What's Covered In A Home Inspection?

 A home inspection is a visual inspection of your home & it’s major systems. It is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components at that moment in time of areas that require repair or further evaluation by a specialist. We also look for safety concerns. The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or potentially exists, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.

A home inspection report is driven by the Alabama state standards and the InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) standards of practice (SOP). 

Each inspector has a different level of detail and flow for how they inspect a house, which will be reflected in their report.  

This section will generally include the following:

• Description of structure, foundation, floors, walls & ceilings. 
• Condition of the visible elements such as foundation walls, framing, slabs, posts, beams, joists, etc. 
• Indications of moisture or water penetration. 
• Land grading around the home, walkways, steps, driveways, decks, patios, retaining walls, etc. 

This section will generally include:

• Description of roofing materials, drainage systems, & ventilation. 
• Flashings, soffits & fascias. 
• Skylights, Chimneys, & any roof penetrations 

Inspectors aren’t required to climb on the roof, but many will if it is easily accessible and safe.

This section will generally include:

• Presence of attic insulation and approximate depth (R-value). 
• Any evidence of water intrusion. 
• Kitchen, bathroom, & laundry exhaust systems. 
• Ventilation of unfinished spaces. 

There must be sufficient headroom for inspectors to enter attic spaces.

This section will generally include:

• Location of main sub-panels, amperage rating, wiring method. 
• Presence or absence of smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors. 
• Inspection of technical aspects – service drop, entrance conductors, cables, disconnects, grounding, over-current protection devices, electric meter & base, etc. 
• Verifying operation of a representative number of switches, fixtures & receptacles. 
• Inspection of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) receptacles using a GFCI tester. 

Inspectors are not required to test every outlet, move furniture or appliances, or test ancillary items like security systems, sprinkler systems, etc.

This section will generally include:

• Description of the interior water supply, drain, waste & vent piping materials. 
• Water heater energy source, approximate age, condition, etc. 
• Location of the main water & fuel supply shut-off valves. 
• Operation & functional flow of fixtures & faucets. 
• Testing of waste lines & most drain pumps.
   

This section will generally include:

• Inspection of HVAC (condition, age) & distribution systems (ductwork, radiant, etc). 
• Description of energy & fuel sources. 
• Location & operation of thermostat. 
• Inspection of vent systems, flues or chimneys. 
• Operation of systems using readily accessible controls
   

This section will generally include:

• Inspection of fuel-burning fireplaces, stoves & inserts. 
• Operation of dampers, accessories & components. 
• Chimneys & vent systems. 
• Evidence of damage or deterioration of hearth or chambers. 

Inspectors generally aren’t required to operate gas fireplace inserts, light pilot flames or inspect interior of chimney or flues.

This section will generally include:

• Inspection of walls, ceilings, floors, steps, stairways & railings. 
• Inspection of countertops, cabinets, doors, & accessible windows. 
• Operation of garage door and opener operators. 
• Operation of built-in appliances (oven, range, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal) 

Inspectors are not required to inspect household appliances or move carpets, furniture, etc. to inspect concealed flooring.