A home cannot fail an inspection. A professional home inspection gives you an independent, unbiased view of any problems and their solutions, so that you will have all the facts you need to make a sound, informed decision.
A home inspection is a visual
examination of the observable structure of a home and all of the associated
systems that make up the home. An inspection is essentially a non-invasive “visual
snapshot” of a home’s condition as it exists at the time of the inspection A home inspection
is not intended to identify every little blemish or minute surface
imperfection.
Depending on the size and condition of the home, a thorough home inspection will take no more than four hours, usually between an two and three hours. Ideally, you will accompany your inspector during the consultation, so that you will have visual reinforcement of your written report.
We take our inspection reports seriously. Every inspection is a complete and thorough analysis of all the major systems and components in the home. The report includes a clear description of what We've found with any problem areas noted, so you can easily identify them. Our inspectors also provide a free telephone consultation after your inspection.
A thorough home inspection will include the following:
~ Roof (shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof related items)
~ Attics (insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists and collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, and other visible related items)
~ Plumbing and Fixtures (water pressure, water distribution system, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, bath/showers and toilets, sanitary system, and other plumbing system components)
~ Interior (floors and ceilings, walls, stairs (if applicable) and banisters, finishes, sinks, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, smoke detectors and safety-related items, and other visible interior-related components)
~ Heating and Cooling Systems (furnace, air cleaning parts, ductwork, electronic monoxide testing, electric gas sniffer testing, air conditioner and lines, and other visible related HVAC components)
~ Electrical Systems (service entry and clearances, service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system, and other related electrical components)
~ Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Foundation (insulation, ventilation, posts, vapor barriers, utility attachment, structural items, floors and walls, and columns)
~ Exterior (siding materials, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and other visible exterior related components)
~ Decks and Porches
~ Fireplaces
~ Overall Structure
.
Pools and Spas
Weevaluate the current condition of all accessible pool components
Pool, SpasPool / spa placement and protection. This includes fencing, gates, screen enclosure, proximity to electrical wires, location of electrical outlets and placement to the home.
Pool / spa equipment. This includes inspection of pool/spa lights, the presence of GFCI devices, junction box condition and location, pumps, filters, piping, timers, disconnects, heaters, controls, accessories, skimmers, and the appropriate electrical bonding is in place.
Pool / spa equipment operation. This includes operation of the pump, inspection for leakage, proper skimming and filtration, heater activation, filter pressure and the operation of the spa blower.
Pool / spa vessel and coping. This includes the pool and deck surface condition (cracks, discoloration, and pitting) and the coping surrounding the pool (open joints, cracking). Drains are inspected for the presence of anti-vortex covers for safety reasons.
A home inspection is not a guarantee or warranty that no
defects exist. Areas to be inspected must be readily accessible free of
personal property and debris. We will not inspect areas deemed to be
hazardous or if the inspector believes damage may occur from the
inspection. Your inspector will not do destructive testing nor will he
disassemble systems' components. Areas blocked with personal property and debris will not be inspected. Your inspector cannot speculate what
he thinks he might find. He must be able to actually observe the
condition at the time of the inspection. Other exclusions are clearly
stated in State of Arizona Home Inspection Standards.
OUTSIDE SCOPE OF INSPECTION
Any area which is not exposed to view, is concealed, or is inaccessible
because of soil, walls, floors, carpets, ceilings, furnishings, or any
other thing is not included in this inspection. The inspection does not
include any destructive testing or dismantling. Client agrees to assume
all the risk for all conditions which are concealed from view at the
time of the inspection. This is not a home warranty, guarantee,
insurance policy or substitute for real estate transfer disclosures
which may be required by law.
Whether or not they are concealed, the following ARE OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THIS INSPECTION:
Specific components noted as being excluded on the individual systems inspection forms
Private water or
private sewage systems
Saunas, steam baths, or fixtures and equipment
Radio-controlled devices,
automatic gates, elevators, lifts, dumbwaiters and thermostatic or time clock controls
Water softener / purifier
systems or solar heating systems
Furnace heat exchangers, freestanding appliances, security alarms or personal
property
Adequacy or efficiency of any system or component
Prediction of life expectancy of any
item
Building code or zoning ordinance violations
Geological stability or soils condition
Structural stability or engineering analysis
Termites, pests or other wood destroying organisms
Asbestos, radon, formaldehyde, lead, water or air quality, electromagnetic radiation or any environmental hazards
Mold or other Microbial Analysis
Building value appraisal or cost estimates
Condition
of detached buildings
Pool or spas bodies and underground piping
Some
of the above items may be included in this inspection for additional fees - check with your inspector.
Your
inspector is a home inspection generalist and is not acting as a licensed engineer or expert in any craft or trade.
If your inspector recommends consulting other specialized experts, client must do so at client's expense.