Inspection Services

Commercial inspections include:

Structural:

All visible structural members are inspected for cracks, movement, rot, and other signs of distress. Attics and crawl spaces are fully inspected unless access is less than 18x24 inches.

Exterior:

Condition of exterior finishes. Grading, Sidewalks, and Parking areas are checked. Stormwater drainage is evaluated.

Roof:

Including roof penetration flashings, chimneys, and roof coverings. Roof inspection is weather-dependent. If the roof is covered with snow and steep, the roof cannot be fully inspected unless the buyer or owner sweeps the roof before the inspection.

Heating:

Furnaces, boilers, and electric baseboard heaters are all checked for proper response to thermostats and the age and condition of equipment. Systems are checked for proper set-up and function.

Cooling:

Cooling systems are checked for proper electrical protection and the condition of indoor and outdoor components. The system is operated if outdoor temperatures permit. Temperature drops are measured and evaluated.

Plumbing:

All visible supply and waste piping is inspected. Pipe and fitting type identified and evaluated. Visible piping and fittings are checked for signs of leaking. Domestic water heating equipment is checked for age, condition, and proper combustion and gas leaks where appropriate. All plumbing fixtures are checked for proper operation, leaks, and damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Electrical Systems:

Main panels' main disconnects are checked unless the cover is interlocked with the disconnect (ie. we do not shut power off to open panel) All accessible outlets are checked for function, and proper wiring (ie. Reverse polarity, open ground). 2-5 outlets will be pulled from the wall to inspect connections if aluminum wiring is suspected, and signs of overheating are evident. GFI outlets are tested where applicable, and the absence of GFCI outlets where typically required is reported.

Interior Finishes, Doors, Windows, Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances:

All accessible finishes, doors, and windows are visually checked and operated as applicable. All appliances are checked for proper operation.

Inspections are done in accordance with ASTM standards, with the following exceptions. ASTM standards include estimates, which we can do at additional cost, ASTM standards reports are arranged in a CSI standard format which can be done at extra cost. All of our clients in the past 23 years have, when given the choice, opted out of these more costly options and then requested only a couple of items be estimated at the end of reviewing the report. Most clients prefer a Non-CSI format unless they are using CSI specifications routinely.

Complete Residential inspections include:

Structural:

All visible structural members are inspected for cracks, movement, rot, and other signs of distress. Attics and crawl spaces are fully inspected unless access is less than 18x24 inches per ASHI standards.

Roof:

Including roof penetration flashings, chimneys, and roof coverings. Roof inspections are weather-dependent. If the roof is steep and covered with snow, the roof cannot be fully inspected unless the buyer or owner sweeps the roof before the inspection.

Exterior:

Condition of exterior finishes and grading and concrete flatwork are checked. Stormwater drainage is evaluated. Condition of garage including automatic door opener operation and proper fire separation.

Electrical Systems:

Electrical panels and sub-panels have dead fronts removed to check breakers and wiring. All accessible outlets are checked for function, and proper wiring (ie. reverse polarity, open ground). 2 outlets will be pulled from the wall to inspect connections if aluminum wiring is suspected, and signs of overheating are evident. GFI outlets are tested where applicable, and the absence of GFCI outlets where typically required is reported

Heating:

Furnaces, boilers, and electric baseboard heaters are all checked for proper response to thermostats. Gas-fired equipment is checked for proper combustion, Carbon Monoxide production, and leaks and gas leaks. Systems are checked for proper set-up and function.

Cooling:

Plumbing:

All visible supply and waste piping is inspected. Pipe and fitting type identified and evaluated. Visible piping and fittings are checked for signs of leaking. Domestic water heating equipment is checked for age, condition, and proper combustion as well as gas leaks where appropriate. All plumbing fixtures are checked for proper operation, leaks, and damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Interior Finishes, Doors, Windows, Appliances and Fireplaces:

All accessible finishes, doors, and windows are visually checked and operated as applicable. All appliances are checked for proper operation. Fireplaces are checked and gas fireplaces are operated and checked for proper combustion and gas leaks.