Items Inspected During Home Inspection

A home inspection is a thorough examination of a property’s condition, typically conducted before a real estate transaction takes place. The purpose of a home inspection is to identify any potential issues or defects in the property so that the buyer can make an informed decision about the purchase.

Typical List of Items

1. Structural Components:
   • Foundation: Inspecting for cracks, settling, or other structural issues.
   • Roof: Checking for leaks, damaged shingles, or structural problems.
   • Walls, Floors, and Ceilings: Identifying signs of water damage, cracks, and structural integrity.
2. Exterior:
   • Siding and Trim: Examining for damage, deterioration, or signs of pest infestation.
   • Windows and Doors: Ensuring proper operation and looking for signs of damage.
   • Wood rot, mould, moss or mildew
3. Decks & Balconies:
   • Deck Supports and Attachment
   • Required Guards and Railings
   • Height and Spacing of Steps
   • Inspecting Your Home Deck
4. Interior:
   • Walls and Ceilings: Checking for cracks, stains, or other issues.
   • Floors: Looking for uneven surfaces, damaged flooring, or signs of water damage.
   • Doors and Windows: Assessing their condition, operation, and whether they provide proper insulation.
5. Plumbing:
   • Water Supply and Drainage: Checking for leaks, water pressure, and drainage issues.
   • Faucets, Fixtures, and Toilets: Ensuring proper function and identifying leaks.
6. Electrical:
   • Wiring: Inspecting the electrical system for safety and compliance with codes.
   • Outlets and Switches: Ensuring proper operation and identifying potential hazards.
   • Read about Electrical Wiring & Metal Studs in your home.
7. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC):
   • Furnace/Boiler and Air Conditioning Units: Checking for proper function, maintenance, and potential issues.
   • Ductwork and Ventilation: Inspecting for blockages, leaks, or improper ventilation.
8. Kitchen:
   • Appliances: Checking the condition and operation of stovetops, ovens, dishwashers, etc.
   • Cabinets and Countertops: Inspecting for damage and proper installation.
9. Bathrooms:
   • Fixtures: Examining sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and ensuring proper drainage.
   • Ventilation: Checking for functioning exhaust fans to prevent moisture issues.
   • Checking your GFCI outlets
10. Attic and Crawl Spaces:
    • Insulation: Assessing the type and condition of insulation.
    • Ventilation: Ensuring proper airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
    • Signs of mould on sheathing
    • Mouse and rodent infestation
11. Basement and Foundation:
    • Moisture and Water Intrusion: Checking for signs of dampness, leaks, or flooding.
    • Structural Integrity: Inspecting for cracks, settling, and other issues.
    • Century Home Inspections can be extremely challenging to the inexperienced Home Inspector
12. Exterior Landscape:
    • Grading and Drainage: Evaluating how water flows around the property to prevent water damage.
13. Thermal Imaging:
    • Infrared Camera can find hidden moisture, missing insulation or electrical hot spots
    • For proper detection there should be a miniumum temperature differation of at least 20 deg F.
    • Free Thermal Imaging with Every Home Inspection
14. Air Quality Testing:
    • Air Quality Samples are taken from property and sent to a Certified Laboratory for testing.
    • Testing for Mould and other Airborne contaminates.  Read more about Air Quality Testing
15. Asbestos Testing:
    • Asbestos cannot be identified visually.  Certified Labaratories using a specially designed microscope is the only recognized method.
    • Asbestos can be found wrapped around heat ducts, on walls and ceilings, in vermiculite insulation and insulating boards.
    • Read more about Asbestos Testing
16. Safety Concerns:
    • Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Ensuring they are properly installed and functional.

It’s important to note that a home inspector’s scope may vary based on the inspection company, local regulations, and the type of property being inspected. After the inspection, the inspector usually provides a detailed report to the buyer, outlining any issues found during the inspection. This report can play a crucial role in negotiations between the buyer and seller regarding repairs, adjustments to the sale price, or other considerations.

The Orillia Home Inspector is a Certified Building Code Official and has inspected over 9,000 residential properties.  All Home Inspections come with a 100% Money Back Guarantee