Understanding Your Home Inspection:
What's Included and What's Not

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Our home inspection services adhere to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards of Practice. These standards are internationally recognized and establish the requirements and scope of a standard home inspection. By following these comprehensive guidelines, we ensure that every inspection we perform is thorough, consistent, and meets the highest professional standards in the industry. Our commitment to these standards provides you with confidence that your inspection will be carried out with the utmost care and attention to detail.

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If you have concerns about specific components or systems not covered in a standard home inspection, please let us know in advance so we can discuss additional inspection services that may be available.

 

What We Inspect During a Standard Inspection

 

Structural Components

• Foundation and basement

• Walls, ceilings, and floors

• Roof structure and attic

• Steps, stairways, and railings

• Porches and decks

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Exterior

• Wall cladding, flashings, and trim

• Exterior doors

• Windows

• Decks, balconies, stoops, and steps

• Eaves, soffits, and fascia

• Vegetation, grading, and drainage affecting the building

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Roofing

• Roof coverings

• Roof drainage systems

• Flashings

• Skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations

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Plumbing

• Interior water supply and distribution systems

• Interior drain, waste, and vent systems

• Hot water systems

• Visible plumbing fixtures

• Fuel storage and distribution systems

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Electrical

• Service entrance conductors

• Service equipment, grounding, and bonding

• Main disconnects

• Panelboards and breakers

• Service and branch circuit wiring

• Light fixtures, switches, and receptacles

• GFCI and AFCI protection

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HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

• Heating equipment

• Cooling equipment

• Distribution systems

• Chimneys, flues, and vents

• Operating controls

• Presence of installed heat and cooling sources

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Interior

• Walls, ceilings, and floors

• Steps, stairways, and railings

• Countertops and cabinets

• Doors and windows

• Garage vehicle doors and operators

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Insulation and Ventilation

• Insulation in unfinished spaces

• Ventilation of attic and foundation areas

• Kitchen, bathroom, and laundry venting systems

 

 

What We Don't Inspected During a Standard Home Inspection

 

Seasonal Limitations (Winter Inspections)

During winter months, certain systems cannot be safely inspected due to freezing temperatures and risk of damage. These include:

• Air Conditioning Systems – Cannot be tested when outdoor temperatures are below 65°F as this could damage the unit.

• Exterior Water Systems – Including sprinklers, outdoor faucets, and spigots, which must remain winterized to prevent pipe damage.

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General Exclusions

• Code compliance inspections

• Permit research

• Property boundary identification

• Engineering analysis

• Environmental hazards testing

• Value appraisal

• Cosmetic defects

• Life expectancy estimates

• Repairs cost estimates

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Specific Systems & Components Not Inspected

• Low-voltage systems

• Security systems

• Smart home technology

• Solar systems

• Lightning protection

• Private waste systems (unless specifically requested)

• Wells and water quality

• Underground storage tanks

• Generator systems

• Swimming pools and spas

• Detached garages and sheds (may be inspected upon request)

• Outdoor cooking equipment

• Playground equipment

• Sprinkler systems (may be inspected upon request during non-winter months)

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Appliances & Fixtures Not Included

• Portable or window-mounted air conditioners

• Wood-burning stoves

• Humidifiers and dehumidifiers (both portable and attached)

• Washers and dryers

• Portable heating units

• Portable kitchen appliances

• Water softeners and filtration systems

• Saunas and steam rooms

• Central vacuum systems

• Intercom systems

• Projectors

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Inaccessible Areas

• Areas behind walls, under floor coverings

• Areas requiring specialized equipment to access

• Areas that could damage the property to inspect

• Areas that could be dangerous to inspect

• Blocked or locked areas

• Areas covered by snow, furniture, or stored items

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Advanced Testing (Not Included in Standard Inspection)

• Asbestos testing

• Lead paint testing

• Water quality testing

• Air quality testing

• Electromagnetic fields

• Toxic materials testing

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Optional Add-On Services (Available Upon Request)

• Mold testing

• Meth testing

• Radon testing

• Pest/termite inspection

• Sewer lateral inspections

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Important Notes

1. The inspection is visual only and non-invasive. We cannot see inside walls or predict future conditions.

2. The inspection represents a snapshot in time of visible and accessible components.

3. Weather conditions may limit certain aspects of the inspection, such as roofing, HVAC, and exterior drainage.

4. Additional specialized inspections may be recommended based on findings during the standard inspection.

5. All observations are based on the inspector's professional judgment.

 

If you have concerns about items not included in the standard inspection, please discuss additional services with us before the inspection date. Our goal is to provide you with a thorough evaluation while ensuring you understand the limitations of a general home inspection.

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Please note that this document provides a general overview of what is included and excluded in a standard home inspection. It is not an exhaustive list of every possible system or component that may be evaluated or omitted. For a complete and detailed explanation of the scope and limitations of a home inspection, we encourage you to review the full InterNACHI Standards of Practice.