Home Inspection Process In MD...

Frequently Asked Questions

A comprehensive home inspection performed by a compenent, trained and certified inspector is an excellent way to evaluate the house that you're considering making your home.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to identify items that are not performing correctly and items that are unsafe. If a problem, or even a symptom of a problem, is found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report provided to you and may recommend further evaluation.

What will my home inspection cover?

Your home inspection will include inspection of the following items:

• Site 
• Roof and Attic Space 
• Exterior 
• Basement, Crawlspace and General Structure 
• Interior 
• Plumbing Systems 
• Mechanical Systems 
• Electrical Systems

Site: The overall condition of the property including driveways, sidewalks, grading, vegetation, etc. are evaluated. Are the sidewalks in good condition, are there any tripping hazards, will the site grading contribute to water problems in the crawlspace or basement?

Roof and Attic Space: The overall condition of the roofing material, skylights, gutters, downspouts, soffits and fascia are reviewed. Does it look like it will need to be replaced in the next couple of years; does it have proper flashing; are the gutters and downspouts installed properly; is there proper ventilation? We will measure the insulation in the attic and estimate its “R – Value”.

Exterior: The overall condition of the windows, doors, trim, garage doors, siding (aluminum, vinyl, brick, block, stucco, asphalt shingles, etc.), decks, porches, stairs, and railings are observed. We will look for evidence of current problems, past problems and possible future issues.

Basement, Crawlspace and General Structural: The overall structure of the house is evaluated looking for foundation cracks, settlement issues, bowing walls, sagging floors, rotting wood and cracked masonry. We will be looking for evidence of moisture or water problems.

Interior: A random check of doors and windows will be perfomed to check for proper operation and seal. We'll look for evidence of moisture or water problems.

Plumbing Systems: Identify the size of the incoming water service and the location of the main water shut off valve. Identify the type of piping installed in the house where the piping is accessible. Water heater – inspect the overall condition of the unit and establish the age of the unit when possible. Check the bathroom fixtures to make sure that they are not cracked, leaking or loose. Inspect the drains to make sure that they are flowing freely.

Mechanical Systems: Gas furnaces – inspect the overall condition of the unit, piping to the unit and establish the age of the unit when possible. Locate the main gas and unit shut off valves. Inspect the vent piping. Observe the flames in the combustion chamber if accessible. Oil furnaces - inspect the overall condition of the unit, piping to the unit and establish the age of the unit when possible. Locate the oil shut off valve. Inspect the vent piping. Observe the flames in the combustion chamber if accessible. Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning Units - inspect the overall condition of the unit and establish the age of the unit when possible. Locate the power disconnect switch. Check the clearances around outdoor units. Inspect the condensate system and filtration systems if accessible. Check the operation of the units if the outdoor temperature will allow safe operation of the unit.

Electrical Systems: Determine the size of the main service coming into the house and the location of the main disconnect. We'll inspect the service panel and look for proper grounding and bonding. We'll randomly check several outlets throughout the house and check for grounding and polarity. GFI circuits will be identified.

This covers the major items that are evaluated during a home inspection. Many more items are reviewed during the inspection. To get an even better idea of the items included feel free to review our sample Home Inspection Report.

What will I receive after the inspection?

After the inspection you'll receive a home inspection report that details all the issues noted during the inspection. It'll include digital photos to document the issues that were found during the inspection. It'll also provide you information about the home you're buying. Be sure to check out the sample home inspection report so that you'll see for yourself the level of detail included in your home inspection report.

Your home inspector is trained to spot existing problems, to notice possible signs of past problems and also to know issues that may lead to future problems with the home.

A home inspection allows you the opportunity to have an independent party examine the house and to evaluate portions of the home that you likely did not see during your walk-through. Whether your home inspection reveals issues with the home or provides you the peace of mind that the investment you're making in your home is a worthwhile investment you will receive far more value than the cost of the inspection service.

Call Us Now at 410-591-8376 to Schedule Your Inspection