Interior areas consist of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, hallways, foyer, and other open areas.
Walls, ceilings and floors that are visible, will be inspected. The inspector will only note non-cosmetic areas of concern or interest. Nail pops and small settlement cracks are normal for any structure that uses gypsum board on interior walls and ceilings. Mold can grow anywhere conditions allow for its wellbeing, these conditions always include where moisture or humidity abounds. A home inspector is not required to report on the presence of mold- any comments related to mold or organic growth are as a courtesy only.
Doors and windows will be investigated for damage and normal operation. Although excluded from inspection requirements, we will inform you of obvious broken gas seals in windows. Please realize that they are not always visible, due to temperature, humidity, window coverings, light source, etc. Your inspection will report visible damage, wear and tear, and moisture problems if seen. Note: Window screens are considered a seasonal accessory; inspectors are not required to note missing or damaged window screens. Personal items in the structure may prevent the inspector from viewing all areas, as the inspector will not move personal items.
Plumbing is an important concern in any structure. All visible drain pipes, supply pipes, supply hoses, sinks, faucet fixtures, and toilets* shall be inspected or tested. Moisture in the air and leaks can cause mildew, wallpaper and paint to peel, and other problems. The home inspector will identify as many issues as possible but some problems may be undetectable due to problems within the walls or under the flooring. Dryer ducts are not disconnected to inspect for lint- clean these semi annually at least.
Electrical components are essential to everyday life. A representative number of the accessible electrical receptacles, light switches, and their related fixtures shall be tested. While the home inspector is not a code inspector, electrical standards have changed many times over the years. GFCI type receptacles are recommended near any source of water. If present, the inspector shall test GFCI type receptacles by using the test button on the receptacle or with an approved testing device. The inspector shall also note areas where GFCI protected receptacles were not observed but are now required. The inspector is not required to remove electrical covers or fixtures to determine proper wiring inside gang boxes or fixtures.
Attached Fixtures (cabinets, countertops, built in closets) are commonly found in many rooms. These essential components shall be inspected for non cosmetic damage or safety concerns- items that are easily fixed by a homeowner, such as loose hardware or cabinet doors needing minor hinge adjustment will not be mentioned in the report.
Kitchen and Laundry appliances are considered to be personal property, even though in many cases they get included in the purchase price. Home inspectors are not required to inspect or test any component that is not directly attached to the structure. (This would include, clothes washers, clothes dryers, refrigerators, freezers, beverage coolers, freestanding ranges, dishwashers on wheels ). Any testing of these appliances is as a courtesy only. NOTE: An inspection does not include the identification of, or research for, appliances and other items that may have been recalled or have had a consumer safety alert issued about it. Any comments made in the report are regarding well known notices and are provided as a courtesy only. Product recalls and consumer product safety alerts are added almost daily by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. We recommend visiting the following Internet site if recalls are a concern to you: http://www.cpsc.gov. Environmental or health hazards: This inspection does not include testing or inspecting for the presence of: radon, mold or other hazardous materials, pests, or wood destroying insects unless specifically requested. Exhaust Fans should be installed to control humidity and in some cases odors, they are frequently found in bathrooms, kitchens, and some laundry areas. The inspector shall test any observed exhaust fans and note areas where exhaust fans were missing or inoperable. Note: The standards have changed over the years regarding the need for exhaust fans. In an older home, the absence of fans is not necessarily a defect.