Eagle Eye Home Inspection Services
Robert Jones
NYS Licensed Inspector
(607) 625-4211
Plumbing
Most people take for granted the benefits of plumbing systems and fixtures - carrying the drinking water to, and the waste water away
from your home. But even more people seldom consider the various components and issues involving plumbing.
- Supply and waste systems
- Visual condition of accessible feed lines and connectors within structure
- Visual condition of accessible waste lines/connections within structure
- Main vent stack
- Accessible well equipment
- Laundry tub
- Washer/dryer connections
- Hot water heater
- Interior sewer ejector pump
Attics
There are two fundamental benefits of an effective attic ventilation system: (1) a cooler attic in summer, and (2) a dryer attic in winter.
Both benefits result in energy saving, greater homeowner comfort and higher structural integrity of the home.
- Access to attic
- Structural supports
- Roof backings Ceiling joist
- Flashing Insulation (visible attic only)
- Ventilation
- Whole house fan
- Evidence of water penetration
Electrical Systems
One of the most crucial components of a home is its electrical system, which may pose some safety hazards if not properly maintained.
- Accessible wiring
- Service panel box
- Fuses and circuit breakers
- Service panel box
- Junction box covers
- Switch plate covers
Basement / Crawl Space
Perhaps the single most important part of the home inspection is the basement. The basement can be a full headroom space or a crawl space. Under parts of some homes, there are crawl spaces that are inaccessible because of very low clearance or a lack of an
access opening. Most home inspections start with the basement or crawl space. It is also here where we find a disproportionate number of problems in homes. It is in the basement and crawl space that we find most of the structural components, major elements of the
plumbing and electrical systems, most central heating plants, and one of the main avenues into the home for water and moisture. Wet or moist basements and crawl spaces are one of the primary sources of moisture problems in structures and such moisture often results in damage to all areas of the home even the roofing!
Stored material in crawl spaces tends to reduce air circulation, trap moisture and be conducive to pest activity. Problems most often found in unfinished basements and accessible crawl spaces is condensation, mold, and fungus. Other types of problems found in floor structures
is wood boring insect damage and rot which often develops in sills and joist ends adjacent to exterior decks and under exterior door sills
Cooling
Air conditioning systems should be serviced every year at the beginning of the cooling season. The exterior compressor/condenser units should be kept clean and free of all leaves and debris; they should never be covered or otherwise boxed-in, and shrubs and hedges should be cut back. All of the above restricts the free flow of air, which reduces the gas-to liquid process and overall efficiency of the system. In extreme
cases, this may cause damage to the compressor. Window units should be removed during the heating season, because they allow an excessive amount of heat loss when they are left in.
- Compressor Evaporator unit
- Service line
- Condenser drain
- Temperature at service line
- Electric disconnect
- Compressor slab Air
Heating
There’s probably nothing more miserable than sitting at home in the cold. Most people depend on their home’s heating system to function properly and keep them warm during the colder months. But like everything else, if not properly maintained, your home’s heating system can malfunction.
- Emergency shut off
- Exposed flue and damper from heat plant
- Burner/Gun
- Fire box liner
- Boiler
- Circulator pump
- Zone valve and pipes
- Furnace, circulator fan and filter
- Duct work (in basement)
- Thermostats
- Fuel
Exterior
There are a variety of exterior surfaces that are commonly found on homes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. As a homeowner, your single-most important consideration with regard to exterior surfaces should be proper maintenance and upkeep.
- Condition of the roof surface
- Exterior chimney
- Exterior siding
- Exterior trim
- Exposed gutters and downspouts
- Foundations and sills
- Yard drainage and landscape
- Basement entrance
- Window wells
- Exterior outlets and lighting
- Any evidence of wood destroying insects
- Ground pitch (making sure it is away from the home)
- Exterior and interior of garage, decks, porches, walkways and driveways
- Retaining walls
Interior
In the home inspection industry, the interior of the home refers to all the finished surfaces on the interior walls, ceilings and floors as well as
components such as cabinets, doors, windows and stairs and handrails. The finished interior of a home includes the internal structure and systems (plumbing and electrical) and should be designed to provide a certain level of comfort and aesthetic enjoyment.
- Fireplace/wood stove
- Stairway and handrail
- Halls
- Skylight
- Bathroom and all fixtures including tile/fiberglass
- Kitchen and all fixtures
- Appliances: stove, garbage disposal, dishwasher
- Ceilings, windows, walls, floors, doors, electrical outlets, heat sources in every room