Usually an inspection is performed with the buyer and/or realtor on site with the inspector. An inspection can be done without either the buyer and/or realtor. The reports would then be dropped off to the realtor upon completion. The report is explained and signed by the buyer and the Inspector. The buyer will stay with the Inspector in order to see and understand what the Inspector finds. The inspection consists of the following areas :
Grounds - condition of service walks, driveway, porch, stoop/steps, patio/decks, fence/wall, landscaping,hose bibs.
Roof - visibility, style, # of shingle layers, ventilation, flashing, condition, skylights, vents.
Exterior - chimney(s), gutters, siding, trim, soffits, fascia, caulking, windows and screens, storm windows, foundation, mold, wood rot, negative grading
Electric Service /Heat Pump-A/C - electric service - size, entry and type, exterior wall, exterior doors, heat pump, air conditioning unit,
Garage - type, automatic opener, safety reverses, roofing, gutters, floor, sill plates, overhead doors, exterior service door, electricity, fire seperation walls, siding and trim
Kitchen - countertops, cabinets, plumbing items, walls and ceiling, heating/cooling source, appliances, potential gas leaks
Laundry Room - sink, cross connections, appliances, water lines, gas lines, GFCI outlets
Bathroom(s) - sinks, tub, shower, toilet, grouting, ceiling, cabinets, proper drainage and flow, GFCI outlets ( ground fault circuit interrupter )
Rooms (bedrooms-living,dens,etc..) - walls, ceiling, moisture stains, floor, ceiling fans, electrical switches and plugs, egress(ability to exit safely), doors, windows, door and window hardware
Interior - window glass, fireplace, stairs, steps, smoke & CO detectors, attic structure, framing, insulation
Basement - stairs, foundation, moisture, floor, drainage, girders, beams, columns, joists, sub floor, mold, termite evidence
Crawlspace - access, foundation walls, moisture, floor, drainage, ventilation, girders, beams, columns, vapor barrier, insulation, mold, critter and termite evidence
Plumbing - water service and point of entry, main fuel shutoff location, water heater(s), water softener, sump pump, well pump(s)
Heating System - furnace, boiler system, condition, age, venting, piping, filters,electrical, ductwork
Electrical/Cooling System - main electrical panel, size of service, type of wires, size of wires, sub panels, fixtures,
Additional Comments - any misc. smaller fix-it later type items, a cheat sheet for the buyer to use after you move in, i.e. cleaning gutters, caulking windows, etc
Summary - significant issues & defects, older appliances, items needing repaired/replaced, potential safety hazards, items not operating
