CARNES HOME INSPECTIONS
Put 30 years of construction experience to work for you
Home Inspection Checklist
Exterior
We begin by taking a look around the outside of the home, searching for anything that might be loose or damaged.
-
Siding, flashing, and trim of the house
-
Exterior doors, decks, stairs, steps, porches, rails, eves, soffits, and fasciae
-
Flower beds or other surfaces that have drainage issues.
-
Especially retaining walls or added structure
-
Damaged rails or balusters with a gap greater than 4 inches
-
Windows
-
Exterior wall covering (Brick, siding, etc.)
Roof
It is very important that you can keep treated air in your home and water out of your home.
-
Roof covering
-
Gutters and downspouts – these MUST drain water away from the foundation of the home, 10 ft. is recommended
-
Vents, skylights, chimney, flashings must all be sealed correctly to keep water out
-
General roof structure
Basement, Foundation,
Crawl Space
Water can also make its way into a home from the ground up.
-
These areas are susceptible to mold and water damage if not properly maintained
-
Visual structure
-
Wood in contact with soil that could allow termites access or soak up water
-
Under-floor openings
-
Any observed active water penetration or water damageCracks, slopes, or other indications of possible foundation movement
HVAC
It is impossible to know exactly how long an HVAC system will last, this depends on a variety of different factors, such as use and maintenance, what we are looking for is whether or not it works. Home warranties can be purchased when you buy a new home which can give you peace of mind that if something breaks down you can get it taken care of.
-
Does the heating system work under normal operating controls?
-
Does the central cooling system work under normal operating controls?
Electrical
We check to make sure that accessible electrical equipment is up to code to keep you and your family safe.
-
Service drop and meter socket enclosures
-
Service disconnect and amperage rating if labeled
-
Electrical bonding and grounding
-
A representative number of switches, light fixtures, electrical receptacles, etc.
-
Test all GFCI and GFI circuit breakers and receptacles
-
Service entrance cables, conductors, and insulation
-
Circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled
-
Presence of smoke detectors
-
Any electrical integrity deficiencies that may need addressed
Doors, Interior,
Windows
Here we are looking for any cosmetic defects or energy efficiency issues that could arise from improperly sealed exterior doors or windows.
-
Operation of a representative number of doors
-
Steps, walls, ceilings, railing, and stairwells
-
Inspect the operation of the garage door and any available controls
-
Electronic garage door sensors
-
Locks or side ropes that have been removed or disabled when the garage door opener is in use
-
Any windows that are foggy or have obvious display of broken seals
Plumbing
It is important to make sure that all plumbing fixtures are in good working condition to prevent any costly water damage.
-
Public or private water supply and shut-off valve
-
Water heating equipment, vent bracing, and pressure relief valves and or Watts 210 valves
-
Inspect the condition and operation of toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures
-
Test drainage for sinks, tubs, and showers
-
Inspect water supply to fixtures and faucets
-
Drain, waste, and vent systems which includes shut-off valves to fixtures
-
Visible fuel storage systems
-
Test sump pumps and drains that are accessible
-
Look for any repair deficiencies in the water supply, check for water flow in plumbing fixtures
-
Look for any cracks or damage in fixtures, tanks, or floors
Fireplace
Should be inspected for safety and energy efficiency issues.
-
The fireplace doors and damper door should be in good working order
-
Inspect the hearth or other permanent components
-
Look for any combustible material exposure in or around the fireplace
Attic & Insulation
Attic, Ventilation, and Insulation – These areas can save you a lot of money or cost you a lot of money depending on whether the ventilation and insulation were done properly.
-
Insulation present in any unfinished spaces
-
Attic ventilation and mechanical system ventilation
-
Roof trusses, open electrical boxes, or any open wiring