People often ask what a home inspection includes. We perform all inspections according to the American Society of Home Inspector’s standards, but we go beyond that. If you are a first time home buyer, in particular, you’ll have lots of questions, so we encourage you to be present at your home inspection so we can spend time educating you about your home. While your report will be extensive with many comments and pictures, you want to know about your home and our inspectors are skilled at educating home buyers on their home. The following list gives an overview of what we’ll inspect.
STRUCTURE: The home’s “skeleton” should be able to stand up to weather, gravity and the earth that surrounds it. We’re going to inspect structural components and include items such as the foundation and framing.
EXTERIOR: Our inspectors look at sidewalks and driveways; steps, windows, siding, trim, doors as well as surface drainage. Decks, porches, and balconies are also inspected.
ROOFING: Your inspector will provide important information about your roof, including its age, roof draining systems, buckled shingles, loose gutters and downspouts.
PLUMBING: Home inspections include examining the water supply and drainage systems in your home as well as water heating equipment and fuel storage systems. Drainage pumps and sump pumps also fall under this category.
ELECTRICAL: You will be informed of the condition of service entrance wires, service panels, breakers and fuses, and disconnects. We also take note of any ungrounded outlets in each room.
HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS: The home’s vents, flues, and chimneys will be inspected. The inspector should be able to tell you the water heater’s age, its energy rating, and whether the size is adequate for the home. We will also describe and inspect all the central air and through-wall cooling equipment.
INTERIOR: Our inspectors take a close look at walls, ceilings and floors; steps, stairways, and railings; countertops and cabinets; and also garage systems. These areas can reveal leaks, insect damage, rot, construction defects and more.
VENTILATION/INSULATION: Inspectors check for adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and in unfinished areas such as crawl spaces. Insulation should be appropriate for the climate. Without proper ventilation, excess moisture can lead to mold and water damage.
APPLIANCES: We turn on all appliances to be sure they are running and when possible, provide the model number and age of the appliances.
FIREPLACES: Inspectors will examine the vent and flue, and describe solid fuel-burning appliances.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN AN INSPECTION?
Irrigation systems, security systems, sewer scoping, shower steamers. A complete list of items we inspect and what is not inspected can be found in the American Society of Home Inspector’s standards.
HOW LONG WILL MY INSPECTION TAKE?
Depending on the size, age and condition of your home, most inspections will last about 2-3 hours. Smaller homes and townhomes/condos may take less time; and of course, larger homes will take longer.
Supra eKeys: Inspectors have full lockbox access to listed homes to provide realtor convenience.
Our team is ready to serve you in Central Iowa.