•     Evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems;
•    Identify items that need to be repaired or replaced; and
•    Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes.
  

• Check the home's exterior, including roof, chimney, porch, deck, and soil gradation away from the property
• Look for structural cracks in foundation walls and floor problems
• Check plumbing for leaks and proper venting of waste lines
• Test wiring, electrical outlets and circuit-breaker switches or fuses, and make sure that the electrical system is adequate for the home's power needs
• Run all major appliances in the kitchen and laundry rooms
• Turn on the furnace and note condition
  
• Check all cabinets, doors, windows and screens
• Make sure the fireplace or wood-burning stove is clean, and attempt to verify whether the chimney is lined
• If you choose, we can also test for air- or water-borne radon, and can also do water quality testing

Another benefit of a home inspection is that it lets you know the locations of the gas main , access panels to plumbing and tubs, water valves and electrical circuit-breakers or fuses.

Do You Get on the Roof?

This depends on the particular house, weather conditions and the type of roof. A roof inspection begins from the ground with a look at the overall condition of the roof. The next step is an inspection of the shingle condition up close on a ladder from the roof edge, through dormer windows and, yes, by walking on the roof.  Another important part of a roof inspection is done from the attic. From here, leaks are often visible as is the overall condition of the structure and roof sheathing. The condition of the roof is determined by all available information.
We will give you a final report of all structural elements, mechanical systems and rooms, and will list all the defects we discover, which you should show the home seller when requesting repairs. 

Bank Owned Property

Home inspections are especially important when purchasing a bank owned home. When you are buying a bank owned home, you are buying as is. This is the exact reason you need to get a home inspection.  The low up-front cost of a bank owned home can be offset if the house needs a lot of expensive repairs or improvements.  If you are planning on getting a bank owned home then a home inspection is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Keep in mind that we can't check out things we can't see, like the inside of walls or underneath floors. If we think that there's a problem inside a wall, such as mold, we will add it to the report and suggest that you hire a specialized inspector who is familiar with these problems. Home inspectors are not allowed to damage a home they are inspecting.