About Us

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 When a home inspector examines the outside of a house, we’re checking for anything that might affect safety, structure, water intrusion, or long-term durability. Here’s a comprehensive list of what we look for:

• Grading & drainage – Is the soil sloping away from the foundation? Are there signs of pooling water?
   
• Driveways, walkways & patios – Cracks, uneven surfaces, trip hazards.
   
• Retaining walls – Stability, drainage behind walls, cracks or leaning.
   
• Vegetation – Trees or bushes too close to the home, roots affecting the foundation, vines damaging siding.
   

• Visible foundation walls – Cracks, bulges, water stains, settling.
   
• Crawl space vents or access – Condition, moisture issues.
   
• Support structures – Posts, piers, decks, and porches for rot or movement.
   

• Siding (vinyl, wood, brick, stucco, etc.) – Cracks, gaps, rot, warping, missing pieces.
   
• Paint or finish – Peeling, bubbling, bare spots that could allow water intrusion.
   
• Flashing – Proper installation around windows, doors, and roof connections.
   

• Roofing materials – Shingles, tiles, or metal for wear, curling, missing sections.
   
• Gutters & downspouts – Blockages, leaks, proper drainage away from foundation.
   
• Eaves, soffits, and fascia – Rot, damage, or insect activity.
   
• Chimneys – Cracks, leaning, deteriorated mortar or flashing.
   

• Frames & sills – Rot, gaps, caulking failure.
   
• Glass – Cracks, broken seals in double panes.
   
• Storm windows/screens – Presence and condition.
   
• Door thresholds & weatherstripping – Drafts, rot, water damage.
   

• Structure – Proper footings, secure attachment to the house.
   
• Railing height & stability – Safety compliance.
   
• Surface boards – Rot, warping, loose nails/screws.
   

• Structure & siding – Similar checks as main house.
   
• Garage doors – Condition, safety reversal function on automatic openers.
   
• Roof & foundation – Cracks, leaks, settling.
   

• HVAC units – Exterior condition, clearance for airflow.
   
• Electrical – Exterior panels, service entrance cables, grounding.
   
• Plumbing – Hose bibs, leaks, freeze protection.
   
• Septic system (if visible) – Signs of backup, soggy areas.
   
• Fencing & gates – Safety and condition (especially around pools).
   
• Pools / hot tubs (if present) – Visible condition, safety barriers.

The inside inspection is more detailed than the outside, since that’s where most mechanical systems and finishes are. A home inspector is looking for safety hazards, structural problems, and signs of damage. Here’s a thorough breakdown:

• Floors, walls, ceilings – Cracks, stains, sagging, unevenness.
   
• Doors & windows – Operation, locks, seals, drafts, broken glass.
   
• Stairs & railings – Secure, proper height/spacing, no wobble.
   
• Fireplace/hearth – Damper operation, cracks, creosote buildup, chimney connection.
   
• Attic & insulation – Adequate insulation, ventilation, signs of leaks or pests.
   
• Basement/crawlspace – Moisture, mold, foundation cracks, sump pump operation.
   

• Water supply – Adequate pressure, leaks under sinks, around toilets, and appliances.
   
• Drains – Flow speed, clogs, gurgling, backflow signs.
   
• Hot water heater – Age, leaks, venting, safety valve.
   
• Fixtures – Faucets, showers, tubs, toilets for function and leaks.
   

• Service panel – Proper grounding, breaker labeling, no double-tapped wires.
   
• Outlets & switches – Testing function, polarity, GFCI in kitchens/baths/basement/garage.
   
• Visible wiring – Fraying, amateur repairs, exposed connections.
   
• Light fixtures – Function and secure installation.
   

• Furnace/boiler – Age, service tags, rust, unusual noises.
   
• Air conditioner/heat pump – Operation, visible condition.
   
• Ductwork – Secure, insulated where needed, no gaps.
   
• Vents/registers – Adequate airflow.
   
• Thermostat – Functionality.
   

• Appliances – Range, oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal (basic operation).
   
• Exhaust fans/hood – Proper venting outside, not just recirculating.
   
• Cabinets/counters – Stability, water damage.
   
• Sink & plumbing – Leaks, hot/cold water, drainage.
   

• Tubs, showers, sinks, toilets – Operation, leaks, caulking/grout condition.
   
• Exhaust fans – Must vent outside, not into attic.
   
• Flooring & walls – Signs of water damage, loose tiles.
   
• Water pressure & drainage – Adequate and consistent.
   

• Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors – Presence and placement.
   
• Handrails & guardrails – Secure and to code.
   
• Fire doors (if garage attached) – Self-closing, sealed.
   
• Egress windows – Especially in bedrooms and basements.
   
• Asbestos/lead concerns – If house is older, potential materials flagged (but usually not tested in a basic inspection).
   

• Laundry area – Washer hookups, dryer venting (should vent outside, not into attic/garage).
   
• Attic access – Insulation, ventilation, structural condition.
   
• Basement sump pump – Tested if present.
   
• Pest signs – Termites, rodents, carpenter ants, etc.