If you’re buying a home, getting an inspection is an important step as a potential home buyer. A certified home inspector will give you objective opinion of the value of your soon-to-be investment. Many first-time home buyers do not fully comprehend what is involved in a home inspection. Here we’ll go over the entire process starting with a handy home inspection checklist.
What Is Included In A Standard Home Inspection?
Roof Inspection
What causes more damage to single family homes in the US than anything else? Water. Water related damage accounts for nearly 50% of all total insurance claims. The roof is one of the primary entry points for water. With a Solid Rock home inspection, we will visually inspect your home’s roof covering for existing or the presence of past water intrusions into your home. Our reports will also give you an idea of the relative condition of the roof covering, vent boots and other penetrations that could cause problems.
» Click here for more information about our roof certifications in Tampa Bay.
Below is a short list of some of the elements we check when inspecting a residential roof:
- Type/Style
- Roof
- Material
- Age
- Leaks
- Gutters
- Downspouts
- Flashing and Trim
Exterior Home Inspection
Your home’s exterior protects you and everything within your house. A Solid Rock Inspection Group professional home inspection ensures that all the exterior structures are in good shape and able to keep out inclement weather. Defects and hazards hidden from a quick look are revealed to protect the safety and longevity of your structure.
Below is a short list of some of the elements we check when inspecting exterior structures:
- Siding
- Trim and Flashing
- Exterior Doors
- Windows
- Driveways, Walkways, & Front Porches
- Decks, Balconies, & Patios
- Vegetation, Grading, Drainage & Retaining Walls
- Fence
- Hose Bib
- Shed/Outbuilding
Structural Inspection
In Florida even though we have fairly consistent terrain, many homes are still built using a variety of different foundation styles and building materials. Construction materials such as, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), Concrete Masonry Unit (Block), Superior Walls, Cast In Place Concrete, we see it all. When performing your home inspection, our home inspectors will identify any areas of concern. A home is only as good as its foundation, Let Solid Rock Home Inspections help determine if your home’s foundation lives up to its reputation.
- Foundation
- Basements & Crawlspaces
- Floor Structure
- Wall Structure
- Roofing/Attic Structure
Electrical Systems Inspection
Every year Fire Departments in the USA respond to over 47,000 home fires caused by electrical failures. At Solid Rock Inspection Group, we are trained to locate these potential risks and make recommendations for repairing these potential safety hazards. As part of our standard home inspection checklist, we will inspect the service entrance, service conductors, circuit breaker box wiring, electrical outlets, switches and attached appliances. You can rest assured that your next home’s electrical system will be functioning as intended.
Below is a short list of some of the elements we check when inspecting a home's electrical system:
- Service Entrance Conductors and Meter
- Main & Subpanels
- Branch Wiring Circuits, Breakers & Fuses
- Outlets, Switches, Fixtures & Junction Boxes
- GFCI & AFCI
- Smoke Detectors
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
Heating and Cooling Systems Check
As part of a Solid Rock home inspection we will operate the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems (HVAC). We will make sure that the HVAC system is heating and cooling to within the manufacturer’s specifications.
There are certain conditions that may exist during the home inspection that may prevent the testing of either the heating or cooling system. Such limitations could include, but may not be exclusive to, lack gas, unsafe venting, damaged equipment, etc. A well tuned HVAC system will operate longer and for less money.
Below is a short list of some of the elements we check when inspecting a home's HVAC systems
- Heating Equipment
- Type
- Fuel/Energy
- Age
- Distribution Systems
- Ducting
- Fireplace, Stove
- Chimney, Vents and Flues
- Cooling Equipment
- Type
- Age
Insulation and Ventilation Check
The attic is one of the largest sources of potential energy loss and often one of the most neglected areas when it comes to insulation. The good news is that with a proper inspection and correction of problem areas, there will be immediate paybacks.
Here in Florida, attic insulation plays a key role during the summer. Under insulated attics can get unbearably hot during the summer months, even reaching as high as 150 degrees. This heat warms the entire structure of your home making the air conditioner work harder, increasing your energy bill and increasing wear on your air conditioner.
Solid Rock Home Inspections will ensure your new home has the right amount of insulation so you don't pay through roof later.
Some areas we check include the following:
- Attic Insulation
- R Value
- Type
- Wall Insulation
- R Value
- Type
- Floor Insulation
- R Value
- Type
- Ventilation
- Roof
- Soffits
- Exhaust Systems
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Laundry
- Radon System
Plumbing Systems
The condition of a home's plumbing systems is one of the most important aspects of a comprehensive inspection. Some plumbing issues are readily apparent, while others may not be so obvious. The inspectors at Solid Rock Inspections Group are specially trained to identify both visible and latent plumbing defects. A clogged toilet is an example of an easily detectable plumbing problem. However, other serious issues, such as non-compliant pipe materials, could go unnoticed yet still result in code violations or deal-breaking findings that stall a real estate transaction. A professional home inspection gives buyers assurance that the home's plumbing systems meet regulatory standards and are in sound working order.
Plumbing areas we check include the following:
- Water Shut-off Device
- Drain, Waste, & Vent Systems
- Water Supply, Distribution Systems
- Sinks
- Tub / Shower
- Water Heater
- Type
- Age
- Capacity
While not part of our normal home inspection, a sewer line inspection is highly recommended before you buy a new home, especially if the home is over 20 years old.
Interior Structures
When conducting a home inspection, Solid Rock Inspections Group comprehensively evaluates all major structural and mechanical elements of the home's interior. Walls, ceilings, and floors are carefully examined for signs of water damage, defective drywall, or structural deficiencies. Staircases, steps, railings, doors, and windows are also inspected to verify proper installation and functionality. In addition, inspectors will analyze countertops, cabinets, and all major appliances such as cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and vent hoods in accordance with industry standards. The presence and placement of smoke alarms throughout the home are also confirmed to help ensure residential safety. A diligent inspection allows clients to make informed real estate decisions.
Interior structure areas we check include the following:
- Doors
- Windows
- Floors
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Countertops
- Cabinets
Garage Inspections
For many homeowners, the garage may not be top of mind when considering a full property evaluation. However, inspecting the garage is an important component of any comprehensive home assessment. The garage can provide valuable insights into potential issues elsewhere in the residence. A professional home inspector is trained to examine all aspects of the structure, including the garage, to identify signs of concerns like water intrusion or structural vulnerabilities that could impact the overall integrity and long-term viability of the home. A thorough evaluation of the garage is therefore recommended as part of a diligent pre-purchase review or routine maintenance checkup.
Here are some items that Solid Rock typically inspects in a garage:
- Garage Door
- Garage Door Opener
- Bollard
- Occupant Door (From garage to inside of home)
- Attic
- Floor
- Walls
- Ceiling
Appliance Operation
You’ve just moved into your new home. You unpack your dishes and place them in the dishwasher to help knock the dust off them. You go on about your chores and do not notice the water starting to come out of the cabinet under your sink. What to do now?
During your home inspection, our home inspectors will test for the proper operation of all appliances and include it in our digital HomeGauge Report so you can avoid future surprises.
Appliance tests performed by Solid Rock Home Inspections:
- Refrigerator
- Range/Oven/Cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Built-in Microwave
- Garbage Disposal
- Washing Machine
- Dryer
Call Solid Rock Rock Inspections Group Today To Learn More About Our Property Inspection process
Depending on the type of home you’re in and where you live, your inspection may differ from the generic home inspection checklist above. You may also choose to opt for additional services like mold, lead, asbestos, sewer, and radon testing.
A Solid Rock home inspector is hired to do a total overview of a house. Home inspections are done to validate the condition of a home and bring to light any potential issues prior to purchase. It’s important to hire an InterNACHI™ certified home inspector because the real condition of a home is not always apparent to the untrained eye. Even if a home looks like it’s in perfect condition, there very well could be some serious structural issues.
For your next home inspection, call the experts at Solid Rock Inspections Group today at (727) 386-8627 or contact us on our website here.
Buying a home is probably the biggest investment that you will make and getting a home inspection gives you the chance to avoid problems down the road.
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