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| EXTERIOR - The purpose of an exterior covering is to keep water and weather from entering the home. |
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- Roof
- Type of roofing material
- Approximate age, design life and the number of layers of roofing material if applicable
- Note leaks, missing material, cupping, curling or lifting shingles, safety concerns with tree branches.
Gutters
- Inspect the roof drainage system from the roof to the ground. This includes, gutters, soffits, downspouts, etc.
Windows
- Inspect a representative number of windows.
- Note overall condition, ease of operation and broken panes.
Siding
- Inspect exterior wall covering, flashing and trim.
- Note general condition, calling out areas in need of repair.
- Describe exterior wall coverings.
Grading
- Inspect grading, surface drainage, vegetation and retaining walls when any of these are likely to adversely affect the main structure.
Driveways and walkways
- Inspect walkways, patios and driveway entrances leading to entrances to the main structure.
Decks and patios
- Inspect attached decks, balconies, porches and their associated raillings.
- Inspect attached stoops, steps and their associated railings.
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| INTERIOR - Using a level can help determine if walls and floors are even and flat. Unlevel floors can be a sign of other problems. |
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Doors
- Inspect a representative number of interior doors.
Fireplaces
- Inspect the components of the fireplace.
- Inspect the vent system, flues and chimneys.
- Describe the fireplaces and solid fuel-burning appliances.
- Describe the chimney.
Ceilings and walls
- Inspect the ceilings, walls and floors.
Built-in appliances
- Inspect built-in appliances such as the dishwasher or trash compactor.
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| STRUCTURAL - Cracking in the foundation can be a sign of a serious problem or a minor issue easily repaired. |
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Foundation
- Probe for possible deterioration, check condition and safety.
- Describe the foundation materials where they can be seen.
Framing
- Describe the wall and ceiling structure where it can be seen.
- Probe for possible deterioration, obvious failures, general condition and safety.
Floor/Slab
- Describe the wall and ceiling structure where it can be seen.
- Probe for possible deterioration, obvious failures, general condition and safety.
Attic
- Inspect insulation and vapor retarders and note the presence or absence of each.
- Inspect the ventilation system and components for safety and condition.
- Inspect the outside of the chimney if visible.
- Inspect the interior roof structure and openings into the roof looking for evidence of leakage, general condition and safety.
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| PLUMBING - A common trouble spot for water leaks is the drain and pipe connections under sinks |
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Plumbing fixtures
- Operate all faucets, checking for leaks and overall condition.
- Inspect the interior water supply and distribution system where it is visible.
- Inspect both the drain and waste systems.
- Inspect vent systems, flues and chimneys
- Describe the water supply, drain, waste and vent piping materials.
Hot/cold water supply
- Test volume of water when multiple faucets are used simultaneously.
- Test water temperature and temperature fluctuations when multiple faucets are open.
- Describe the location of the main water shut-off valves.
Hot water heater
- Inspect the water heating equipment for leaks and overall condition.
- Describe the equipment including the energy source.
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| ELECTRICAL - Knowing the location of disconnects and panels is an advantage in emergency situations. |
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Electrical services entrance
- Inspect the service drop, service entrance, conductors, cables and raceways.
- Describe the amperage and voltage rating of the service.
Electrical service panel
- Inspect the service equipment and main disconnects, the main grounding, the interior components of service panels and subpanels and the conductors.
- Describe the location of main disconnects and subpanels.
- Describe wiring methods.
Electrical circuits
- Inspect the conductors and overcurrent protection devices.
- Inspect a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles.
- Inspect the ground fault circuit interrupters.
- Report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring.
- Report the absence of smoke detectors.
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| Heating and Air Conditioning |
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| HEATING AND AIR - Changing furnace filters regularly can improve air quality and extend the life of heating and cooling equipment. |
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Heating and ventilation
- Inspect the heating equipment.
- Inspect readily accessible components of the the vent system, flues and chimneys
- Describe the energy source and the heating method using distinguishing characteristics.
Air conditioning
- Inspect the installed central and through-wall cooling equipment.
- Describe the energy source and cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics.
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This is an overview of our services on a general home inspection based on industry standards. Because of state-to-state differences in regulations, variations may occur. In all cases, hundreds of components in a home are inspected. The goal is always to give you an accurate report on the condition of the property on the day of the inspection, outlining safety issues and possible maintenance items. This translates to peace of mind during a stressful time. The inspector discloses how the various components of the home were inspected and if any items were unable to be inspected because of safety issues, weather or inaccessibility. A pre-inspection agreement outlining the scope of the inspection is also provided to customers.
Click here for a copy of our basic report.
For more information on NPI services in your area, click on Find an Inspector and enter your zip code.
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