Smith Inspection Services

Home Inspection Includes these items:

Foundation – Pier/Beam & Slab foundations. Obvious stress, poor drainage, tree roots, floor slopes, door/window alignment, etc. (Older slab foundation homes typically can be affected by cast iron & galvanized pipes which can be subject to water leaks under the foundation.) (Older pier & beam homes can be affected by poor drainage in crawl space causing piers to settle. Perimeter rim joist are subject to more rot than interior girders, therefore rim joist are scrutinized heavily. Improper splicing/notching affects the stability of structure.)

Roof – Roof Materials, installation, leak stains, wear/tear, wind damage, hail damage are all inspected.

Attic (framing, insulation, ventilation, ducts) – Poor framing practices & under sized materials affects the stability of roof structure. Access to mechanical equipment/water heaters is noted. Insulation voids & minimal thickness raises the utility costs & causes hot/cold spots inside the home. Poor ventilation makes the attic very hot, raising utility costs & causes condensation inside attic. Properly installed a/c ducts increases air flow minimizing hot/cold spots inside home. Pinching of ducts between framing members can reduce air flow as much as 50%.

Fireplace(s) – Fireboxes are inspected for cracks, dislodging firebrick, screen, door & fan. Flue liners when accessible from roof & firebox are inspected for creosote buildup, cracks (masonry liners), crowns, caps. *Smoke drafting is not part of the home inspection.

Electrical – Main panel & sub panel dead front covers are removed to inspect wiring, grounding, bonding (secondary & to gas meter), signs of conductor over heating, rust, etc. Older homes prior to 1982 are subject to FPE (Federal Pacific Electric) breakers. These breakers should be replaced due to known fire hazard according to published industry standards. GFCI protection, polarity of outlets, etc. are inspected. *Low voltage wiring is not inspected.

Heating/Air Conditioning – Gas fired furnaces, heat pumps, electric heating are inspected for obvious rust & functioning under normal controls. Rust scale build up inside burners & age of units is noted to client. Combustion air, venting & gas line connections are inspected. Air conditioning inspection includes age of system, dirty buildup, evaporator coil condition (when accessible), performance under normal controls, correct installation (condensate line, auxiliary drain/pan, plenum distribution duct seal, thermostat wire isolation from a/c power wire, etc.

Plumbing – Fixtures & their performance for leaks & low/unbalanced pressure between fixtures are inspected. Older fixtures for mineral deposits are noted which could block or restrict water pressure. Drain waste pipes & vents are inspected when accessible. Older homes (pre 1974) may have cast iron or galvanized metal pipes which are prone to corrosion & leaking. Water heaters are inspected for age, leaks around tank, TPR valve (Temp/Pressure Relief) performance, combustion air/venting, tank elevation in garage & drain pan condition. Whirlpool baths are inspected for accessible panels, leaks at pump/drains, GFCI, controls under normal operation.

Built in appliances - All appliances are inspected under normal controls for leaks, unusual noise during operation, electrical connections, discharge hose connection, etc. *Ice makers, wine chillers & refrigerators are not inspected.

Sprinkler system – Backflow preventer for double check valve, sprinkler head performance for leaks, full coverage of yard, supply line exposure & leaks, control functions, etc. EIFS & Stucco moisture intrusion inspections are another service provided. NEVER buy an EIFS or Stucco home or building without first having a Certified Moisture Analyst evaluate its' condition. Bob can inspect any size structure, or assemble a team to inspect! Please see the Stucco section of this website.