Shorelands' Home Inspection Checklist
A Shorelands Home Inspections, LLC home inspection is performed and exceeds both the "Standards of Practice" and Code of Ethics of the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This ensures the most thorough inspection possible.
This is what we cover in every home inspection.
A. Exterior Home Inspection Checklist
Siding and Trim Windows and Doors Gutters, Downspouts Decks, Patios Fences, Gates
Chimneys, Chimney Flashing
Grading
Driveways, Walkways
Retaining walls
Landscaping, Drainage
Problems/Solutions: Sealing all penetration areas, seams and voids in the siding, windows, and doors will help to establish and maintain a watertight envelope for the house and will protect the siding and sub structure from exposure to moisture and deterioration as well as keeping birds and animals out of your home. Shorelands will identify any problems, explain how serious (or not) the problems are, and provide ballpark estimates on what it might cost to correct any significant problems. We will also recommend experienced local professionals to perform the work at reasonable and competitive prices.
B. Structure, House Inspection Checklist
Foundation Crawl spaces Floors, Walls Attic Garage Home Ventilation
Problems/Solutions: Was the house constructed with good quality materials and installed in a workman like manner? Is there cracking and excessive settlement? Water problems in the basement? What is acceptable, what is not? Plus an estimate of the cost to repair.
C. Roof Inspection Covering Material, Condition Flashing (keeps out moisture and water) Vents and Stacks (the "pipes" which stick up on all roofs) Skylights
Problems/Solutions: How old is the roof? Most asphalt roofs have a life span of 15-20 years. How long will your's last? We'll tell you. How many layers of roofing materal are there? Does it matter -YES! It can significantly increase the cost of roof replacement.
D. Electrical Home Inspection Checklist
Service entrance Panel and Sub Panel(s) Electrical Grounding Service Size and Capacity Safety and Proper Wiring Outlets, Switches, and GFCI's (special outlets required for kitchens and baths in modern construction)
Problems/Solutions: Most houses today may require a 200 AMPERAGE service for all the appliances, air conditioning, computers, electric stoves, etc. Also nearly all houses have some type of elecrtical deficiency, i.e. bad outlet (no "juice").
Shorelands will accurately assess the condition and safety of the current electrical system. Some problems (faulty switch or outlet) are easily fixed. Other problems may be more extensive. In any case, you'll know about the problems, if they are severe or not, and you will be provided with reasonable estimates of cost and referrals to local professionals to do the work.
E. Heating and Air Conditioning Checklist
Description Components Venting Controls and Thermostats Current Condition Normal Functions and Maintenance
Problems/Solutions: Bottom line is how long will the boiler or furnace last before you need a replacement or major repair? Is the heating system efficient with today's high energy costs? What will it cost to improve the system, and when?
Plus, Shorelands will also "walk you through" the controls, and give you tips on maintenance and use.
F. Plumbing Inspection Checklist:
Main supply Fixtures, type, and condition Flow, pressure, and temperature Vents/drains/traps, and leak evidence
Problems/Solutions: Has the house been recently renovated? Older houses have pipes that have a life span that you need to know about. All pipes and plumbing are not created equal...
G. Interior Home Inspection
Walls Ceilings Interior Doors Fireplaces Floors Appliances Bathrooms Smoke Detectors
Problems/Solutions: Any house probably needs some paint in a room or two, or cosmetic work. At Shorlelands Home Inspections, LLC, I concentrate mainly on structural and safety issues, plus properly working appliances, etc. How long can you expect the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher to last? What should be repaired? What will it cost, approximately?
H. Insulation Inspection
Attic Basement Crawl Space Walls Duct Work Plumbing Lines
Problems/Solutions: Most homes, particularly older homes, do not have adequate insulation. So, the first thing we look for: IS THERE ANY INSULATION AND IS IT ENOUGH?
DO OTHER SERVICES NEED TO BE PERFORMED?
A "Termite" Inspection (which includes all Wood Destroying Insects) and Radon Test are usually included in our standard home inspection services.
- Water Testing
- Mold Testing with current technology
|