Residential and Commercial Buildings Inspection Services
The purpose of a home inspection is to provide a written communication that describes issues discovered during an inspection that the inspector feels will be of interest to the client. Photographs from the walk-through or research portion may be included with the report or emailed for attachment. It can also be used as a guide towards making improvements and correcting problems. This is true of inspections for sellers and buyers of both residential and commercial property. Detail and quality of the report promote better-informed clients and further review of noted items.
A home inspection is a visual examination of the systems and structure of a building. It is typically requested by sellers and buyers of commercial buildings, mobile homes, condominiums, and single family homes. It should be done by an unbiased, experienced professional. The building is visually checked from the top down. The person requesting the inspection will receive a report that gives an impartial opinion on the structure of the roof, plumbing, structure, foundation, HVAC, walls, doors, drainage, and windows. The inspector generally looks at items that are visible and accessible by ordinary means. The inspection is not a pass/fail test, but is a look at the property’s current condition and what the inspector feels is needed for repairs, upgrades, or replacement.
Purchasing a home or commercial building is a large investment. A ‘quick fix’ can cover some major damage on the building that will lead to major expenses at a later date. A professional inspector will look for stains on the ceiling, mold in the basement, signs of pests in the attic, and write it in the report. The positive attributes of the home will be listed in addition to maintenance tips that will keep your home in peak condition.
Attending the inspection allows you to follow the inspector through the process and ask questions as you go. Not only does this teach you about the building, it provides tips for general maintenance to have performed in the future to keep the building up to par. Sherman Home Inspections, Inc., encourages client participation during this process.
Things that you will typically see the inspector do include:
- Activate the heating and cooling system to be sure it is working properly.
- Randomly the operation of light switches, fixtures, and electrical outlets.
- Open and close a random selection of drawers, doors, and windows.
- Check the condition of the gutters (if any) and drainage systems by the house.
Specific residential and/or commercial building inspections frequently include the following elements:
Grounds around the building(s): Inspect foundation, grading, drainage, and landscaping. Check sidewalks and driveways for cracks or upheaval.
Exterior Structure: Inspect siding, balconies, decks, patios, terraces, landscaping, garages, driveways, and grading. Type of siding is noted along with any damaged, unsound, or missing pieces.
Roof – Interior: Inspect for structural flaws, cracks in beams, signs of moisture and leaks.
Roof – Exterior: Notes the type of roofing material used, as well as any visible problems and the general condition of the roof. Flashing, skylights, and chimneys are included in this inspection. During inclement weather, the inspector may not be able to access the roof. That will be indicated on the report, along with any findings including loose bricks on the chimney, loose tile, or the appearance of rotting wood along the edge of the roof.
Foundation: Check for cracks, water lines, damaged masonry, and soft mortar.
Basement: Note evidence of leaks, drips, or flooding, such as mildew, odors, stains, and loose tiles.
Central Heating System: Inspect heating ducts when visible or pipes if a boiler is used, check for appropriate vents, note brand name of the heating unit and the type of heat source used. Tests thermostat to be it is operational.
Plumbing System: Check for leaks, corrosion, and rust on the pipes, fittings, and shutoff valves. Check the water pressure and drainage system. Flush toilets and run garbage disposal.
Electrical System: The system should be checked to verify there is no drain on power when several critical items are used at the same time. Operational checks performed.
Interior Structure: the inspection covers doors, stairs, windows, walls, floors, and ceilings. Noted items include the condition of heating and cooling registers, signs of peeling paint, cracks in the wall that indicate structural movement, and the condition of stairways and banisters. The ceiling will be checked for loose or cracked plaster and stains that indicate possible water damage.
Built-In Appliances: This includes cook-top ranges, dishwashers, and wall ovens. Check that the appliance is plugged into an appropriate outlet and that each appliance works. Check the connection between the dishwasher and water supply to be sure it is secure and there are no evident leaks.
Wood boring Insect Inspection: (optional report) Check for evidence of any wood-boring insects, including beetles that are capable of causing extensive structural damage to the building.