Home Buyers

As a home buyer, your purchase is probably the most important investment you will be making. You want an informed decision about the home you are purchasing and you want to know what your financial risk may entail.

My Inspections include:

• Attic Framing, Insulation and Ventilation
• Central Air Conditioning
• Structural Components
• Exterior Structure
• Crawlspace
• Foundation
• Drainage
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Roofing

My inspections follow the "Standards Of Practice" set forth by the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board.  Not only do I adhere to these standards, I exceed them. For instance, the standards dictate that we must inspect one window or one electrical outlet per room.  I inspect them all providing I have access.

Exterior:

The exterior components of your home are inspected for rotted siding, water entry areas and improperly installed siding.   Your exterior foundation is inspected for signs of settling of the footings or load distress points.

Roofing:    

The roof surfaces are inspected for things such as raised or torn shingles and torn plumbing boots.  Exterior flashing is inspected to ensure proper installation and no readily visible signs of water entry.  

Attic:  

The attic framing is inspected for split and broken rafters. The roof decking is inspected for signs of water entry and rotted roof decking. Your attic insulation and ventilation is also inspected to ensure that it is sufficient according to standard building practices.

Plumbing:  

Your plumbing systems are inspected for evidence of leakage at your sinks, toilets and showers.  Functional water flow and drainage are also inspected. Plumbing supply lines where visible are inspected in the crawl space for signs of leakage.

Electrical:

Electrical systems are inspected for improper wiring, reverse polarity and open grounds. GFCI and AFCI breakers are inspected for proper function.   The electrical panel is removed and the wiring going into each breaker is inspected to make sure there are no unsafe conditions present in your electrical box.

Mechanical Systems:

Your HVAC system is inspected for improper air flow; heating or cooling temperature differentials are checked, as well as proper operation.  

Crawl Space:

In the crawl space, your floor joists are inspected for any cracks or cuts.  Your girders are inspected for improper bearing on your piers. Your piers are inspected to make sure they are not cracked or leaning.  Plumbing pipes are inspected where visible and drain/waste/vent pipes are inspected at the subfloor for any signs of leaking. Your interior crawl space walls are also inspected for any signs of settling and cracking.

Digital photographs are taken of any problem areas, and notes are made throughout the inspection process.  At the end of the inspection, it is customary to give you and your agent a brief overview of the condition of the home.  Home buyers are encouraged to be present for the inspection so that items of interest may be reviewed or questions may be answered.  Afterward, a written report with photographs is emailed to you in a PDF format.