Understanding your home inspection
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The goal of a home inspection is to report the visual condition of the property (as it exists at the time of the inspection), in order to educate the buyer so that they can make an informed real estate decision. Your inspection will include a thorough review of the condition of the home's Exterior, Roof, Interior, HVAC system, Plumbing system, Electrical system, Roof, Attic, Insulation, Garage, Foundation and visible Structure. Home inspections are performed in accordance with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the ASHI Standards of Practice.
What Items are Inspected?
Exterior
Driveways
Walkways
Steps, Stairs, Stoops
Siding and Trim
Exterior Doors
Vents & Flashings
Eaves, Soffits, Fascias
Grading & Drainage
Vegetation affecting Building
Retaining Walls
Decks & Balconies
Porches & Patios
Areaways
Safety Rails
Windows & Window Wells
Interior
Ceilings & Walls
Floors & Trim
Interior Doors
Closet Doors
Countertops
Cabinets & Drawers
Windows
Bathroom Tile
Bathroom Tubs & Showers
Steps and Stairways
Balconies and Railings
Tempered/Safety Glass
Smoke Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Counters, Cabinets, Hardware
Skylights
Roofing
Roof Covering/Shingles
Roof Sheathing
Gutters & Drainage systems
Flashing, Valleys
Roof Penetrations
Skylights & Hatches
Chimneys
Electrical
Main Electric Panels
Sub Panels
Circuit Breakers
Circuit Wiring
Service Entry Conductors
Weatherhead
Overhead Cables
Electric Meter
Grounding & Bonding
Receptacles & Switches
GFCI Protection
AFCI Protection
Junction Boxes
Light Fixtures
Ceiling Fans
Door Bell
Attics, Insulation & Ventilation
Attic Access
Attic Insulation
Floor Insulation
Interior Insulation
Attic Ventilation
Foundation Ventilation
Ventilation Fans
Ventilation Thermostats
Kitchen & Bath Ventilation
Laundry Ventilation
Fire Wall Separation
Heating and Cooling Systems
Furnace
Heat Pumps
Combustion Air
Flues/Exhaust Vents
Safety Controls
Condensing Units
Refrigerant Lines
Air Handler
Evaporator Coils
Condensate Drain Lines
Condensate Pans & Pumps
Plenum, Ductwork, Filter
Registers & Returns
Thermostats
Oil furnaces
Baseboard heaters
Boilers
Boiler Piping
Radiators
Fireplaces, Stoves, Gas-logs
Plumbing System
Water Heater
Water Heater Flues & Vents
Water Supply
Water Distribution System
Pipes & Fitting
Shutoff Valves
Drain, Waste & Vent Systems
Bathtubs & Showers
Faucets & Fixtures
Toilets
Whirlpool Tubs
Hose Spigots
Water Flow & Pressure
Gas Meter
Gas Piping
Sump Pumps
Structure
Foundation Walls
Foundation Floors
Foundation Ventilation
Columns, Beams, Piers, Posts
Floor Framing
Wall Framing
Ceiling Framing
Seepage/Dampness
Crawlspace
Appliances
Clothes Washer
Clothes Dryer
Clothes Dryer Venting
Range
Wall Oven
Cooktop
Exhaust Fan
Range Hood
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Disposer
Installed Microwave
Garage
Garage Doors
Garage Door Operators
Garage Walls & Ceiling
Garage Floor/Slab
Door Auto Reverse
Door Photo Eyes
Garage Access Door
Garage Windows
Fire Separation
What Is Not Covered with a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is not a compliance inspection or certification for past or present government codes or regulations. The inspection does not determine whether the property is insurable and is not an appraisal of the value or a warranty of any type. The home inspection does not report on cosmetic defects but rather determines material defects in the major systems and components of the home. Specialty and supplementary components are also outside the scope of an inspection, such as: speaker systems, sprinkler systems, dehumidifiers, space heaters, etc... See full list in your inspection agreement.
Pricing
General pricing for services is listed on the Services tab. Pricing varies for home inspections and complete mold inspections and is based on the Total Square Footage (finished and unfinished space), the age of the home and the location of the home. Request a quote online or call!
Discounts
Protect Inspect offers Military discounts, Veteran discounts, repeat customer discounts as well as coupons for bundled services through agent referrals and customer referrals.
