Learn details about what comes with your home inspection report, how to set an appointment, pricing, and other questions that many clients might have.

What is Included in a Home Inspection?

Findings are identified only at the point of time of the home inspection. Therefore, future issues as to the home’s physical condition and systems are not predicted. Any areas that are not able to be inspected, because of weather conditions, for example, or other reasons, will be noted as “Excluded” on the Report. The following areas are included in the home inspection examination, as applicable. Where multiple instances of the same component exist, a representative number will be inspected.

Systems & Structures

  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating
  • Electrical
  • Insulation
  • Ventilation
  • Plumbing
  • Water Heater
  • Roofing
  • Flashing
  • Gutters
  • Foundation
  • Floors
  • Walls
  • Columns/Piers
  • Ceilings

Interior

  • Walls
  • Floors
  • Ceilings
  • Attics
  • Stairways
  • Balconies
  • Railings
  • Counters
  • Cabinets
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Water Penetration Signs
  • Condensation Signs
  • Fireplace
  • Chimney
  • Kitchen
  • Appliances Built-In

Exterior

  • Siding
  • Flashings
  • Trim
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Garage Door Operators
  • Decks
  • Balconies
  • Stoops & Steps
  • Railings
  • Porches
  • Eaves, Soffits & Fascias
  • Areaways & Driveways
  • Patios
  • Walkways
  • Retaining Walls
  • Regarding Building Condition: Vegetation, Grading & Drainage

General Questions

It is an examination of a home’s physical structure and various systems that are visible, as a representative sample. It does not include home areas that are hidden from the view of the inspector. A home inspection is not a building code inspection, although observed defects may be rooted in code violation. The home inspection will be made in accordance with the Standards of Practice of the North Carolina Home Inspector License Board, which you can find at the following link: NCHILB Standards of Practice (starting on page 20).

You will receive a Home Inspection Report that will include:

  • Condition of inspected areas, systems or components not functioning as intended, considering normal wear and tear, or appearing to not function as intended
  • Identification of defective areas and possible consequences of condition
  • Recommendations for subsequent examinations
  • Recommendations for further investigation by a specialist
  • Identification of any system or component that poses a safety concern

Inspections are approximately 2–4 hours, depending on the size, age, and condition of the home.

Price is based upon the finished home square footage, plus any additional factors that would apply, such as the age of the home (standard in the industry), detached garage, etc.

After requesting your inspection, you will receive:

  1. An email stating that your inspection order was received.
  2. Another email, after your order is confirmed in our system, which will include:
    • Confirmation of the inspection date, time, and address.
    • Link to our Inspection Agreement for your signature. Please electronically sign the agreement from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
    • Another Link for making payment by credit/debit card.

During Your Home Inspection

Yes. Clients and/or Sellers are welcome to attend. The inspection will take about 2-4 hours. As a courtesy service after completion, I will offer a Home Walk-Through with Clients/Sellers to answer any questions.

Unfortunately, no, for the two reasons below. However, after my inspection is completed, I will be happy reach out to you and join you in a Home Walk-Through and answer any questions you may have.

First, for both safety and liability insurance reasons, our company policy requires that the home inspector perform the inspection alone, without the Client or Seller following along when the inspection is performed.

Second, my goal is to carefully examine the home and generate a thorough and excellent report for you. Working alone for several hours and being mentally “zoned in the inspection” will allow me to focus, without distractions, on photographing and examining the condition of the many areas to be inspected that are noted above and communicate those findings effectively on the reporting software. Remember, after completion, we can do a Home Walk-Through together for any questions you may have. See below.

Yes. I will be happy reach out and join you for a Home Walk-Through after the inspection is completed and answer any questions you may have.

NOTE: Discussions during a Home Walk-Through are provided as a courtesy service. Because of the detailed nature of inspecting for about 2-4 hours, any verbal communication from the inspector may:

  1. Bring your attention to certain (but not all) highlighted areas that will be noted on your Home Inspection Report,
  2. But, during the brief discussion, may not include all the findings that will be indicated in greater detail in the completed Home Inspection Report that you will be receiving.

Therefore, verbal communications from the inspector to the Client will be out of the context of the final report and are not considered part of the Client’s completed Home Inspection Report.

After Your Home Inspection

You will receive your full Home Inspection Report within 24 hours of the inspection’s completion time. I will personally do your Home Inspection, and I will personally be generating your completed Home Inspection Report. I will be taking the time to fully indicate findings, not only for your safety, but also to provide details that may help you with any discussions with your realtor or for any negotiations for the purchase of your home.

Yes, North Carolina law requires that a Summary of the complete Home Inspection Report be provided to Clients. The Summary is a “snapshot” of the Report and not a substitute for reading the full Report. The Summary page is not the entire report and does NOT include all the details of your Home Inspection Report. The complete report may include additional information of interest or concern to you. It is strongly recommended that you promptly read the complete report.

Yes! THIS IS IMPORTANT! Your money spent on a home inspection is an investment; purchasing a home is an even greater investment. PROMPTLY READ THE FULL REPORT DETAILS so you will be confidently aware of any observed defects or safety issues at the time of the inspection. Remember, the more information you have knowledge about, the more weight you have in your hands for any possible negotiations in the home’s purchase price. For information regarding the negotiability of any item in this report under the real estate purchase contract, contact your North Carolina real estate agent or an attorney.

Yes, of course. You can email or call to discuss any aspect of your Home Inspection and the Report at any time. I am here for YOUR service and interest in your home purchase!