What we inspect:
Roof: We inspect the roof-covering materials, the gutters, the downspouts, the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs and observation of active roof leaks.
Exterior: We inspect the exterior wall-covering materials, flashing and trim, all exterior doors, adjacent walkways and driveways, stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps, porches, patios, decks, balconies and carports, railings, guards and handrails, the eaves, soffits and fascia, representative number of windows; and vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion, and any improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails.
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure: We inspect the foundation, the basement, the crawlspace and structural components. Observed indications of wood in contact with or near soil, active water penetration, indications of possible foundation movement, such as sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, and unleveled floors; and any cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may, in the inspector's opinion, present a structural or safety concern.
Heating: We inspect the heating system, using normal operating controls, observed the location of the thermostat for the heating system, the energy source, the heating method and system or components accessibility.
Cooling: We inspect the cooling system using normal operating controls, location of the thermostat for the cooling system, the cooling method system or components accessibility.
Plumbing: We inspect the main water supply shut-off valve, the main fuel supply shut-off valve, the water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing, Interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water, all toilets for proper operation by flushing, all sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage, the drain, waste and vent system; and drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.
Electrical: We inspect the service drop, the overhead service conductors and attachment point, the service head, gooseneck and drip loops, the service mast, service conduit and raceway the electric meter and base, service-entrance conductors, the main service disconnect, panel boards and over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses), service grounding and bonding, a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)-protected using the AFCI test button, where possible, all ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible; and smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
Fireplace: We inspect, readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys, lintels above the fireplace openings, damper doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable; and cleanout doors and frames.
Attic, Insulation & Ventilation: We inspect, insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas, ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas; and mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area.
Doors, Windows & Interior, Appliances: We inspect a representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them, floors, walls and ceilings, stairs, steps, landings, stairways and ramps, railings, guards and handrails; and garage vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal operating controls.
