What Is Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property to identify defects, within specific systems and components, that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. Both Alabama and Tennessee have a list, called the Standards of Practice (SOP), that calls out the things that must be inspected. Home Inspectors may choose to inspect beyond the SOP but they are not required to. Integra’s inspections meet or exceed both AL and TN SOPs.
What Is Inspected?
I inspect the ten major home systems, illustrated below.
Interior & Appliances
- Walls, Floors, Ceilings, Windows, Doors
- Stairs and Railings
- Bathroom sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, cabinetry, ventilation
- Cabinetry
- Kitchen sinks, countertops, cabinetry
- Stove/oven, range, microwave, disposal, compactor, refrigerator, exhaust ventilation, doorbell
- Laundry washer connections, dryer ducting
Exterior
- Eaves, Soffits, Fascia
- Wall-Covering, Flashing, Trim
- Vents, Exhaust Hoods
- Windows
- Doors
- Decorative Columns and Walls
- Porches, Patios
- Decks, Balconies
- Stairs, Steps, Stoops, Stairways, Ramps
- Railing, Guards
- Vegetation, Surface Drainage, Grading
- Walkways, Driveways
- Retaining Walls
- Carport
Heating and Cooling
- Temperature differential testing of all systems
- Condensate discharge systems
- Ductwork
- Thermostats
Structural
- Roof Framing
- Walls
- Floors
- Foundation, Foundation Walls
- Columns, Supports
- Crawlspace
- Basement
- Sump Pump
Plumbing
- Shut-off valves and reducing valves
- Pressure and flow rate
- Water Heaters
- Faucets, Fixtures, Valves
- Supply and Distribution Systems
- Drain, Waste, Vent Systems
Electric
- Service Drop, Head, Gooseneck, Mast, Conduit
- Meter & Base
- Service conductors
- Service Disconnect
- Service & Utilities Grounding, Bonding
- Panelboards, Distributions Boxes, Disconnects
- Wiring
- Fixtures
- Switches, Receptacles
- GFCI, AFCI
- Smoke, Fire, Monoxide Detectors
Roof
- Covering
- Flashing
- Plumbing, Exhaust, Ventilation, Radon Vents
- Gutter System
- Skylights
- Chimney
- Electrical Service Mast
Insulation & Ventilation
- Attic Insulation
- Roof/Attic Ventilation
- Crawlspace, Foundation, Basement Insulation
- Crawlspace Ventilation
Garage
- Floor
- Door
- Door Opener
- Ceiling, Wall, Firewalls
Other
- Fuel, Combustion Air, Exhaust
- Fuel Storage
- Fireplace
- Chimney
- Lifts and Elevators
- Storm Shelters and Safe Rooms
Add-On Inspections
- Pools and Spas
- Lawn Irrigation
- Outbuildings
