Step 1: Arrive at the home & get tools set up & do a walk through the home so I get an idea of the layout & look for any visible ceiling damage that may be cause for concern & a reason to access or crawl across attic or look very closely at roof at certain locations.
Step 2: Start outside. Some of the things I look at are Siding, Trim, Porches, Decks, Patios, Steps, Retaining Walls, Grading, Walks, Drives, Fencing, etc.
Step 3: Gain access to roof if height & pitch are safe & weather is permitting. Look at Roof Penetrations, Flashings where visible, Ventilation, Gutters, Inspect for Damage, View Skylights If Present, etc.
Step 4: I will inspect the garage for deficiencies in the firewall. I will inspect the door opener for operation & ensure the safety features of the overhead door are functioning properly. I will inspect the roof, electrical, plumbing, windows, structure, etc.
Step 5: Inspect Attics. I always access every scuttle as long as it’s accessible & visible at time of inspection. I only crawl or go across attics if they are safe & accessible. With the amount of insulation & some of the complex truss systems this makes it virtually impossible in a lot of homes these days. A lot of homes attic spaces are viewed from the access opening.
Step 6: Start inside the home in the kitchen. I always run the built in dishwasher to ensure it fills with water & drains out. I check built in microwaves to ensure they will heat water. I will test every built in appliance/fixture in the kitchen to ensure it functions. How well it functions or performs is beyond the scope of the inspection. The same goes for the laundry area if the washer & dryer are staying with the home.
Step 7: Go through the home & inspect the living Room, Dining Room, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, & Bonus Rooms. I will operate every accessible window & door & test every accessible outlet at time of inspection. I will operate all built in cabinetry & closets throughout home.
Step 8: I will test the furnace to ensure all of the HVAC runs are functioning & that Central AC is running ok as long as weather permits. I am unable to test central AC units if the exterior temp. is not at least 60 deg for 24hrs prior to the home inspection since it may damage unit. I will test the furnace for Carbon Monoxide at time of inspection. I will inspect the water heater & plumbing lines.
Step 9: I will inspection the foundation & the structure of the home. Inspect for railings. Observe the main structural components used & operate the sump pump if present. I always go around the perimeter of the finished basement with a moisture meter & penetrate the carpet pad to check for current moisture.
Step 10: I will remove the main electrical panel cover & inspect the main electrical panel for Safety Hazards & deficiencies.
Step 11: I do a final complete walk through in the home before I leave the property. I don’t just walk through once. I walk through each area of the home an average of 3-4 times.
This is a summarized list & you find that the actual inspection is very detailed & not just a check box list. Some people have used the same check box list for years & the truth is that this is an ever changing industry & by using a check box list it is like having tunnel vision, you only see what’s right there in front of you & not the whole picture. When you choose prime time home inspections you are choosing someone who looks at the whole picture that is ever-changing, which is why out inspections are an average of 4 hours long.
We Warranty Every Residential Inspection for 90 days from the date of inspection through a 3rd party. We are the only company in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City are that does this.
If you have any questions or need to schedule an inspection be sure to call Tim @ 319-651-3360.