What to expect from an inspection from The Home Inspections Company
Exterior:
The exterior inspection includes evaluation of foundation walls, exterior wall coverings, grading and drainage, vegetation near the structure, windows and doors, as well as porches, patios, decks, walkways, and driveways.
Special attention is given to grading and drainage conditions, as improper slope toward the home can contribute to moisture intrusion and potential foundation concerns.
Decks, landings, and exterior walking surfaces are also reviewed for visible defects and safety concerns, including conditions that may create tripping hazards or indicate improper construction.
Understanding exterior conditions helps identify concerns early and provides important insight into how water management and structural elements may impact the home over time.
Roof systems:
Roof inspections typically include walking the roof surface when conditions allow. In situations where walking the roof is not feasible due to weather, slope, material type, height, or safety considerations, the roof is evaluated from accessible vantage points using alternative methods such as ladder observation or visual aids.
The inspection includes evaluation of roof coverings, flashing, visible roof penetrations, chimney components, and other accessible elements to identify defects, signs of wear, and conditions that may impact performance.
Understanding the condition of the roof helps identify maintenance needs, potential water intrusion risks, and areas that may require monitoring or repair.
Attic / Insulation / Ventilation
When attic spaces are accessible at the time of inspection, visible areas are evaluated for structural conditions, signs of moisture intrusion, and evidence of previous water damage.
The inspection includes review of roof framing components, insulation type and approximate depth, ventilation conditions, and other accessible elements that may impact energy efficiency, moisture control, and overall roof performance.
Accessible mechanical equipment and appliances located in attic spaces — including HVAC air handlers, furnaces (when present), ductwork, and associated components — are visually evaluated for installation conditions, moisture concerns, and observable defects.
Attic areas can reveal important indicators of roof leaks, ventilation deficiencies, insulation concerns, and structural conditions that may not be visible from the living space.
Evaluating these conditions helps identify concerns early and provides insight into how the home manages heat, air movement, and moisture over time.
Kitchen:
The kitchen inspection includes evaluation of plumbing fixtures, visible connections, and operation of faucets to assess flow and basic function. Accessible fixtures and finishes — including cabinets, countertops, walls, ceilings, and doors — are visually reviewed for observable defects.
Electrical receptacles, including GFCI protection where applicable, are tested using standard inspection methods. Built-in kitchen appliances such as the dishwasher, cooking appliances, microwave, and ventilation equipment are operated when accessible using normal controls.
Visible appliance identification information is documented in the inspection report when available to assist homeowners with future reference, maintenance, and service needs.
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Kitchen inspections focus on functionality, safety features, and conditions that may impact daily use.
Plumbing:
Accessible plumbing components are visually evaluated, including supply piping, drain and waste piping, visible connections, and the water heater and associated components.
Plumbing fixtures are operated using normal controls to assess basic function, drainage performance, and observable leaks. Accessible areas are reviewed for signs of improper installation, active leakage, or conditions that may impact performance.
The inspection also includes identification of the main water shutoff, visible waste cleanouts, and other accessible plumbing controls when located.
Understanding plumbing conditions helps identify maintenance needs, potential leak risks, and components that may require monitoring or repair.
Electrical:
Accessible electrical components are visually evaluated, including service panels, subpanels, wiring, breakers, grounding, and bonding when safe to do so. Panel covers may be removed to allow inspection of visible interior components where conditions permit.
A representative number of receptacles are tested using standard inspection methods, including GFCI protection where applicable, to help identify conditions that may increase the risk of electrical shock.
The inspection includes review of visible wiring methods, electrical devices, and accessible components for signs of improper installation, damage, overheating, or other observable safety concerns.
Electrical systems are evaluated to help identify potential fire and shock hazards and to provide homeowners with a clearer understanding of system condition and recommended improvements when needed.
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Electrical evaluations focus heavily on safety features designed to reduce fire and shock risk.
Heating and Cooling (HVAC):
Accessible heating and cooling equipment is operated using normal controls and visually evaluated for installation conditions, observable defects, and overall system performance indicators.
Temperature differential readings (Delta-T) may be obtained across the evaporator coil when accessible to help identify performance indicators of the cooling system.
Heating systems are operated when conditions permit, and visible components — including burners, air handlers, and distribution systems — are reviewed for observable concerns.
The inspection focuses on identifying conditions that may indicate the need for maintenance, service, or further evaluation rather than determining system capacity or remaining lifespan.
Visible equipment identification information — including manufacturer, model, and approximate age when available — is documented in the inspection report for homeowner reference.
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HVAC evaluations focus on performance indicators, safety observations, and conditions that may impact comfort and reliability.
Interior rooms:
A room-by-room evaluation of interior spaces is performed, including walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, trim, and visible finishes. Accessible electrical devices, lighting fixtures, and representative receptacles are also reviewed as part of the inspection.
Interior areas are evaluated for signs of moisture intrusion, previous water damage, movement, and conditions that may indicate structural or installation concerns. Operation of windows and doors is reviewed where accessible to help identify functional issues or observable defects.
Interior conditions often provide important clues related to building performance, moisture control, settlement, and overall maintenance.
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​ Interior observations frequently help identify developing concerns before they become more significant.
Bathrooms:
Bathroom fixtures are operated using normal controls to assess basic function, including sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. Plumbing fixtures, visible supply lines, shutoff valves, and accessible waste connections are evaluated for observable leaks, drainage concerns, and installation conditions.
Tubs and showers are reviewed for condition of surrounding materials, including tile, enclosures, sealants, and visible waterproofing components. Shower doors, diverters, and accessible hardware are operated when present.
Electrical receptacles, including GFCI protection where applicable, are tested using standard inspection methods to help identify conditions that may increase the risk of electrical shock in wet locations.
Hydro-therapeutic tubs are filled and operated when feasible to evaluate basic function. Accessible components — including motors, pumps, wiring, and associated safety devices — are visually reviewed when accessible.
Bathrooms are also evaluated for signs of moisture intrusion, ventilation effectiveness, fixture stability, and conditions that may impact long-term performance or maintenance.
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Because bathrooms are high-moisture environments, careful evaluation helps identify developing concerns before damage becomes more significant.
Garage:
Garage areas are visually evaluated, including walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and accessible structural components. Interior surfaces are reviewed for observable damage, movement, moisture concerns, and conditions that may impact safety or performance.
Garage doors and automatic openers are operated using normal controls to assess basic function. Safety features — including auto-reverse mechanisms, photoelectric sensors, and hardware condition — are evaluated when present.
Electrical components within the garage are reviewed, including receptacles, lighting, and GFCI protection where applicable. Accessible electrical devices are tested using standard inspection methods.
The inspection also includes review of fire separation components between the garage and living spaces, visible penetrations, and other conditions that may affect safety.
Garage floors, vehicle impact areas, and accessible walkways are evaluated for trip hazards, cracking patterns, and conditions that may require maintenance.
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Garage inspections focus heavily on safety features due to the presence of vehicles, mechanical equipment, and the connection to living spaces.
Infrared Imaging:
Infrared imaging may be used during the inspection at no additional cost as a supplemental tool to help identify temperature variations that could indicate moisture intrusion, insulation deficiencies, air leakage, or other performance concerns not readily visible.
Thermal imaging does not replace visual inspection but can provide additional insight when conditions are appropriate.
When notable thermal anomalies are observed, findings are documented in the inspection report for further review or evaluation as needed.
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Infrared imaging provides an additional layer of evaluation that can help identify developing concerns earlier.
Sprinkler Systems: (when applicable)
A limited visual evaluation of the irrigation system may be performed at no additional cost when the system is operational. This review focuses on observable defects, general spray coverage patterns, and conditions that may contribute to excessive moisture near the structure.
Particular attention is given to sprinkler head placement, overspray toward the home, and conditions that could contribute to moisture intrusion, foundation concerns, or exterior deterioration.
This visual check is intended to provide general insight into system performance and potential concerns rather than a full irrigation system evaluation.
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Proper irrigation performance plays an important role in moisture management around the home.
