A full home inspection is an in-depth, visual examination of your structure, both inside and out, meant to determine the relative condition of your home, including specific elements. It is not an appraisal, and you don’t “pass” or “fail” this type of inspection. It is merely designed to alert homeowners to possible issues with the condition of the home so that they can be addressed.
At Above Grade Home Inspections, we deliver a thorough and professional assessment of your home from the top of the roof down to the foundations so that we can provide a comprehensive reporting of the state of your structure. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new home or you’ve been in your house for a while and you’re getting ready to sell, it’s imperative that you understand any and all potential problem areas.
You can expect your home inspection to last about 2-3 hours, and while homeowners are encouraged to attend and ask questions, this is not required. Keep in mind that every home is bound to suffer some amount of deterioration over time, so it’s natural to find a few defects, even in relatively new structures. The important thing is to know what you’re getting into when buying a home, or to find out what you need to fix before you try to sell.
So, what exactly does a full home inspection cover? A qualified and experienced expert from Above Grade Home Inspections will examine the exterior and interior of your structure, including roofing, foundation, basement, crawlspaces, heating and cooling system, electrical system, plumbing system, and attic. We follow the Home Inspection Standards of Practice prescribed by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), which includes inspecting the following:
Exterior Inspections
- Exterior wall-covering materials, flashing and trim
- All exterior doors
- Adjacent walkways and driveways
- Stairs, steps, stoops, stairways, and ramps
- Porches, patios, decks, balconies, and carports
- Railings, guards, and handrails
- Eaves, soffits, and fascia
- A representative number of windows
- Vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls, and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion
Roof Inspections
- Roof-covering materials
- Gutters
- Downspouts
- Vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations
- General structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors, or stairs
Interior Inspection, including:
Foundation, Basement, and Crawlspace Inspections
- Foundation
- Basement
- Crawlspace
- Structural components
- Insulation and ventilation in unfinished spaces
Heating and Cooling System Inspections
- Heating system, using normal operating controls
- Cooling system, using normal operating controls
Electrical System Inspections
- Service drop
- Overhead service conductors and attachment point
- Service head, gooseneck, and drip loops
- Service mast, service conduit, and raceway
- Electric meter and base
- Service-entrance conductors
- Main service disconnect
- Panelboards and over-current protection devices
- Service grounding and bonding
- A representative number of switches, lighting fixtures, and receptacles
- All ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible
- Smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors
Plumbing System Inspection
- Main water supply shut-off valve
- Main fuel supply shut-off valve
- Water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing
- Interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water
- All toilets for proper operation by flushing
- All sinks, tubs, and showers for functional drainage
- Drain, waste, and vent system
- Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats
Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation Inspection
- Insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces, and foundation areas
- Ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces, and foundation areas
- Mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area
In addition to examining all of these elements of your structure, Above Grade Home Inspections also adheres to InterNACHI guidelines concerning the description of materials and functionality, as well as reporting items in need of correction. When you partner with Above Grade Home Inspections, you can be certain you’re receiving a comprehensive home inspection that meets strict standards for quality, safety, and attention to detail.
We understand how important it is to feel safe and comfortable in your home, and we strive to earn your trust by presenting you with professional service, a thorough inspection, and a comprehensive report on the condition of your structure.
If you’ve found the house of your dreams and you’re ready to sign on the dotted line, or if it’s time to sell you current home and upgrade, contact Above Grade Home Inspections today at 845-345-8967 or toddwny@yahoo.com to request a quote or schedule your home inspection.