A general home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property (as delineated below), performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. The scope of work may be modified by the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process.
- The general home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.
- The general home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.
Tri Summit Home Inspections, LLC combines experience and technically advanced equipment to evaluate the visible and accessible interior and exterior structure, system and components. You should expect to learn a lot about the structural properties of a home as well as the importance of architectural design and the necessary quality of workmanship that must be met for all of these systems to function properly. Your written report from our home inspector will include visible defects that were seen on the day of the inspection, from the roof, exterior, interior, electrical and more, listed in an easy-to-read format.
All of my clients are offered free consultation after the inspection. I will talk with you candidly about the need for repair, future maintenance expectations and faulty construction concerns that might warrant the review of a structural engineer.
Each of our inspections cover the following points:
Roof Inspection
Our home inspector will walk on all roofs when it is safe and conditions permit
· The roof covering, noting missing shingles and signs of wear
· Flashings, valleys, skylights, vents and other roof penetrations
· Gutters, downspouts and overhangs
· Any visible structural problems (sagging roof, etc.)
Exterior Inspection
Our home inspector will check a representative number of windows
· Doors and windows, weather stripping, caulking, cracks, fogging
· Vegetation surrounding the house
· Siding, flashing, and trim
· Inspect condition of decks, stoops, stairs, porches and railings
· Exterior siding, brick or insulated finishing systems(Eifs,) including paints, stains, and sealant
· Driveway, sidewalks, retaining walls adjacent to home
· Grading around house
· Surface drainage, retaining walls, or signs of soil erosion
Attic Inspection
· Structural condition of attic bracing
· Ventilation and insulation
· Visible roof leaks or stains caused from leakage
· Signs of mold or mildew
· Structural, Basement, and Crawl Space Inspection
· Active water penetration in basement or crawlspace
· Grading near exposed wood framing and siding
· Signs of settling
· Cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may present safety concerns
Heating and Cooling Inspection
Describes the energy source and heating method
· Overflow pan and condition of condensation drain
· Overall visible condition of ductwork
· Visible condition and type of heating system
· Thermostat operation
· Presence and condition of accessible filter
· Temperature difference from air exiting registers
· Recommendation on service of HVAC equipment by technician that offers their implied warranty
Plumbing Inspection
· Location of interior main shutoff valve
· Visible leaks in piping, traps and valves
· Drains, waste and vent systems
· Function, flow, and drainage of fixtures and faucets
· Water heater and presence of temperature relief valve and venting, combustion air
· Running all toilets to inspect for loose attachment and malfunctioning tank systems
· Sump pump, float, drain and automatic shut off function
Electrical Inspection
Our home inspector will test a representative number of receptacles, switches and light fixtures
· Service line cables and main disconnect and report on conditions
· Meter box connection and faults
· Proper grounding and bonding
· Panel, service size ,and condition (including breakers and fuses)
· Visible wiring and connectors
· Inspection of a representative number of outlets for function and polarity
· Ground-fault circuit interrupters function
· Inspection of a representative number of switches and light fixtures
· Presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring
· Smoke detection units
Interior Inspection
· Operation of doors, screens, sliding doors
· Windows with visible moisture intrusion, in need of repair, or evidence of broken seals
· Walls, ceilings, floors, shelving in closets
· Signs of moisture intrusion, excessive condensation and visible mold or mildew
· Working condition of appliances
· Moisture problems, caulking, cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms
· Abnormalities in flooring, tile, carpets
· Operation of garage door and safety sensors
Chimney and Fireplace Inspection
· Operation of damper in fireplace, if accessible and operable
· Hearth extension and other permanently installed components
· Visible areas in need of repair in firebox
· Fireplace clearance from combustible materials
· Chimney, flue cap, crown and flashing
· Cracking or other structural issues in chimney bricks
· Signs of deteriorating mortar
· Professional chimney sweep recommendations for inspection of creosote buildup
HELPFUL TIPS TO PLAN FOR THE INSPECTION
PRIOR TO THE INSPECTION
You will receive an inspection agreement via email when the home inspection is scheduled. You can sign this agreement digitally online. Once you have signed and submitted the agreement, you will have a copy and I will have mine. This agreement MUST be signed prior to the inspection. There will also be a payment link in the same email. You will see this after signing the agreement. Payment is due on the morning of the inspection. Reports are not viewable and results are not discussed until payment is made.
IF THE HOME IS VACANT
All utilities should be on including gas. It is important that you confirm this with your realtor, the seller, or seller's agent. It is also important that all shut-off valves and/or breakers are in the on position. As a rule, home inspectors do not activate or energize equipment that is shut down or off.
IF THE HOME IS OCCUPIED
Please consult with your realtor, the seller, or the seller's agent that the attic, crawlspace, water heater, and electrical panel are all easily accessible. Also, there should be no dishes in the sinks or toys etc. in the bathtubs. I will need to fill these up with water to inspect the functional flow and drainage of the system. Personal items are not moved for liability reasons. The areas obstructed with personal items will be visually inspected to the best of my ability.
IF IT IS NECESSARY TO RETURN DUE TO A LACK OF ACCESS OR UTILITIES OFF
It is important that utilities are on and that access to all areas is provided. There will be a $100 return trip fee if the inspector is requested to return to the home due to a lack of access or if the utilities are off. Other fees may apply.
Tri Summit Home Inspections, LLC combines experience and technically advanced equipment to evaluate the visible and accessible interior and exterior structure, system and components. You should expect to learn a lot about the structural properties of a home as well as the importance of architectural design and the necessary quality of workmanship that must be met for all of these systems to function properly. Your written report from our home inspector will include visible defects that were seen on the day of the inspection, from the roof, exterior, interior, electrical and more, listed in an easy-to-read format.
All of my clients are offered free consultation after the inspection. I will talk with you candidly about the need for repair, future maintenance expectations and faulty construction concerns that might warrant the review of a structural engineer.
Each of our inspections cover the following points:
Roof Inspection
Our home inspector will walk on all roofs when it is safe and conditions permit
· The roof covering, noting missing shingles and signs of wear
· Flashings, valleys, skylights, vents and other roof penetrations
· Gutters, downspouts and overhangs
· Any visible structural problems (sagging roof, etc.)
Exterior Inspection
Our home inspector will check a representative number of windows
· Doors and windows, weather stripping, caulking, cracks, fogging
· Vegetation surrounding the house
· Siding, flashing, and trim
· Inspect condition of decks, stoops, stairs, porches and railings
· Exterior siding, brick or insulated finishing systems(Eifs,) including paints, stains, and sealant
· Driveway, sidewalks, retaining walls adjacent to home
· Grading around house
· Surface drainage, retaining walls, or signs of soil erosion
Attic Inspection
· Structural condition of attic bracing
· Ventilation and insulation
· Visible roof leaks or stains caused from leakage
· Signs of mold or mildew
· Structural, Basement, and Crawl Space Inspection
· Active water penetration in basement or crawlspace
· Grading near exposed wood framing and siding
· Signs of settling
· Cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may present safety concerns
Heating and Cooling Inspection
Describes the energy source and heating method
· Overflow pan and condition of condensation drain
· Overall visible condition of ductwork
· Visible condition and type of heating system
· Thermostat operation
· Presence and condition of accessible filter
· Temperature difference from air exiting registers
· Recommendation on service of HVAC equipment by technician that offers their implied warranty
Plumbing Inspection
· Location of interior main shutoff valve
· Visible leaks in piping, traps and valves
· Drains, waste and vent systems
· Function, flow, and drainage of fixtures and faucets
· Water heater and presence of temperature relief valve and venting, combustion air
· Running all toilets to inspect for loose attachment and malfunctioning tank systems
· Sump pump, float, drain and automatic shut off function
Electrical Inspection
Our home inspector will test a representative number of receptacles, switches and light fixtures
· Service line cables and main disconnect and report on conditions
· Meter box connection and faults
· Proper grounding and bonding
· Panel, service size ,and condition (including breakers and fuses)
· Visible wiring and connectors
· Inspection of a representative number of outlets for function and polarity
· Ground-fault circuit interrupters function
· Inspection of a representative number of switches and light fixtures
· Presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring
· Smoke detection units
Interior Inspection
· Operation of doors, screens, sliding doors
· Windows with visible moisture intrusion, in need of repair, or evidence of broken seals
· Walls, ceilings, floors, shelving in closets
· Signs of moisture intrusion, excessive condensation and visible mold or mildew
· Working condition of appliances
· Moisture problems, caulking, cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms
· Abnormalities in flooring, tile, carpets
· Operation of garage door and safety sensors
Chimney and Fireplace Inspection
· Operation of damper in fireplace, if accessible and operable
· Hearth extension and other permanently installed components
· Visible areas in need of repair in firebox
· Fireplace clearance from combustible materials
· Chimney, flue cap, crown and flashing
· Cracking or other structural issues in chimney bricks
· Signs of deteriorating mortar
· Professional chimney sweep recommendations for inspection of creosote buildup
HELPFUL TIPS TO PLAN FOR THE INSPECTION
PRIOR TO THE INSPECTION
You will receive an inspection agreement via email when the home inspection is scheduled. You can sign this agreement digitally online. Once you have signed and submitted the agreement, you will have a copy and I will have mine. This agreement MUST be signed prior to the inspection. There will also be a payment link in the same email. You will see this after signing the agreement. Payment is due on the morning of the inspection. Reports are not viewable and results are not discussed until payment is made.
IF THE HOME IS VACANT
All utilities should be on including gas. It is important that you confirm this with your realtor, the seller, or seller's agent. It is also important that all shut-off valves and/or breakers are in the on position. As a rule, home inspectors do not activate or energize equipment that is shut down or off.
IF THE HOME IS OCCUPIED
Please consult with your realtor, the seller, or the seller's agent that the attic, crawlspace, water heater, and electrical panel are all easily accessible. Also, there should be no dishes in the sinks or toys etc. in the bathtubs. I will need to fill these up with water to inspect the functional flow and drainage of the system. Personal items are not moved for liability reasons. The areas obstructed with personal items will be visually inspected to the best of my ability.
IF IT IS NECESSARY TO RETURN DUE TO A LACK OF ACCESS OR UTILITIES OFF
It is important that utilities are on and that access to all areas is provided. There will be a $100 return trip fee if the inspector is requested to return to the home due to a lack of access or if the utilities are off. Other fees may apply.
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