Scope of Inspection 2 – Independent Home Inspection LLC

Scope of Inspection

Inspections are performed to NYS home inspection licensing law code of ethics, regulations, and standards of practice of article 12-B

Every inspection also includes at no additional cost the services of:

Thermal Imaging
Wood Destroying Insect Inspection (termites)
Well Equipment Evaluation
Basic Waste Disposal System Evaluation

A typical home inspection requires about 2 to 3 hours of on site time depending on size, age, and conditions of the building(s).

The report will typically completed within 24 to 48 hours and emailed directly.

Optional water testing, radon testing, and mold testing are available.

Optional detached buildings such as garages, cottages, barns, pool houses, and sheds are available.

Inspections adhere to the New York State licensing law code of ethics, regulations, and standards of practice of article 12-B.

Below is an overview as to what is typically part of a home inspection – Every property and situation is unique.

Inspection parameters

Site Conditions:

Trees and vegetation that adversely affect the residential building

The building perimeter for land grade and water drainage directly adjacent to the foundation

Walkways, steps, driveways, patios and retaining walls

Structural Systems:

Any deteriorated and/or damaged structural component including the building foundation and framing

The floor structure

The wall structure

The ceiling structure

The roof structure

Exterior:

All exterior walls and coverings, flashing and trim

All exterior doors including garage doors and operators

All attached or adjacent decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches and railings

All eaves, soffits and fascias where accessible from the ground level

All adjacent walkways, patios and driveways on the subject property

The condition of a representative number of windows

Roof Systems:

Roofing materials and condition

Roof drainage systems

Flashing

Skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations

Plumbing Systems:

Interior water supply and distribution systems including fixtures and faucets

Drain, waste and vent systems

Water heating equipment and vents and pipes

Fuel storage and fuel distribution systems and components

Drainage sumps, sump pumps, ejector pumps and related piping

Active leaks

Fixtures and faucets

Domestic hot water systems

Drain pumps and waste ejectors pumps

The water supply at random locations for functional flow

Waste lines from random sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage

Electrical Systems:

Service entrance conductors, cables and raceways

The main and branch circuit conductors for property over current protection and condition by visual observation after removal of the readily accessible main and sub electric panel covers

Service grounding

Interior components of service panels and sub-panels

A representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles

A representative number of ground fault circuit interrupters

Amperage and voltage rating of the service

The location of main disconnects and sub-panels

The presence of aluminum branch circuit wiring

The presence or absence of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

The general condition and type of visible branch circuit conductors that may constitute a hazard to the occupant or the residential building by reason of improper use or installation of electrical components

Heating Systems:

Describe the type of fuel, heating equipment and heating distribution system

Operate the systems using thermostats

Open readily accessible and operable access panels provided by the manufacturer or installer for routine homeowner maintenance

Observe and report on the condition of normally operated controls and components of the systems

Observe and report on visible flue pipes, dampers and related components for functional operation

Observe and report on the presence of and the condition of a representative number of heat sources in each habitable space of the residential building

Observe and report on the operation of fixed supplementary heat units

Observe and report on visible components of vent systems, flues and chimney

Air Conditioning Systems

Observe, describe and report on the type of air conditioning equipment and air conditioning distribution system

Operate the system using the thermostat

Open a representative number of readily accessible and operable access panels provided by the manufacturer for routine homeowner maintenance

Observe and report on the condition of normally operated controls and components of the system

Interior:

Observe and report on the material and general condition of walls, ceilings and floors

Observe and report on steps, stairways and railings

Observe, operate and report on garage doors, garage door safety devices and garage door operators

Where visible and readily accessible, observe and report on the bath and/or kitchen vent fan ducting to determine if it exhausts to the exterior of the residential building

Observe, operate and report on a representative number of primary windows and interior doors

Observe and report on visible signs of water penetration

Insulation and Ventilation

Observe, describe and report on insulation in accessible, visible unfinished spaces

Observe, describe and report on ventilation of accessible attics and foundation areas

Observe and report on mechanical ventilation systems in visible accessible areas