What is a home inspection? What is inspected? What is not?

A Home Inspection is a visual inspection only of readily accessible areas. The Home Inspection is limited to visual observations of apparent conditions existing at the time of the Inspection only. The Standards of Practice used in our Inspections meet or exceed those prescribed by the West Virginia Association of Home Inspectors (WVAHI), in accordance with West Virginia Certification of Home Inspectors (WV legislative rule Title 87-5). The of Standards of Practice can be found at www.wvahi.org/Standards.pdf

Items to be inspected and described in the Home Inspection Report include:
Structural: Foundation, floors, walls, columns, ceilings and roofs
Exterior: Wall covering, trim, access, doors, windows, decks, porches, lighting, garage, grading and drainage
Roofing: Roof covering, gutters, flashing, penetrations
Plumbing: Supply water pipes and fixtures, drain-waste-vent system, water heater, and natural gas distribution system
Electrical: Service entrance and conductors, branch circuits and conductors, smoke/heat detectors, and CO detectors
Heating and Cooling: Furnace/boiler, chimney/flue, fuel storage system, central air conditioner
Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings, countertops, cabinets, doors and windows
Insulation and Ventilation: Ceiling, wall and floor insulation where visible; kitchen, bath and laundry ventilation, attic fans
Built-in Kitchen Appliances: Dishwasher, cooktop, oven, garbage disposal

The inspector will report on the visible conditions of accessible components.  Disassembly, removal or excavation of obstructions, items or systems will not be performed. The Inspector is not required to move personal property, debris, furniture, equipment, carpet, or like materials that may impede access or limit visibility. Hidden defects will not be observed or reported on; obstructed defects may not be observed. The Inspector will not enter or walk in or on any space or component if he feels that such action may be personally endangering.

Some property components, such as windows, doors, electrical outlets and switches, will be inspected by random sampling of like or similar items. Therefore, not every defect can or may be identified.

The Home Inspection and Home Inspection Report does not address, nor intend to address, the presence or operability of swimming pools, window-model air conditioning units, security or alarm systems, irrigation systems, radon mitigation systems, or communication systems. Latent and/or concealed defects, conditions, and/or deficiencies are excluded from the Home Inspection and Report.

The Home Inspection and Report does not address or intend to address the possible presence of, or danger from, any potentially harmful substances or environmental hazards, including, but not limited to, natural gas, radon gas, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead-based paint, asbestos, mold, urea formaldehyde, toxic or flammable chemicals, water related or airborne-related diseases, illnesses, or harmful substances. In addition, the presence or absence of rodents, termites, other insects or vermin; nor damages caused by such creatures, is not covered by the Home Inspection and Home Inspection Report. The buyer may wish to obtain other types of inspections by reputable, licensed specialists for those environmental, air quality, or other items and areas of concern that are not addressed in the Home Inspection Report.

During the inspection, the Inspector will note areas of the house that show visible evidence of mold-like substances, areas where moisture evidence is present (whether currently wet or previously wet) and areas of potential concern for mold growth. The inspector will recommend testing of any visible mold or mold like substances, and air sampling of the house if there is visible evidence or areas showing current or previous moisture intrusion. The buyer must decide if samples are to be taken and analyzed by an accredited laboratory to establish the presence or absence of a mold infestation. More information about mold inspections or radon testing can be found on their individual pages.

Should you be present at the inspection?

Yes. If at all possible, we encourage your presence at the inspection and encourage your questions as we perform the inspection. We realize that this may add some time to the inspection, but we feel that your active involvement will give you a much better understanding and appreciation of your new home.

It will also make the report easier to read and understand if you are at the inspection.

What type of report will you get?

We provide a written report via email in PDF format. The report is a narrative, not a check list, which specifically describes your home and its various components. Any deficiencies are highlighted in a bright color to make it easy to spot them. Pictures provide necessary references, if needed, to the affected component. A sample report may be viewed by clicking here.