What Is Home Inspection?

Regardless of the home type, new or old, I follow the same process for every inspection. The order may vary depending upon weather conditions and occupancy status. The typical inspection checks over 100 components and systems, some of which have multiple instances (e.g. windows). Inspections can take 1.5 hours for very small new-construction homes to over 7 hours for larger or older homes. The average inspection takes around 3 hours to do properly. Homes built prior to 2000 often require at least 3 to 4 hours, regardless of size. The following is not an exhaustive list.

• Examine the water meter for consumption and leakage. This can reveal leaks not visible during the inspection.
• Exercise the heating and cooling. This is done as the inspection progresses to give the system(s) time to stabilize.
• Run all plumbing fixtures at once, checking for leaks and sufficiency. This includes all sinks, tubs, and toilets.
• Check ceilings and walls visually and with an infrared camera for water leakage and insulation sufficiency (if outside temperatures are sufficiently different than indoors).
• Inspect crawlspaces and basements for plumbing, leakage, floor structure, and foundation. Crawlspaces are crucial to inspect and take a substantial amount of effort and time.
• Check and test all built-in appliances
• Inspect water heaters, electrical panels, fireplaces
• Inspect windows, doors, cabinetry, electrical receptacles
• Check for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Inspect interior structure (walls, ceilings, floors)
• Inspect stairs, guard rails, and other safety-related items such as window safety glass, egress, fireblocking/firestopping, GFCI protection, and more.
• Inspect attics for insulation, ventilation, heating/cooling ductwork and equipment, and roof structure.
• Inspect the roof (and roof penetrations such as chimneys) by walking on it. A special drone is used as a last resort if the roof is unaccessible or unsafe to access.
• Inspect the exterior, including siding/trim windows, doors, hardscapes, drainage, foundation.
• Inspect exterior components such as electrical service, heating/cooling, hose bibs, decks, and so on.
• Inspect garages and all components in them.