What is a full home inspection?

A full-service home inspection is much more detailed than a four point or wind mitigation inspection. Before buying a home, it is important to know exactly what you are buying. Many problems can exist in a home that can be expensive to repair. A trained home inspector can find defects that may keep you from getting insurance on a home that you just purchased. We look at many factors so that you can make an informed decision on your purchase. My home inspection reports have detailed descriptions with photos. See a sample home inspection report here: https://neflhomeinspector.com/sample-report/

What is included in a home inspection?

I start each home inspection with a building permit search. A permit search will provide information on what permits were obtained for home improvements. During the inspection, I look for defects that can significantly impact the value of the home that you are buying. Furthermore, I check for safety issues, and will give information on maintenance and repair costs of defects that are found.  

Site evaluation

I look at the property as a whole to see how the soil around the property is graded. Soil around the property should slope away from the house foundation. I also look for dangers posed by trees and other structures. 

Roof

I will inspect the roof covering materials and the number of layers of roofing. Some insurance companies do not insure homes with more than one layer of roofing materials. In addition to the roofing materials, I also check metal flashings and gutters, ventilation, and sky lights. I check for leaks when I go into the attic and inspect the roof from underneath.  

Exterior

Exterior inspections include the siding, wall structure, doors and windows. I also check the walkways and driveways, stairs, guard rails for safety. Also included in an exterior inspection are decks, patios, carports, and other structures that are attached to the house. 

Foundation and crawlspace

When performing a foundation and crawlspace inspections, I look for cracks in the concrete slab that indicate that the home is or has settled. I check the crawlspace for damaged masonry piers and walls. Information will be provided about how to prevent mold or moisture problems in the crawlspace. In addition to a structural inspection, I also look for pest damages. Termites, rot, and powder post beetle damage is common in Florida, and can be expensive to repair. 

HVAC

Heating ventilation and air conditioning inspections include the heating and cooling equipment and ductwork. I check the heating and cooling system using normal thermostat controls. I also check the age of the equipment and how much longer it can last. When inspecting ductwork, I look for any leaks in the ducts or kinked lines that make the system less efficient.

Plumbing

A plumbing inspection will include the main water supply shut-off valve; the main fuel supply shut-off valve; the water heating equipment; 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 

Electrical inspections include the electrical connection and wires coming into the house and the interior electrical systems. I check for electrical safety, outlets, GFCI and AFCI outlets, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, unsafe wiring, aluminum and cloth wiring, panel boxes and circuit breakers, and any light fixtures. Some insurance companies will not insure a home that has aluminum or cloth wiring. In addition, some electrical panel boxes have been recalled. I will identify issues that need to be addressed prior to obtaining home insurance.

Fireplace

Fireplace inspections include readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys; lintels above the fireplace openings; damper doors; cleanout doors and their frames.

Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

We inspect insulation in attics and crawlspaces; ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics and crawlspaces; mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area.

Doors, Windows & Interior

I will check 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. Furthermore, I will inspect kitchens and bathrooms for defects including fixture leaks, missing grout, toilets, sinks, countertops and cabinetry.

Here is a link to the InterNachi standards of practice: https://www.nachi.org/standards-and-policies