Attic & Insulation

The inspector shall enter the attic or unfinished spaces even if they are not readily accessible and where entry could cause damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector.

The inspector shall inspect the insulation in unfinished spaces.

The inspector shall activate all thermostatically operated fans.

The inspector shall inspect and report on the general absence or lack of insulation.

The inspector shall determine the types of materials used in insulating any pipes, ducts, water heaters and boilers in the home.

The inspector shall inspect all mechanical ventilation systems.

The inspector shall identify the composition and the exact R-value of all insulation material.

The inspector shall inspect the ventilation of attic spaces.

Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure

The inspector shall report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed, such as but not limited to sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames or floor slopes.

The inspector shall inspect the foundation.

The inspector shall operate all sump pumps even though the floats may be inaccessible.

The inspector shall enter all crawlspaces even when entry could pose a hazard to the inspector.

The inspector shall move any stored items or debris

The inspector shall report on the adequacy of all structural systems and components.

The inspector shall inspect the crawlspace.

The inspector shall inspect any present conditions or indications of active water penetration by probing a representative sampling of structural components where deterioration is believed to be present.

The inspector shall inspect the basement.

The inspector shall provide any needed engineering and architectural service.

Cooling

The inspector shall inspect all window units, through-wall units, and electronic air filters.

The inspector shall inspect the central cooling equipment using normal operating controls.

The inspector shall determine thermostat calibration, heat anticipation and automatic setbacks.

The inspector shall examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gasses, and coolant leakage.

The inspector shall determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, and supply adequacy of the cooling system.

Doors, Windows & Interior

The inspector shall inspect and report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door.

The inspector shall inspect any central vacuum systems that might exist.

The inspector shall operate and evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles and oven signal lights.

The inspector shall determine the structural integrity and leakage of pools and spas.

The inspector shall test the microwave oven for leaks using a meter.

The inspector shall inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.

The inspector shall inspect all garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available) and then by the installed automatic door control.

The inspector shall determine the adequacy of spa jet water force and bubble effect.

The inspector shall operate and examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker, coffee-maker, can-opener, bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, and any other small, ancillary devices that might exist.

The inspector shall inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets.

The inspector shall move furniture, stored items, and all coverings like carpets or rugs in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.

The inspector shall inspect and report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.

The inspector shall open and close a representative number of doors and windows.

The inspector shall inspect any elevators if they exist.

Electrical

The inspector shall remove all panel covers or dead front covers even if not readily accessible.

The inspector shall inspect the grounding.

The inspector shall inspect all low voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring and all time-controlled devices.

The inspector shall inspect and report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily visible.

The inspector shall inspect all alarm systems and components.

The inspector shall inspect the ground fault circuit interrupters with a GFCI tester.

The inspector shall operate all electrical systems that are shut down.

The inspector shall inspect the service line.

The inspector shall verify the continuity of the connected service ground.

The inspector shall operate all over current protection devices.

The inspector shall inspect panels, breakers and fuses.

The inspector shall inspect private and emergency electrical supply sources, including but not limited to generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, and battery or electrical storage facilities.

The inspector shall inspect the bonding.

The inspector shall determine the accuracy of all breaker labeling.

The inspector shall determine the service amperage.

The inspector shall inspect and test any and all spark or lightning arrestors.

The inspector shall inspect and report on the absence of smoke detectors

The inspector shall inspect and report on any GFCI-tested receptacles in which power is not present, polarity is incorrect, not grounded, or do not operate properly.

The inspector shall inspect a representative sampling of switches, receptacles, light fixtures, AFCI receptacles and all observed ground circuit interrupters.

The inspector shall inspect and describe the amperage rating of the service.

The inspector shall measure and determine the amperage and voltage of the main service if not visibly labeled.

The inspector shall inspect service entrance cables and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances.

The inspector shall operate all overload devices.

The inspector shall operate all non-accessible smoke detectors.

The inspector shall inspect the service entrance conductors and the condition of their sheathing.

The inspector shall activate all electrical systems and branch circuits which are not energized.

The inspector shall inspect the meter box.

The inspector shall conduct drop voltage calculations where necessary.

Exterior

The inspector shall inspect all exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits, fascias, grading, and walkways.

The inspector shall inspect the vegetation, surface drainage and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the building.

The inspector shall inspect drain fields and drywells.

The inspector shall inspect the flashing and trim.

The inspector shall inspect all playground equipment for child safety.

The inspector shall inspect items, including window and door flashings, which are not visible or readily accessible from the ground.

The inspector shall inspect all underground utilities.

The inspector shall describe the exterior wall covering.

The inspector shall inspect any existing seawalls, break-walls and docks.

The inspector shall inspect and determine the existence of all safety type glass.

The inspector shall inspect all solar systems if present.

The inspector shall report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than four inches in diameter.

The inspector shall inspect swimming pools and spas.

The inspector shall inspect wells and springs.

The inspector shall inspect all geological, geotechnical, and hydrological conditions.

The inspector shall inspect any septic systems and cesspools that may exist on the property.

The inspector shall inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.

The inspector shall determine the integrity of the thermal window seals and note any damaged glass.

The inspector shall inspect any and all recreational facilities that may exist outside.

Fireplace

The inspector shall inspect all combustion make up devices.

The inspector shall report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including clearance from combustible materials

The inspector shall determine the need for a chimney sweep.

The inspector shall inspect all automatic fuel feed devices.

The inspector shall inspect the fireplace, and open and close the damper door if readily accessible and operable.

The inspector shall determine adequacy of draft by using a smoke test.

The inspector shall operate all gas fireplace inserts.

The inspector shall light all pilot flames that may exist.

The inspector shall inspect the interior of the chimney and flue, fire doors and screens, seals and mantels.

The inspector shall inspect hearth extensions and other permanently installed components.

Heating

The inspector shall operate all electronic programable thermostats.

The inspector shall inspect all underground fuel tanks.

The inspector shall light pilot flames if necessary.

The inspector shall determine current fuel levels for his client.

The inspector shall inspect and report as in need of repair any electric furnaces which do not operate.

The inspector shall inspect the heating system and describe the energy source and heating method using normal operating controls.

The inspector shall activate heating, heat pump systems, and all other heating systems even though ambient temperatures and other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation and may damage the equipment.

The inspector shall inspect or evaluate interiors of any flues, chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, solar heating systems and fuel tanks.

The inspector shall report if the inspector deemed the furnace inaccessible.

The inspector shall determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, and supply adequacy of the heating system.

Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

The inspector shall determine the replacement and repair cost estimates for all defect discovered..

The inspector shall determine any hazardous waste conditions.

The inspector shall determine the presence of mold, mildew and fungus.

The inspector shall determine the existence of all environmental hazards.

The inspector shall determine operating costs of all systems.

The inspector shall determine the age of all construction and installation of any system structure or component of a building, and differentiate between original construction or subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements thereto.

The inspector shall determine the existence of the presence of any electro-magnetic fields.

The inspector shall determine the existence of asbestos.

The inspector shall determine property boundary lines and encroachments.

The inspector shall determine the presence of evidence of rodents, animals and insects.

The inspector shall determine the insurability of the property being inspected.

The inspector shall determine the presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the presence of lead in paint.

The inspector shall determine the air quality.

The inspector shall determine the presence of air-borne hazards.

Plumbing

The inspector shall inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously.

The inspector shall describe any visible fuel storage systems.

The inspector shall determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention and drain-stop devices.

The inspector shall test all shower pans, tub and shower surrounds and enclosures for leakage.

The inspector shall open all closed plumbing access panels.

The inspector shall determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective cleaning of drains.

The inspector shall inspect all clothes washing machine connections.

The inspector shall determine the water quality or potability or the reliability of the water supply or source.

The inspector shall inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off valves, as well as the location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves.

The inspector shall light all unlit pilot flames as necessary.

The inspector shall inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs.

The inspector shall inspect the water heating system.

The inspector shall inspect any and all water treatment systems and water filters.

The inspector shall evaluate the compliance with local and state conservation and energy standards, and the proper design and sizing of any water, waste and venting components, fixtures and piping.

The inspector shall determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.

The inspector shall excavate or otherwise uncover the private sewage system and its components to determine size, adequacy and efficiency.

The inspector shall inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures.

The inspector shall run water in sinks, tubs, and showers.

The inspector shall inspect pressure pumps and bladder tanks if they exist.

The inspector shall inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private.

The inspector shall determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, and adequacy of the water supply.

The inspector shall operate all main, branch or fixture valves attached to the building.

The inspector shall evaluate gas, liquid propane and oil storage tanks.

The inspector shall inspect interiors of flues and chimneys, water softening and filtering systems, well pumps and tanks, safety and shut-of valves, floor drains and sprinkler systems.

The inspector shall inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets.

The inspector shall inspect the main water shut off valve

The inspector shall flush toilets, especially after use.

The inspector shall inspect the drainage sump pumps if the floats are accessible.

Roof

The inspector shall inspect the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs

The inspector shall inspect the roof covering from ground level or eaves.

The inspector shall inspect the underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.

The inspector shall walk on all roof surfaces.

The inspector shall inspect the gutters from the ground level or eaves.

The inspector shall inspect antennae and lightning arresters.

The inspector shall remove snow, ice, and debris that prohibit the observation of the roof services.

The inspector shall climb all roofs regardless of height.

The inspector shall predict the service life expectancy of the roof.

The inspector shall inspect the vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations from the ground or eaves.