Hargreaves Home Inspections, LLC

rESIDENTIAL hOME iNSPECTIONS AND RADON TESTING

WHY GET A HOME INSPECTION?

A home is one of the most important, and expensive, purchases one will ever make.  Having a thorough home inspection performed can help provide you with peace of mind, knowing a trained professional has carefully inspected and reported on all of the essential systems and components of your new home.

  • the overall structure
  • the exterior
  • attic and roof
  • foundation
  • grounds
  • interior
  • electrical
  • plumbing
  • HVAC (heating and cooling)
Through a detailed visual inspection of all accessible home systems and components, a home inspection will yield valuable information you can use in your search for the perfect home for you and your family!  Once the physical inspection is complete, within 24 hours you’ll receive a detailed report noting any minor and major defects, including any potential safety concerns.  The report may also reveal defects in a home that could be costly to repair or replace, providing you with a valuable tool in purchasing negotiations with the home’s seller.  Quite simply, a thorough home inspection is an inexpensive way to assess the overall condition of a home.
 

What's included in a home inspection?

While home inspections vary by specific home, there are eight essential systems that are inspected;

1) Exterior – Defects on the exterior are usually noticeable, even without the trained eye of an inspector.  I’ll be looking for;

  • cracks, peeling, loose pieces or damage to the siding
  • stains, old paint, or peeling paint
  • clearance between the ground and siding materials on the walls
  • if vegetation and trees are far enough away from the walls and roof
2) Roof / Attic – Roofs that are damaged or old can possibly lead to much bigger issues.  I’ll inspect the materials and overall integrity of the roof, both on the outside and from inside the attic, if it’s accessible and safe to do so.  I’ll be looking for; 

 

  • type of roof covering (asphalt shingles, metal, slate, etc.)
  • condition of roof covering
  • proper use of flashing
  • excess use of roofing cement, tar or caulk, and evidence of any improper repairs
  • condition of the chimney (proper flashing, condition of chimney cap, etc.)
  • insulation present and installed correctly
  • proper and adequate roof ventilation
  • any plumbing, exhaust or appliance vents exhausting into the attic
  • stains or water spots on the underneath of the roof sheathing, trusses or rafters
  • damage or alterations to manufactured trusses and rafters
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3) Foundation / Grounds – A solid foundation is essential to a home’s structural integrity.  Improper installation and/or damage to the foundation can lead to costly repairs.  I’ll be looking for the following; 

  • proper grading (drainage) away from the home’s foundation
  • condition of downspouts and gutters
  • proper construction and condition of detached garages, decks and patios, including any signs of rot or damage from wood destroying organisms
  • overall condition of driveway, walkways and sidewalks
4)  Interior – The interior of a home should be well maintained and free of major defects and damage.  While most home will show wear and tear, I’ll be looking for any abnormal damage and signs of underlying problems.  I’ll be looking for; 

 

  • walls and ceilings are painted and in good condition 
  • cracks in walls and ceilings
  • that windows latch properly, as well as open and close as designed
  • evidence of prior or current water damage on walls, ceilings and floors
  • that flooring is level, free of moisture and functioning as intended
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5)  Structure – The structure of a home is the wooden framework that was built before drywall, exterior wall cladding and insulation was added.  Often referred to as, “the bones of the house”, if it’s damaged or constructed incorrectly, it may be unsafe and impact other systems of the home.  I’ll be looking for; 

  • the foundation is in good condition; no major cracks or evidence of shifting
  • door frames that are plumb and square, allowing doors to open and shut freely
  • window frames that are plumb and square, allowing windows to open and shut freely
  • ridge and fascia boards that are attached correctly and level
  • interior baseboards and any signs of water damage 
  • that flooring is flat, level and not bowing 
  • bowing or sagging exterior walls       

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6)  Electrical – Electrical defects can be dangerous and costly to repair.  The home’s electrical system will be inspected thoroughly, and if any major defects are found, I’ll recommend that a licensed electrician evaluate and determine the severity and cost to repair.  During the inspection of the electrical system I’ll be looking for the following;

  • handyman repair jobs done improperly, possibly impacting the entire electrical system
  • light switches that work properly
  • the absence of electrical ground faults in a representative number of receptacles
  • that all electrical cables are attached to the service panel correctly
  • that the proper size branch wiring matches the fuse or breaker size in the service panel
  • that GFCI outlets are located and working in areas where they are required; bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, laundry rooms and kitchens, as well as on all outdoor receptacles   

7) Plumbing – Defects in the plumbing system can be some of the mostly costly repairs to a home owner.  I will inspect the entire plumbing system to determine if a licensed plumber should be contacted for further analysis.  During the home inspection I will be looking for; 

  • visible plumbing pipes and lines intact and free from any damage
  • signs of leaking or staining under sinks and in bathrooms around tubs/shower and toilets
  • toilets that are securely fastened, dry around the base and signs of warped or soft flooring
  • properly working water heater, free from rust and/or leaks
  • faucets (indoor and outdoor) working properly with functional flow
  • safe hot water temperature between 118-125 degrees
  • functional drainage for all faucets  

8)  HVAC (Heating and Cooling) – Although not all homes in our area have a central air conditioning system, most homes do have some form of heating system.  I will inspect the HVAC systems to insure they’re working properly at the time of the home inspection.  Specifically, I’ll be looking for;

  • the type of HVAC system installed (boiler, forced air, etc.)
  • the HVAC system working properly
  • proper slope of venting
  • properly insulated and sealed ductwork
  • the presence of combustible gas and carbon monoxide 

Remember, a home inspection is a non-invasive, visual inspection of the home, and that the descriptions above isn’t inclusive, as each home is different.  I encourage you to make a list of any questions you may have about the home and bring them to the inspection.  I’ll certainly do my best to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.  I also encourage you to participate in the home inspection by walking through the house as I gather information for the report.  Depending on the size of the home, the physical inspection can take anywhere from 1.5 – 3.0 hours.  Before I leave I’ll gladly share a summary of my findings before completing and sending you a detailed inspection report within 24 hours.