, balconies, decks, patios, and porches too. Everything from the surface drainage, vegetation, adjacent walkways, stairs and any railings, handrails, and guards will be noted here as well. We will include the type of materials used for the exterior and any improper spacing or issues that come from that.

Deck Inspection

When we perform a deck inspection, we will first note the material used for the deck and its overall durability. We will also report any sign of cracks, if the structure is integral or if it needs any repairs. This way you are always informed regarding any deck problems even before you buy the property.

Residential Electrical Inspection

The electrical system is very important for any home. We will study the current electrical system, its structure, how it was created and if there’s a need for any changes. Our team will also study the electric meter, service-entrance conductors, panelboards, any ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles, service bonding and grounding, the service head, drip loops, conduit and mast, the overhead service conductors and many others. We also report the type of wiring used for the system and if there are any issues that have to be solved as fast as possible.

Residential Roof Inspection

When we perform roof inspections, we study the roof materials at first. Then we will focus on the gutters, downspouts if there are any vents, roof penetrations, and any cracks or leaks. In order to perform an adequate roof inspection, we will go both inside and outside the property to ensure that there are no leaks or problems.

Residential Plumbing

Residential plumbing problems can be very delicate, which is why we pay a lot of attention to any issues during our inspection. We will study the main water supply and fuel supply shut-off valve, the water heating equipment, the interior water supply and so on. We will also check if the toilets flush properly if there are any vent system or drain/waste removal problems. Moreover, our inspection also shows the water heating capacity, where the shut-off valves are located and if everything is in working order or not.

Structural Issues

We place a lot of attention when it comes to studying any structural problems. We will study every wall to see if there are cracks or problems that can lead to major, expensive repairs in the future. We will also check every pillar and everything related to the home structure to ensure that everything works adequately and you obtain good results every time.

Foundation Inspection

The state of any home’s foundation can either increase or decrease the sale price. That’s why we always make sure that we study the foundation quality and state the best way that we can. Our report will include the current state of that property’s foundation, if there are any leaks and if you are expected to perform any repairs.

Moisture Intrusion

Our team inspects both the interior and exterior for any sign of moisture. We will make sure that there are no signs of surface drainage on the outside or any visible signs of moisture in the interior. If there are, we will identify where these signs come from, and you will receive all the information in your report as fast as possible. Plus, we use some of the best moisture detection systems on the market, and we use them to ensure that there are no moisture problems in your home or right near your foundation.

Mold Inspection and Testing

Is that property prone to any mold problems? Or it already has some mold in various rooms? Our assessment will immediately figure out the answer to these questions and many others. We will test the property for mold, we will let you know all the repairs you have to do and if the mold is already expanding to other rooms or not.

Radon Inspection and Testing

Radon is a health hazard, and it can lead to choking and many lung-related issues. Which is why we use special radon testing kits to ensure that there’s no radon exposure in that property. It’s very hard to identify this type of leak normally, so this is why we use the very best, latest radon testing solutions on the market!

Home Inspector Twin Cities: Minnapolis-Saint Paul

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